Patient's question:
My son is 4 months old. He has been having a runny nose and sneezing these last couple of days, and he also has a cough. What medicine should I give him?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Based on the situation you described, the child's condition should be classified as symptoms of a cold. When a child gets a cold, parents must follow medical advice for home care. One important aspect of home care for children with colds is to ensure the child gets adequate rest. The younger the child, the more rest they need. They can only resume normal activities after their symptoms disappear. The second is to take medication on time. For most colds, they are caused by viruses, and antibiotics are ineffective. Especially in the early stages of viral infection, antibiotics not only do not work but can also lead to dysbiosis of the body's flora if overused, favoring bacterial growth and worsening the condition. Taking "Bufferin" can effectively relieve symptoms such as fever, nasal congestion, and cough caused by colds, preventing complications and promoting early recovery. The third is that during the fever phase of a child's cold, different foods such as liquids, noodles, or porridge should be provided based on the child's appetite and digestive capacity. Breastfed infants should temporarily reduce feeding frequency to avoid digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. The fourth is to maintain a quiet and fresh environment in the living space, with smoking prohibited. The temperature should be stable, neither too high nor too low or humid. Extra attention should be given if the child shows symptoms of laryngitis, as this will help the child recover quickly.