Patient's question:
Doctor, the child suddenly woke up from a nap in the morning and started coughing. They haven't coughed many times in a day, and they haven't had a fever. There is phlegm in their throat. It's the third day now, and they have a fever, but the cough has eased, and there is still phlegm. What could be the reason? Is the fever caused by the cough with phlegm? What treatment is needed?Doctor's answer:
Considering the child has a respiratory infection. Most respiratory infections are caused by viral infections. If the fever is below 38.5°C, you can use physical cooling methods. This involves using 25%–50% alcohol for bathing or cold compresses, placing a damp cold towel on the forehead, wrists, and calves, while covering other parts of the body with clothing. If the temperature is too high, you can take fever-reducing medication. For cough with phlegm, you can take expectorant and cough-suppressant drugs. Make sure the child drinks plenty of warm water and eats easily digestible, light meals. Avoid contact with patients and stay away from crowded, poorly ventilated places.