Patient's question:
I can't help but feel that a significant portion of doctors today prescribe medications without considering the side effects. They hand out a bunch of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, disrupting people's digestive systems. Is it really true that city dwellers have to rush to the hospital at the slightest cold, while country folks can often recover on their own without any injections throughout their lives?I’d like to ask any knowledgeable doctors: How long should a cold go on before medication is necessary, and how long should a cough persist before it could develop into bronchitis or asthma?
First follow-up question: Does a cough count as a cold? If you say, "A common cold can usually recover on its own within 7-14 days without treatment," then I’m currently feeling a bit stuffy in my nose, and the cough has been...
Doctor's answer:
It is recommended to actively treat it! When a child has 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. 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 an imbalance in 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 to provide appropriate food during the fever phase of a child's cold, depending on their appetite and digestive capacity, such as liquids, noodles, or porridge. Breastfeeding infants should temporarily reduce feeding frequency to avoid digestive issues like vomiting or 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 too humid. Extra attention should be given if there are symptoms of laryngitis, as this will help the child recover quickly.