Patient's question:
The baby first had a dry cough, and later also had a runny nose. The doctor said it was chronic bronchitis. At first, some cough and anti-inflammatory drugs were taken orally, but there was no improvement. They also received intravenous fluids for four days, but the cough still did not improve. Wondering what to do next.Doctor's answer:
Chronic bronchitis in children refers to repeated bronchial infections, with a course of less than 2 years and recurrent periods of less than 2 months each year. It is characterized by the four major symptoms of cough, wheezing, inflammation, and phlegm. Chest X-rays may show changes indicative of interstitial chronic bronchitis and pediatric emphysema. During antiviral treatment, expectorant and antitussive medications are used to stabilize symptoms. Combined with medication, these can dissolve secretions in the trachea, facilitating expectoration.If a child's cough persists for a long time without improvement, it may deplete their vital energy, leading to weakness in the lungs and spleen. Therefore, it is advisable to include foods that strengthen the spleen, nourish the lungs, replenish the kidneys, regulate qi, and cool the blood in the diet. Examples include pig, cow, and sheep lungs, as well as loquats, oranges, pears, lilies, jujubes, lotus seeds, almonds, walnuts, and honey. These foods can help enhance the child's constitution and stabilize symptoms.