Patient's question:
My child (4 and a half years old) has been coughing for two months so far. We have visited the pediatric hospital four times, seen both internal medicine and otolaryngology specialists, and the check-ups showed no signs of pneumonia. Blood tests and urine tests were also normal. The child's tongue is a bit bright red. He doesn't cough when sleeping at night, but during the day, he occasionally has dry coughing without phlegm, and coughing worsens after exercise. When he coughs, he often tilts his head and grits his teeth. We have tried brewing and drinking juice with pear, Fritillaria cirrhosa, rock sugar, as well as loquat leaves and flowers, but it hasn't helped. When he is calm, he coughs less. Sometimes, the child also tells me that there's a bit of pain in his chest. Here, I thank all the experts in advance and sincerely ask for your guidance!Doctor's answer:
Due to the underdeveloped immune function of children, they are prone to viral or bacterial infections. If coughing symptoms appear, it is generally more likely to be bronchitis. Without fever symptoms, it is often caused by a viral infection. However, for a cough that has persisted for two months, the possibility of viral or bacterial infection is unlikely, and it is mostly considered chronic cough. Chronic cough is sometimes related to allergies and can be a type of asthma. Therefore, it is currently suspected that the child may have bronchial asthma.