Children with pneumonia have phlegm in the throat

The phlegm in the throat of children with pneumonia is due to increased phlegm secretion caused by airway inflammation. Parents need to closely observe the changes in the condition and take their children to the hospital as soon as possible. Treatment usually combines expectorant drugs, physical expectoration and dietary conditioning.

1. Causes of increased sputum

Pneumonia in children is caused by infection with pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, which can lead to airway inflammation and stimulate increased sputum secretion.

(1) Infectious factors: The most common pathogens of pneumonia are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae or adenovirus. These pathogens can irritate the airway mucosa and cause large amounts of sputum.

(2) Irregularly developed airways: Children’s tracheas are narrower and their cilia function is not fully developed, making it difficult to effectively remove sputum accumulation.

(3) Inflammatory response: Lung infection can also trigger the release of inflammatory factors, leading to an abnormal increase in airway secretions.

2. How to relieve the trouble of phlegm in children’s throat

To help children relieve their symptoms as soon as possible, parents can start from the following aspects:

(1) Drug treatment:

-Expectorants: such as ambroxol oral solution, which can reduce the viscosity of sputum and facilitate expectoration.

- Cough suppressants: such as compound pholcodine oral solution, need to be used under the guidance of a doctor. Do not use strong cough suppressants at will.

- Anti-infective drugs: such as amoxicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics, used to control bacterial infections and prevent worsening of the disease.

(2) Physical therapy:

- Nebulizer inhalation: Using saline or drug atomization can moisten the airway, dilute sputum and promote excretion.

- Pat the back to expel phlegm: Patting the child's back gently, from bottom to top and from outside to inside, can help loosen and expel phlegm.

-Postural drainage: Let the child adjust the body position, such as prone or side-lying, to promote sputum flow to the airway opening and coughing out.

(3) Diet adjustment:

- Give your child plenty of warm water to increase fluid intake, which helps thin phlegm.

-Choose zinc-rich foods (such as eggs and lean meat) to improve immunity and speed up recovery.

-Avoid foods that are too sweet, too cold, and spicy to reduce airway irritation.

3. Necessity of seeking medical treatment

If your child has a persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, yellow or green sputum, or chest pain and other serious symptoms, you should go to the hospital immediately to prevent the condition from getting worse. The doctor may use a chest X-ray or blood test to further determine the cause and adjust the treatment plan.

Phlegm in the throat caused by pneumonia is the result of airway inflammation. Parents should pay close attention to the changes in their children's condition and provide scientific care. Under the guidance of a doctor, medication, physical intervention and dietary conditioning can help children recover as soon as possible.