A recent national poll shows that parents are still giving their children ages 2 and under, over-the-counter cold medicine. According to USA Today, a poll of “over 300 parents of children ages 6 months to 2 years found that 61% of parents gave OTC cough and cold medicines to their children within the last 12 months.”
There is no cure for the common cold. The virus runs its course making little ones miserable along its journey until it makes its way to another person to suffer through. The symptoms associated with the cold virus are what drive parents to soothe their children.
That being said, being a little stuffy and uncomfortable is better than being dead when you haven’t even begun to live yet.
Parents are not heeding the FDA warnings and have admitted to taking a risk so their children can rest better. It is understandable that parents don’t want to hear the crying and fussiness a cold causes in a sick child. But colds don’t kill kids, administering medicine not intended for use in small children does.
Decongestants “can affect your child's heart and nervous system.”
Antihistamines can cause “blood pressure and heart rate abnormalities” in children.
Antitussives “can [slow] your child's breathing rate…producing drowsiness which may progress to coma.”
Having any healthcare professionals state these drugs are safe and effective for use by infants and toddlers, does not help the cause. Ask a pharmacist to recommend a product made especially for infants and toddlers 2 and under. If there isn’t much available, resort to a benign home remedy.
Alternatives to over-the-counter cold medicine:
- Keep your child warm. A lowered body temperature compromises our immune systems, making us more vulnerable to catching a cold and perhaps keeping one.
- Warms baths can help clear congestion. Steam from humidifiers does the same thing.
- Suction mucus from nose with an aspirator bulb.
- Petroleum on a cotton swab around chaff nostrils can provide some relief. (Use a small amount.)
- Try Vicks® BabyRub non-medicated formula. Ingredients include aloe vera, eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender meant to “calm, soothe, and relax your baby.” (For babies 3 months and over.)
- Rest and relaxation can allow the body to put energy into getting well.
If your child’s symptoms persist or worsen, seek the help of a pediatrician to ensure he or she is not suffering from something other than the common cold.
Sources:
Prevention Magazine Health Books. The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies
Robert Preidt. USA Today. Health Day. Parents still giving cough, cold meds to kids under 2, poll shows.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The Poison Control Center: Cough and Cold Medicine
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