Chinese Medicine Offers 6 Remedies for Children's Lingering Coughs

A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner is offering guidance on managing persistent coughs in children following illnesses, explaining the underlying TCM principles and providing natural remedies. Dr. Huang Qianrui notes that coughs occurring upon waking, when lying down, or after physical activity, sometimes leading to dry heaving or red eyes, are common post-cold symptoms.

“

The coughs that occur upon waking, when lying down, or after running and jumping, sometimes leading to dry heaving or red eyes, are actually "post-cold lingering coughs" and there are reasons for them in TCM.

According to TCM, these lingering coughs stem from several factors. The "lung qi" may be damaged, impairing its functions of "xuán fā" (dissemination) and "sù jiàng" (descending), leaving the airways sensitive. Residual "heat" from a high fever during the illness might remain in the lungs, and a weakened spleen, common in children and exacerbated by sickness, can lead to phlegm accumulation that obstructs the airways.

“

The child's body has gone through a tough battle. Although the illness has subsided, the body's vital energy has not yet recovered.

To address these issues, Dr. Huang suggests dietary adjustments, advising parents to limit sweets, fried foods, and dairy products, which can promote dampness and phlegm. For dry coughs with little phlegm and throat irritation, remedies like adding a small amount of Fritillaria powder or American ginseng powder to warm pear water or white fungus soup can help moisten the lungs and resolve phlegm. Children with spleen deficiency and excessive phlegm may benefit from tangerine peel and coix seed water to strengthen the spleen and clear dampness. Acupressure on the "Tiān Tū" (below the throat) and "Shān Zhōng" (mid-chest between nipples) points is also recommended, with gentle pressure advised.

“

For spleen deficiency with excessive phlegm, children are suitable for tangerine peel and coix seed water, which helps strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness.

Dr. Huang emphasizes that children's bodies need time to recover after illness. While parents shouldn't be overly anxious, they should also monitor symptoms. If a cough persists for over two weeks, is particularly severe at night, or is accompanied by wheezing, seeking professional medical evaluation is advised to help the child regain proper respiratory function.

“

Children's bodies need time to slowly repair themselves. Parents do not need to be overly anxious during this process, but they should not neglect it for too long.