Every parent must have encountered this problem in real life. The child's throat seems to have phlegm, and when coughing, the sound is "empty... empty..." Sometimes, when the breathing is heavy, the throat makes a snoring sound, which feels uncomfortable. Whenever we encounter such a situation, as parents, we will be very worried. So what are some methods to get rid of phlegm? Let's learn together below.
Back Patting Method (an emergency method when phlegm cannot be coughed out)
During the child's coughing interval, let the child lie on their side or hold them on their side.
The parent slightly bends their fingers into a fist, gently patting the child's chest and side chest and back. When patting the left side, let the child lie on their left side, alternating between both sides. The force of patting should not be too strong, and it should be done from top to bottom, from the outside to the inside, in sequence. Each side should be patted for at least 3-5 minutes, 2-3 times a day. Back patting can not only promote the loosening of phlegm in the child's lungs and bronchi, allowing it to flow into the trachea and be expelled, but also promote blood circulation in the heart and lungs, which is beneficial for the absorption of bronchitis inflammation and early recovery from the disease.
Vibration Method
Let the baby lie on a sloping surface, with the head lower than the feet. When the baby exhales, the mother uses both hands to vibrate against the baby's chest (but not too forcefully); when the baby inhales, the mother relaxes her hands.
Note: The baby should not perform phlegm-clearing exercises within 2 hours after eating to avoid the risk of vomiting. During the process of clearing phlegm, always observe the changes in the baby's facial expressions. If there is wheezing or any discomfort, stop immediately.
Steam Inhalation Method
Take a cup of steaming hot water, and before it cools down, use the rising steam to dilute the phlegm by inhaling through the nostrils. This method is suitable for slightly older children, and parents should take precautions during the treatment to prevent the child from getting burned.
The specific method is to let the child's mouth and nose face the cup of hot water, take deep breaths and exhales, so that the steam enters the trachea and bronchi, diluting the phlegm and alleviating respiratory mucosal congestion and swelling. Each time should last for about 20 minutes.
Phlegm-clearing Foods
1. Pear: Moistens dryness, clears heat, and is used to treat symptoms such as heat injury and hot cough restlessness.
2. Garlic: Has the effect of phlegm reduction and cough relief.
3. Shepherd's Purse: Warm the stomach, nourish the intestines, promote intestinal movement, and dissolve phlegm turbidity.
4. Bottle Gourd: Sweet, light, and neutral in nature; it has the function of promoting urination and relieving bladder discomfort. It moistens the lungs and stops coughing.
5. Bamboo Shoots: Have the effects of quenching thirst, invigorating qi, dissolving phlegm, and preventing cough.
6. Persimmon: Has the functions of clearing heat, stopping cough, nourishing the intestines, and dissolving phlegm and diarrhea.
7. Almonds: Used to treat symptoms such as asthma, cough, rebellious qi, phlegm accumulation, and shortness of breath.
8. Lily: Has the effects of warming the lung and relieving phlegm, clearing heat and calming the mind, and nourishing yin and clearing the heart.
9. Apple: Has the effects of nourishing the heart and invigorating qi, generating body fluids and stopping cough, and lowering blood pressure.
10. Sugarcane: Nourishes yin and moisturizes dryness, regulates the middle and harmonizes the stomach, and moisturizes the lungs and stops coughing.
