On a sunny afternoon, Li's mother faced Xiao Ming, who was sitting on the sofa with a slight fever and a persistent cough, and her heart was full of worry and uneasiness. This is not the first time that Xiao Ming has had a fever and cough due to a cold, but every time, watching her child suffer, Li's mother's heart seems to be tightly pinched. Thinking of the advice on the Internet and other parents, she decided to give Xiao Ming antibiotics, hoping to let the child recover quickly.
A few days passed, and Xiao Ming's symptoms did not seem to improve significantly, but instead showed gastrointestinal discomfort. This made Li's mother even more anxious, and she began to question her decision. At the suggestion of a friend, she took Xiao Ming to see a family doctor. After listening to Li's mother's description, the doctor shook his head slightly, explaining that most coughs and fevers are caused by viral infections, antibiotics are ineffective in such cases, and not only that, but overuse may also cause drug resistance and other side effects.
Li's mother realized that her kindness and worry may be one of the reasons why Xiao Ming is "too slow to get better". She began to reflect that if she had learned the right information earlier, she might have avoided this mistake. This experience made Li's mother deeply understand that when children are facing health problems, the right approach and knowledge are more important than blind worry.
Overuse of antibiotics: a double-edged sword
Myths about antibiotics
In the minds of many parents, antibiotics are like a master key that can untie the chains of all diseases. However, this is a widespread misconception. Antibiotics specifically target bacterial infections, and for most coughs and fevers caused by viruses, they are not only ineffective but can also bring unwanted side effects.
The crisis of drug resistance
One of the biggest problems caused by the overuse of antibiotics is the increase in drug resistance. When bacteria are exposed to antibiotics but are not completely killed, they may become more powerful, creating resistance to these drugs. Not only does this affect the health of individuals, but it also poses a threat to the public health system, making conditions that would otherwise be easily treatable difficult to control.
Affects intestinal flora
While antibiotics kill pathogenic bacteria, they can also destroy the body's beneficial bacteria, which are essential for maintaining gut health, promoting digestion and absorption, and even affecting mental health. The balance of intestinal flora is particularly important during the critical period of growth and development of children, and the overuse of antibiotics may adversely affect them.
The right coping strategy
Seek medical attention: If your child has a cough and fever, you should see a doctor who will decide whether antibiotics are needed.
Strengthen immunity: Through a reasonable diet, moderate exercise and adequate sleep, etc., help children build and maintain a strong immune system and reduce the occurrence of diseases.
Popular science education: Parents should actively obtain correct medical information, understand the correct use of antibiotics and their potential risks, and avoid blind use.
Comfort: the golden key to your child's recovery
When a child is unwell with a cough and fever, the first reaction of parents is often to seek medication. However, creating a conducive living environment is equally important and often overlooked. The living environment is no less important than medication, because the right environment can relieve your child's discomfort and speed up the recovery process.
Adjustment of ambient temperature and humidity
First of all, indoor temperature and humidity need to be properly managed. The ideal room temperature should be between 18°C and 22°C, and the humidity should be maintained at 40%-60%. Temperatures that are too low or too high can make your child feel uncomfortable, affecting their rest and recovery. Dry air can irritate the airways and worsen coughing, while high humidity can cause discomfort in your child. Therefore, parents can use a humidifier or dehumidifier to adjust the humidity in the room to ensure that the child is in the most suitable environment.
Make sure there is plenty of fresh air
Secondly, ensuring that there is enough fresh air indoors is equally important for your child's recovery. Opening windows regularly for ventilation, especially on sunny days, can greatly reduce the concentration of pollutants and viruses in the room, providing a healthier environment for your child. However, it should be noted that when ventilating, children should be avoided in direct air outlets to prevent cold.
Adjust lighting and noise
Proper lighting and a tranquil environment are also important factors in promoting a child's speedy recovery. Natural light can boost your child's mood and promote vitamin D synthesis, but strong direct sunlight can be uncomfortable. Parents can adjust the curtains to allow the light to shine softly into the room. In addition, keeping the environment quiet and reducing noise distractions can help children rest and recover better.
Nutritional support: an accelerator on the road to recovery
During your child's illness, proper dietary management will not only provide your child with the necessary energy and nutrients, but also speed up the recovery process.
Provide easy-to-digest food
When sick, your child's digestive system may be more sensitive and fragile than usual. Therefore, it is crucial to provide easy-to-digest, nutrient-dense foods. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as chicken broth, vegetable puree, and rice porridge, can provide the energy your child needs while reducing the burden on the digestive system. Avoid foods that are too greasy, spicy or hard, which may worsen your child's discomfort.
Maintain adequate hydration and electrolytes
Ensuring your child is getting enough fluids is also key to promoting recovery. Fever and sweating can cause your child to lose water in their body, so increasing your water intake can help speed up recovery.