Small tricks for children to relieve cough and phlegm

Children can relieve cough and phlegm by adjusting their diet, patting their backs to expel phlegm, inhaling steam, massaging acupoints, and using traditional Chinese medicine therapy. Coughing in children with excessive phlegm is related to respiratory infections, allergies, and other factors. It is recommended that parents closely observe changes in symptoms and seek medical attention promptly if necessary.

1. Adjust diet

Increasing the intake of warm water or honey water appropriately can help dilute sputum. Children over 2 years old can drink a small amount of warm honey water. Avoid consuming raw, cold, sweet and greasy foods such as ice cream, candies, etc., to avoid irritating the throat and worsening coughing. appropriate lung moistening ingredients such as white radish and snow pear can be eaten, but attention should be paid to the risk of allergy.

2. Patting the back to expel phlegm

Parents can hollow out their palms into a cup-shaped shape and gently pat them from bottom to top on the back, each time lasting 3-5 minutes, 2-3 times a day. Keeping the child's head low while patting the back helps to loosen and expel phlegm from the bronchi. Pay attention to gentle force and avoid immediate operation after meals to prevent vomiting.

3. Steam inhalation

Creating a steam environment by placing hot water in the bathroom, parents can accompany their children to inhale warm and humid air for 10-15 minutes, which can alleviate airway dryness and spasms. Humidifiers can also be used to maintain indoor humidity at 50% -60%, but the water tank needs to be cleaned daily to prevent mold growth. Avoid direct facial contact with overheated steam that may cause burns.

4. Acupoint massage

Rubbing acupoints such as Tiantu and Danzhong can help promote lung function and relieve cough. The Tiantu acupoint is located in the center of the suprasternal fossa. Gently press it with your thumb for 1-2 minutes. The Danzhong acupoint is located at the midpoint of the line connecting the two nipples, and can be rubbed clockwise 30 times with the palm root. Clean your hands and trim your nails before operation. Do not massage damaged skin areas.

5. Traditional Chinese Medicine Dietary Therapy

Chuanbei stewed pear is suitable for lung heat cough. Remove the core of the pear and put it into 3 grams of Chuanbei powder for steaming and consumption. Chenpi Ginger Jujube Tea is effective for treating wind cold cough. Take 3 grams of Chenpi, 2 slices of ginger, and 3 red dates and boil them in water for consumption. Before use, it is necessary to confirm that the child has no history of allergies to relevant medicinal herbs, and stop using if there is no effect after continuous use for no more than 3 days.

It is necessary to maintain a ventilated and clean living environment for children in daily life, and avoid exposure to irritants such as second-hand smoke and dust. At night, it is advisable to elevate the pillow appropriately to reduce phlegm reflux. If coughing is accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, blood in sputum, or persists for more than a week without relief, parents should immediately take their children to the pediatric department for treatment. Dietary therapy and massage methods are only used as auxiliary means and cannot replace formal medical treatment.