What medications are available for children to relieve coughing and expel phlegm?

Generally, coughing and phlegm in children are often caused by factors such as respiratory tract infections and allergies. Appropriate medications should be selected according to symptoms under medical guidance. Children may take medications such as ambroxol-clenbuterol oral solution, acetylcysteine granules, Xiao'er Feire Kechuan oral liquid, dextromethorphan-phenylephrine oral solution, Jubei mixture, etc., under doctor's instructions. Specific details are as follows:

1. Ambroxol-Clenbuterol Oral Solution

This medication contains ambroxol and clenbuterol. Ambroxol reduces the viscosity of sputum and promotes its expulsion, while clenbuterol relaxes bronchial smooth muscles and relieves airway spasms. It is suitable for treating cough, thick sputum, and difficulty expectorating caused by acute or chronic bronchitis in children.

2. Acetylcysteine Granules

As a mucolytic agent, acetylcysteine breaks down mucoprotein chains in sputum, reducing its viscosity and making it easier to cough up. It is indicated for respiratory diseases in children with excessive thick mucus, such as acute bronchitis and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

3. Xiao'er Feire Kechuan Oral Liquid

A traditional Chinese medicine formulation containing ephedra, bitter almond, gypsum, and other ingredients, this oral liquid has effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, relieving lung congestion, and resolving phlegm. It helps alleviate symptoms such as cough, yellow and sticky phlegm, and sore throat caused by lung heat in children, commonly used for upper respiratory tract infections and bronchitis.

4. Dextromethorphan-Phenylephrine Oral Solution

This solution stimulates the respiratory mucosa to increase secretions and dilute sputum; phenylephrine helps reduce nasal mucosal congestion and relieve nasal obstruction. It is suitable for symptoms such as cough, sputum production, and nasal congestion caused by the common cold in children.

5. Jubei Mixture

A traditional Chinese medicine containing platycodon, Zhebeimu (bulb of Fritillaria thunbergii), bitter almond, and other ingredients, this mixture moistens the lungs, relieves cough, and resolves phlegm. It is suitable for dry cough due to lung heat and dryness in children, characterized by infrequent dry cough, thick and difficult-to-expectorate phlegm, dry throat, and throat pain.

In daily care, ensure children drink plenty of warm water to keep the respiratory tract moist, which helps thin mucus. Avoid exposing children to irritants such as smoke and dust to prevent worsening of cough. A light diet is recommended, avoiding spicy and greasy foods to prevent increased and thicker phlegm production.