[Health Tip] Our Child's Winter Unwelcome Guest, Cold... "Must Strengthen Immunity"

The severe cold wave continues day after day, causing a rapid increase in flu patients. The photo shows citizens waiting in the waiting room to receive treatment at the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescents at Jeil Hospital in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 29th. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Myunghwan Lee] Colds tend to be especially prevalent in winter due to cold and dry air. This creates an environment vulnerable to viral infections by impairing the function of respiratory mucosa and cilia. In traditional Korean medicine, it is advised to pay attention to strengthening children's immunity during the winter season.

A cold is caused by various viruses or bacteria infecting the nose and throat. Clinically, it appears as rhinitis, pharyngitis, or tonsillitis, and is sometimes referred to as upper respiratory tract infection or upper airway infection. If children frequently catch colds in winter or symptoms persist for a long time, rather than focusing solely on viral infection treatment, efforts should be made to improve the environment and understand the child's type and characteristics to strengthen immunity.

Although colds often improve naturally, in some cases they can lead to complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia, otitis media, or myocarditis, requiring active management. Especially during children's growth and development, even small and minor illnesses can have an impact, highlighting the important role of parents.

Professor Lee Seon-haeng, Department of Korean Medicine Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital. / Photo by Kyung Hee Medical Center

Professor Seonhaeng Lee of Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital's Department of Pediatric Korean Medicine said, "If immunity is inherently weak, I recommend using Yukmijihwang-tang or Singihwan, which utilize deer antler as a key ingredient to strengthen the skeletal system. If the child usually has poor appetite and irregular meals, I suggest Bojungikgi-tang or Yangwi-tang, which are based on ginseng to boost energy, supplement nutrition, and improve digestive function." He added, "If the skin is not dense, causing the child to feel cold more than others and making infections easy and symptoms worsen quickly, it is good to take Okbyeongpungsan or Gyejitang, which regulate skin function with Astragalus as the main ingredient."

Professor Lee also mentioned ways to protect children's respiratory health in daily life, including ▲ paying attention to keeping the back and nape warm ▲ consuming foods that promote healthy lungs ▲ continuous exposure to sunlight to condition the skin ▲ maintaining oral hygiene and hand washing.