Experts: Avoid medicine for children with colds

It’s the time of year when coughing, stuffy heads and running noses are becoming all too common for kids. Some parents turn to cold and cough medicines when their little ones get sick, but pediatricians at Gundersen Lutheran say it’s not a good idea, especially for kids under 6.
“In my experience, over-the-counter cold and cough medications do not offer any relief of cold symptoms,” said pediatrician Elizabeth Hansen of Gundersen Lutheran’s Onalaska clinic. “In fact, they can be sedating or stimulating, which can make children feel worse.”
Cold and cough medicines not only are ineffective, they also can pose a hazard to some children. In January 2008, the Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory stating that over-the-counter cough and cold medications should not be given to children younger than 2 because of the possibility of serious and life-threatening side effects.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using these medications in children under 6.
“The safety and effectiveness of cough and cold medicines has not been studied in children and the recommended doses are based on studies in adults,” Hansen said. “Children’s bodies handle medications differently, which can lead to overdosing or mis-dosing.”
Fevers are expected in the first five days or so of a cold, and symptoms, especially a cough, can last up to three weeks. In order to help children feel more comfortable when they’re suffering from a cold or cough, Hansen suggested the following:

·  Be sure the child is drinking plenty of fluids.

·  Elevate the head of the bed to minimize nighttime coughing.

·  Use a humidifier in the child’s room..

·  Breathe in the steam of a hot shower to decrease cough symptoms and runny nose.·  Treat a fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen if it is causing the child discomfort (do not give to children under 6 weeks old and avoid ibuprofen the first six months of life).
“Many kids will have seven to 10 colds a year,” Hansen said. “The symptoms of a cold are uncomfortable for the child so it can be a tough time for families. However, it’s important for parents to remember colds and coughs should resolve on their own over time. The best thing they can do for their children is help them find relief from their symptoms without medication. And, of course, give them lots of TLC until they’re feeling better.”

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