Roohealthcare.com – There are several types of Cold Medicine for Children, including those for infants and toddlers. It is important to know that cold medicines do not cure the cold; in fact, most children recover without them in just one to two weeks. Cold medicines are used to reduce the inflammation of the nasal lining, treat sneezing, and clear up the mucus in the airways. They typically contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen, two common medicines for fevers and colds. Infants and older children can be given liquid medicine by spoonfuls, while infants can receive drops.
Dangers of Cold Cough Medicine for Children Without a Prescription
Cough medicines are often prescribed for adults, but a pediatrician should not give them to infants and toddlers. Even if cough and cold medicines are available over-the-counter, the risk of overdose is significant, so only use them when a doctor prescribes them. Children should not be given cold medicines before they are fully grown, as these medicines contain chemicals that can harm the body. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adults avoid giving cough and cold medicines to children younger than four years old.
While children need to experience colds from time to time, parents often rush to the drugstore to get them a bottle of medicine. However, these medications can have side effects, including slowed breathing, which can be dangerous for infants and young children. Children under four should not take over-the-counter cold medicines, and parents should also avoid zinc and honey-based products. Both of these substances can damage nerves in the nose and can harm the baby’s ability to smell.
Unlike adults, children should not take aspirin in any form. This is because it increases the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare disease of the liver and brain. Children should be given single-ingredient products, such as cough syrups, and should never be given medicine that contains aspirin. If you do choose to give them liquid medicine, be sure to follow instructions on the label. Aspirin should be used only when a child is experiencing severe symptoms, such as a fever.
Tips for Choosing the Right and Safe Children’s Cold Medicine
Taking over-the-counter cold medicines isn’t always a good idea. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) only approves these medications for children over the age of 4 and suggests waiting until age 6 to give children cold medicines. Studies have shown that over-the-counter medications do not provide relief from cold symptoms and are only effective in older children. They are also dangerous if not taken according to instructions.
Changing the guidelines for child-dosing for cough and cold medications is crucial for your child’s safety. The Consumer Healthcare Product Association has revised its labeling guidelines to prevent children from misusing these products. Children should also drink plenty of fluids while taking cough and cold medicines. They should be given only after a health-care provider has determined their need. If these measures do not work, they should be discontinued immediately and under medical supervision.
A fever, runny nose, cough, and headache are common symptoms of a cold. They usually peak around the second or third day of the illness and gradually subside over 10-14 days. Sometimes, the cough may linger for up to four weeks. Symptoms are similar in older children, but they may experience a scratchy throat or stomach ache. And they may have diarrhea. So, take your child to a doctor as soon as possible if the cold isn’t getting better.
Nasal Decongestant Sprays Can Help Relieve Symptoms
While children under six years old may experience a sore throat, nasal decongestant sprays can help soothe their symptoms. A nasal spray with oxymetazoline should be used no longer than three days to prevent the condition from worsening. Children should avoid prolonged use of nasal sprays as prolonged usage of nasal decongestants can cause side effects. It is also important to remember that the nasal decongestants are not as effective as a cold medicine for infants.
Using over-the-counter cough and cold medicines is not a good idea because they only treat the symptoms, not the underlying problem. Also, a placebo is a fake drug with no biological effects. These cough and cold medicines can be harmful in children, and overdose on these products can be fatal if ingested. You should never give your child an over-the-counter cold medicine if they are under the age of six or more.
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