Mar 6, 2009 11:15 pm US/Central
Many Parents Still Give Cold Medicine To Children
DENVER (CBS) ―
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Motrin Children's Cold liquid medicine.
AP
Federal health officials are reiterating parents should never give cough and cold medicines to children ages four and younger, CBS station KCNC-TV reports.
The renewed warning comes after a survey from Kaz Inc. found 70 percent of parents say they still give the medications to their children.
There are several reasons to avoid the medicines. First of all, studies show they have never been proven to relieve symptoms in children. Additionally there are many reports of children hallucinating, having irregular heart beats or becoming dizzy while on the medicines. In the worst cases, children have died.
Even in older children and adults the medicines may only help relieve some of the symptoms.
So what can a parent do to help ease the suffering of a sick child? Get a humidifier running. Moist air will not only soothe clogged airways some germs, like influenza, cannot survive in the cool, moist air.
A saline nasal spray is also an easy, safe to open a stuffed nose. Use a bulb syringe in very young children. Older children should be able to hold the saline in their nose for 30 seconds then blow everything out.
Studies have shown honey works better than over-the-counter syrups for quietening a cough. Use half a teaspoon for children ages two to five and a whole teaspoon for ages six to eleven. Do not give honey to children under the age of one.
Popsicles are also a great way to ease a sore throat.
And don't forget the chicken soup. Not only does it taste good, it's clinically proven to kill viruses.
Tylenol and ibuprofen are fine for children over the age of one. And make sure sick toddlers and older children are getting plenty of fluids, that even includes milk. It's a myth it will thicken mucus.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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