Patient's question:
My son is 13 months old. He has been sneezing and coughing badly these past few days, with phlegm but unable to cough it up. His throat makes a whistling sound when he moves. He has been on penicillin for two days but there's no improvement. I'm so worried. The doctor says he needs to continue, but I'm concerned that prolonged antibiotic use might weaken my baby's immunity, especially since it's not showing any effect. What should I do?Doctor's answer:
Hello: It is recommended to continue treatment for the cold! When a child gets a cold, parents must follow medical advice for home care. One important aspect of home care for a child's cold is to ensure the child gets adequate rest. The younger the child, the more rest they need, and they should only resume normal activities after symptoms disappear. The second is to take medication on schedule. For most colds, which are often caused by viruses, antibiotics are ineffective. Especially in the early stages of viral infection, antibiotics not only do not help but can also lead to dysbiosis of the body's flora, 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 to provide appropriate food during the fever phase of a child's cold, depending on their appetite and digestive capacity, such as fluids, noodles, or porridge. Breastfeeding infants should temporarily reduce feeding frequency to avoid digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea. The fourth is to maintain a quiet and fresh environment in the room, with smoking prohibited. The temperature should be stable, neither too high nor too low or humid. Extra attention should be given if there are symptoms of laryngitis, as this will help the child recover quickly.