Patient's question:
The child is now four years old and has poor physical health. They are particularly prone to colds, and almost every cold leads to bronchitis. The main symptoms are excessive phlegm and coughing, and recovery is very slow once they catch a cold. In June of this year, a cold caused bronchitis that hasn't fully healed yet, with symptoms fluctuating between mild and severe. During August, they had two acute tonsillitis episodes, both treated with intravenous antibiotics. In October, things were relatively better, with milder symptoms of phlegm and coughing, and no medication was needed. However, seven days ago, the cough and phlegm suddenly worsened, and wheezing sounds were heard in the trachea. The doctor diagnosed bronchitis and prescribed six days of cefixime antibiotics. The symptoms of cough and excessive phlegm persist.Doctor's answer:
Hello, this patient. Regarding the child's cough, it is crucial not to panic. Parents can first wait and see, avoiding rushing to the hospital. Although the child may have a cough and fever, they are in good spirits, which is mostly likely a common cold or tonsillitis in children. The cough persists even after a cold, fever, and cough. The child has a cough with excessive phlegm but no fever, and they are in good spirits. The cough only occurs in the morning. It could also be mild coughing during moments of stress or after exercise. In these cases, parents need not worry excessively about the child's cough. Symptom relief and treatment can be achieved through dietary methods.However, there are situations where the child's cough requires immediate medical attention. These include sudden, severe coughing accompanied by difficulty breathing, which may indicate an airway obstruction due to a foreign object lodged in the trachea or esophagus. Such conditions are highly dangerous and should be treated at the hospital promptly. High fever, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing also require immediate emergency medical care.