Cough and cold medicines are not recommended for children younger than 2 years of age. Here are some practical advice on treating such ailment by J. L. Hoecker, MD., an emeritus pediatrics at the Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minn
What's the concern about cough and
cold medicines for kids?
Over-the-counter cough and cold
medicines don't effectively treat the underlying cause of a child's cold, and
won't cure a child's cold or make it go away any sooner. These medications also
have potentially serious side effects, including rapid heart rate and
convulsions. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discourages use of cough
and cold medicines for children younger than age 2.
FDA experts are studying the
safety of cough and cold medicines for children older than age 2. In the
meantime, remember that cough and cold medicines won't make a cold go away any
sooner — and side effects are still possible. If you give cough or cold
medicines to an older child, carefully follow the label directions. Don't give
your child two medicines with the same active ingredient, such as an
antihistamine, decongestant or pain reliever. Too much of a single ingredient
could lead to an accidental overdose.
What about antibiotics?
Antibiotics may be used to combat
bacterial infections but have no effect on viruses, which cause colds. If your
child has a cold, antibiotics won't help. It's also important to remember that
the more your child uses antibiotics, the more likely he or she is to get sick
with an antibiotic-resistant infection in the future.
Cold medicines for kids: What's
the risk?
Can any medications help treat the
common cold?
An over-the-counter pain reliever
— such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others)
— can reduce a fever and ease the pain of a sore throat or headache. Remember,
though, low-grade fevers help fight infection and don't necessarily need
treatment.
If you give your child a pain
reliever, follow the dosing guidelines carefully. Don't give ibuprofen to a
child younger than age 6 months, and don't give aspirin to anyone age 18 or
younger. Aspirin has been associated with Reye's syndrome, a rare but
potentially fatal illness.
If you want to give your child an
herbal or alternative remedy, consult your child's doctor first.
How can I help my child feel
better?
There's no cure for the common
cold, but you can help your child feel better while he or she is toughing it
out. Consider these tips:
- Offer fluids. Liquids such as water, juice and broth can help loosen congestion. Chicken soup — which can have a mild anti-inflammatory effect — is another good choice
- Encourage coughing. Coughing can help clear mucus from your child's airway
- Use a suction bulb for a baby or young child. This device draws mucus out of the nose. Squeeze the bulb part of the syringe, gently place the tip inside one nostril and slowly release the bulb
- Moisten nasal passages. Run a cool-mist humidifier in your child's room. To prevent mold growth, change the water daily and follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. Steam from a hot shower may help, too
- Use saline nasal drops. Over-the-counter saline nasal drops — or saline spray, for an older child — can loosen thick nasal mucus and make it easier for your child to breathe. For babies, follow up with a suction bulb
- Soothe a sore throat. Ice cream or frozen fruit pops might feel good on a sore throat. Warm or cold beverages sometimes help, too. For an older child, gargling salt water or sucking on a piece of hard candy or a throat lozenge might offer additional relief. Remember that hard candy and lozenges — both choking hazards — aren't appropriate for younger children
- Encourage rest. Consider keeping your child home from child care, school and other activities.
When should I contact the doctor?
Most colds simply need to run
their course — which generally takes about five to seven days. It's important
to take your child's signs and symptoms seriously, however. If you suspect
something isn't right, consult your child's doctor. It's especially important
to seek medical attention if your child:
•
Has a high or
persistent fever — or is younger than age 3 months and has any fever
•
Has trouble
drinking
•
Isn't
urinating as often as usual
•
Has trouble
breathing
•
Has a
persistent cough
•
Has yellow or
green eye discharge
•
Has thick,
green nasal discharge
•
Seems to have
ear or sinus pain
What's the best way to prevent the
common cold?
For parents and children alike,
simple preventive measures can go a long way toward preventing the common cold.
To help your child stay healthy:
Keep it clean. Teach your child to wash his or
her hands thoroughly and often. When soap and water aren't available, provide
an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or hand wipes. Keep toys and common household
surfaces clean, too.
·
Cover up. Teach everyone in the household
to cough or sneeze into a tissue — and then toss it. If you can't reach a
tissue in time, cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm.
·
Don't share. Avoid sharing utensils, drinking
glasses, washcloths, towels and other items that might harbour germs with
anyone who has a cold or fever.
·
Steer clear
of colds. Avoid close,
prolonged contact with anyone who has a cold or other communicable infection.
It's also important for your child
to eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep and stay current on his or her
vaccinations — including a yearly flu vaccine.
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