Question
How to treat lower respiratory tract infections in children? When the stool is dry and in small amounts, with occasional coughing sounds, what precautions and treatments should be taken?
Answer
Lower respiratory tract infections are common in children, and treatment should involve identifying the causative agent and selecting effective antibiotics. Although there are many types of antibiotics available, there is also an increasing trend of drug-resistant strains. Therefore, for elderly chronic patients or children with weakened immunity, it is appropriate to use antibiotics preventively during colds to work on preventing bacterial infections. When it is uncertain whether it is a common cold or a bacterial lower respiratory tract infection, it is advisable to seek the advice of a respiratory specialist. Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial. When suspecting a bacterial infection, three sputum samples should be taken for bacterial culture before medication, and antibiotics should be selected according to the guidelines of the Chinese Medical Association. If there is no improvement after three days of treatment, consider changing the antibiotic. When treating elderly patients, the level of antibiotic use can be appropriately increased. Cases of drug-resistant bacterial infections in adolescents should be taken seriously. In summary, the comprehensive prevention and treatment of respiratory tract infections should follow the principles of prevention first, accurate diagnosis, and timely treatment.