Escaping The Meds

Their temperature is steadily climbing, and the cough is only getting worse.

Take a look inside your medicine cabinet. What medications do you trust to give to your kids?

When the FDA ruled that all overthe-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under the age of 4 and makers removed these products from store shelves, many parents were concerned about the ingredients in similar products still available for older children.

Decongestants and antihistamines have been proven to offer little to no benefit to children under 6 and only a negligible benefit for children ages 6-12. Another factor to consider is that many cold-fighting products often contain acetaminophen, increasing the chances of an overdose if you give Tylenol for a fever in addition to the cold medicine.

With all that in mind, what’s a parent to do? Here are alternatives, recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which have been proven both safe and effective in relieving symptoms of the common cold. (Contact your pediatrician if your child’s cold does not clear up within five to 10 days or a fever rises above 104°F repeatedly or 100.4°F for an infant under 3 months.)

A Bit About Fevers

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can reduce aches and pains and reduce a fever. Which is best to use? Researchers have not found any substantial difference in safety and effectiveness between fever reducers acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Proper dosing of any medication by weight (not age) is crucial.

A child with a fever can worry any parent. Some parents take to the practice of alternating between or overlapping acetaminophen and ibuprofen to keep fevers at bay. Because the two drugs have different dosages and timeframes in which they should be given, the AAP says this practice could result in accidental overdoses and there are questions as to whether this practice is safe or actually makes children more comfortable. It’s important to contact your pediatrician before alternating these medications.

Humidifier. A cool mist humidifier works wonders by shrinking nasal passages to allow easier breathing.

Saline nose drops. When nasal passages are kept moist, it is far less likely that you will experience stuffiness.

Nasal suctioning. This method is especially effective in children under 1 year of age. Use a bulb syringe for best results.

Saltwater. 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt, dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water can relieve a sore throat. Of course, this may require some gargling lessons first. You can also try ice chips or 100 percent fruit popsicles.

Rest. Sleep is a natural cure for the body. Have your child lay down for a nap after school. This is a great preventative medicine as well.

Liquids. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water and juice will help prevent dehydration. (The AAP actually recommends chicken soup—apparently Mom really did know best!)

In addition, in 2011, the AAP released new guidelines that urged parents to recognize fever as a sign the body is working to fight infection and not something to be feared. It’s most important to help the child feel more comfortable, either with or without a fever-reducing medication, and focus on the child’s general well-being while watching for signs of serious illness rather than to maintain a normal temperature.