In autumn, the weather is dry and the temperature fluctuates greatly, making coughing the most common symptom in children. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the problem behind a child's cough lies in the lungs. The main reasons for the frequent occurrence of cough in children are the delicate nature of their lungs, their inherent weaknesses such as insufficient resistance to external pathogens.
Misconception 1: Using anti-inflammatory drugs as the first choice for cough
A child's cough can be caused by respiratory infections, allergies, smoke, dust, or foreign object irritation. If the cough is not targeted and anti-inflammatory drugs are used, it not only fails to effectively treat the cough but also produces toxic side effects on the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.
Misconception 2: Using cough suppressants as soon as coughing occurs
In the early stages of a child's cough, it is not advisable to immediately use cough suppressants as it hinders the expulsion of phlegm and can lead to blockage of the respiratory tract, causing lung infections and diseases such as pneumonia. Therefore, expectorant treatment should be used first to remove phlegm, which will naturally reduce coughing.
Misconception 3: Using adult cough suppressants
Children have different body weights, physiologies, and pathologies compared to adults. Some ingredients in adult medications can easily cause adverse reactions in children due to the underdeveloped organs like the liver and kidneys. Therefore, when treating a child's cough, it is important to choose expectorant and cough suppressant medications specifically designed for children.
Misconception 4: Only focusing on cough and neglecting other symptoms
Children often have symptoms of internal heat, such as abdominal distension, sore throat, dry stools, and constipation, due to poor dietary habits. When selecting medication, mothers should pay attention to the child's gastrointestinal symptoms as well.
Misconception 5: Considering coughing as a common symptom that will naturally go away
Coughing is a common symptom in children, but most coughs are caused by diseases or serve as signals for certain diseases. When children have phlegm that cannot be effectively coughed out, the phlegm lingers in the respiratory tract, not only aggravating inflammation and coughing but also increasing the risk of spreading bacteria to other parts of the lungs, worsening the condition or causing complications. Therefore, it is necessary to promptly identify the cause and treat the cough when a child experiences it.
When dealing with a child's cough, mothers should take it seriously and learn how to properly use medication at home. In terms of diet, parents should avoid cold, sour, and spicy foods for children with coughs. They should also avoid peanuts, melon seeds, chocolates, and seafood, as well as tonics. It is recommended to reduce salt and sugar intake, avoid or consume less fried and oily foods, drink plenty of water, and have a light diet.
Tip: Which type of cough can be treated with homemade pear paste?
Pear paste, also known as snow pear paste, is made from white pears (also known as duck pears or snowflake pears) as the main ingredient, combined with other cough suppressants, moisturizers, and lung-nourishing drugs such as Ophiopogon japonicus, lotus nodes, Fritillaria, and honey. Pear paste has a sweet and sour taste and a cool nature. It can moisturize, quench thirst, nourish the lungs, clear the mind, and promote intestinal detoxification. It has a good therapeutic effect on symptoms such as thirst and restlessness caused by heat-induced fluid depletion, chest tightness, dry cough, and dry stool.
