Recurrent respiratory infections are generally defined as having a cold or bronchitis 1 to 3 times or more per month, or pneumonia 2 to 3 times or more within a year. The incidence of recurrent respiratory infections is highest among children under 2 years of age and decreases with age.
I. Etiology
The factors contributing to recurrent respiratory infections are complex. The following factors are associated with the development of this condition.
(1) Young children with relatively weak immune systems are prone to this condition.
(2) Children with long-term picky eating habits, selective eating, or poor cold tolerance are prone to this condition.
(3) Air pollution increases the susceptibility to recurrent respiratory infections in children with congenital deficiencies and inadequate postnatal nourishment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) classifies recurrent respiratory infections under the category of “deficiency syndrome.” Due to children’s constitutional insufficiency—specifically, deficiency of both the spleen and lungs—weak lung qi leads to an unstable defensive qi, while spleen-stomach deficiency results in insufficient nourishment. This causes deficiency in all five zang organs, making children susceptible to invasion by external pathogens and prone to this condition.
II. Clinical Symptoms
In addition to respiratory infection symptoms such as cough, fever, and fatigue, affected children often exhibit poor appetite, night sweats, failure to gain weight, and a sallow complexion.
Laboratory Tests: Blood levels of antibodies such as IgG and IgA are reduced; salivary IgA levels are low; cellular immunity is also low; and macrophage phagocytic function is impaired.
III. Treatment of Recurrent Respiratory Infections
Modern medicine currently has no specific methods for the prevention and treatment of this condition; however, some experts advocate the long-term use of the following two medications, which have been shown to be somewhat effective in reducing recurrent infections.
(1) Levamisole hydrochloride: 50 mg per dose, three times daily. Take continuously for 3–4 days each week.
(2) Ketotifen: 1 mg per dose, 2–3 times daily.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment Based on Syndrome Differentiation
(1) For recurrent respiratory infections characterized by deficiency of both qi and yin, treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen, tonifying qi, and nourishing yin. Treat with the Chinese herbal formula “Immune Granules.” Ingredients: Codonopsis, Astragalus, Atractylodes, Poria, Polygonatum, White Lathyrus, Scrophularia, Ophiopogon, and Roasted Hawthorn. Prepare as granules; for children aged 1–4, take 15 grams per dose; for those aged 5 and older, take 30 grams per dose, twice daily. Take for two days per week.
(2) For recurrent respiratory infections of the spleen deficiency type, treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen, tonifying qi, consolidating the exterior, and stopping sweating. Treat with the Astragalus-Wheat-Poria Decoction. Formula: Astragalus, Floating Wheat, Poria, Tangerine Peel, and Chicken Gizzard. Prepare as a granule; for children aged 1–3, take 5 grams per dose; for those aged 5 and older, take 15 grams per dose, three times daily. One course of treatment lasts 3 months.