Frequent Colds

Q Is it harder to treat frequent colds in a child who has rhinitis or asthma?

A. If rhinitis or asthma is also present, the lung qi deficiency is more severe, so treatment can take longer, but simultaneous improvement is possible.

Q Instead of herbal medicine, isn't an immune injection or supplements alone enough?

A. Immune injections or supplements play a short-term supporting role, while herbal prescriptions are more effective as a root treatment that strengthens the defensive qi and lung qi themselves.

Q My child who catches colds often also seems to be growing slowly. Is there a connection?

A. When weak digestion causes frequent colds, nutrient absorption also becomes insufficient, so delayed growth often accompanies it.

Q Is there any home-based lifestyle care for a child who catches colds often?

A. Getting enough sleep, keeping indoor humidity at 50 to 60 percent, and rinsing the nose after going out are the basics. Please avoid direct exposure to cold wind.

Q I live in Dong-gu, Incheon. Is there anything special I should pay attention to for my child's cold care in winter?

A. The Incheon west-coast area has strong, dry northwesterly winds in winter. We recommend wearing a neck warmer and a mask when going to and from daycare.

Q Is it safe to give herbal medicine to a young child? I'm worried about side effects.

A. We prescribe with pediatric-specific dosages and herb compositions, and we do not use herbs that are contraindicated for children. If side effects occur, we adjust immediately.

Q I'm worried that giving herbal medicine for a long time might burden the liver or kidneys.

A. The herbs used in pediatric immune-strengthening prescriptions are mainly food-grade herbs with low long-term toxicity. Taking them for 3 to 6 months is within a safe range.

Q My child takes antibiotics every time he gets a cold. Is it okay to take herbal medicine together?

A. The basic principle is to leave a 1 to 2 hour interval between antibiotics and herbal medicine. Please be sure to confirm the order of taking them and whether they can be combined during the examination.

Q If my child takes herbal medicine consistently, will colds really decrease later on?

A. When the defensive qi and lung qi are sufficiently strengthened, the frequency of colds often decreases noticeably within 3 to 6 months.

Q If we stop the herbal treatment, will colds become frequent again?

A. Once the defensive qi and lung qi are firmly established, the effect is maintained even after stopping. However, during the growth period, periodic reinforcement is recommended.

Q My child catches a cold more than twice a month. Why does he get sick so often?

A. In Korean medicine, when lung qi and defensive qi (wei qi) are insufficient, the body cannot fend off external pathogens, so colds keep recurring. Rather than just treating each cold, strengthening the underlying immunity is essential.

Q When my child catches a cold, recovery is especially slow and the cough lingers for weeks. Is there a reason?

A. If the spleen and stomach are weak, the production of qi and blood is insufficient, which slows recovery after a cold. To expect a fast recovery, both the lungs and the digestive system need to be strengthened together.

Q Are there foods that are good or should be avoided for a child who catches colds often?

A. Warm, easy-to-digest foods that strengthen the digestive system are good. Cold foods, sweet foods, and wheat-based foods can burden the lungs and digestive system.

Q My child has a cold right now. Can we visit the clinic immediately?

A. Examination and herbal medicine are possible even during a cold. We manage the acute-phase symptoms and promote recovery at the same time.

Q From what age is it best to start immune-strengthening herbal medicine?

A. Herbal medicine can be taken from 24 months of age and older. Starting at ages 2 to 3, before entering daycare, gives a good preventive effect.

Q How does treatment for frequent colds in children proceed at the clinic?

A. After an examination (pulse diagnosis, abdominal diagnosis, and interview), we determine whether there is lung qi deficiency or weak digestion, and combine step-by-step herbal prescriptions with lifestyle guidance.

Q Does herbal medicine actually work for cold immunity? I'm curious whether there is scientific evidence.

A. Immune-strengthening herbs such as astragalus and white atractylodes have had their efficacy confirmed by modern research, including NK cell activation and increased immunoglobulin levels.

Q Children at daycare get a lot of group infections. How much can herbal medicine prevent that?

A. Even in a group living environment, a child with strong defensive qi differs in how often they develop illness and how severe the symptoms are, even when exposed to the same virus.