‘You do not need to see your child every 12 hours’: Why cold medicines aren’t always the right choice for your child
Over-the-counter cough and cold medications are not generally recommended for young children. Other ways to treat your child’s cold or cough without medicine.
Children typically have six to eight colds each year. Viruses cause colds, which can spread through the air, or when germs from dirty hands or coughs or sneezes land on toys or other surfaces. Frequent handwashing, avoiding sick people and coughing into your sleeve can prevent colds. But kids are still likely to get sick, because their immune systems are not as well developed as an adult’s system.
Antibiotics are useless for viruses that cause illnesses, so you may be tempted to give your young child over-the-counter cold medicines to relieve coughing or to clear a stuffy nose. But these drugs aren’t intended for infants or toddlers and may carry adverse effects.
What parents need to know about cold medicines for toddlers and young children
Over-the-counter cough and cold medications are not recommended for children ages 4 and under — and should only be used under a physician’s guidance for children aged 4 to 6. Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines may offer more risks than benefits for children younger than 6.
“Cold medicines will help treat the symptoms, but not the root cause of someone with a cold,” says Michael Lee, M.D., pediatrician with Children’s Health℠ and Professor at UT Southwestern. “They should not be given to children younger than 6 because they may also cause side effects.”
Potential side effects of cold medicine in a child can be:
- Increase in heart rate
- Excessive drowsiness
- Convulsions
- Nausea
Children up to age 12 may still be at increased risk for these side effects.
You should avoid giving your child aspirin as well, since it can have toxic side effects in children. Other fever reducers that can help keep your child comfortable include acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for children older than 6 months). Consult your pediatrician to determine the right dose for your child.
Natural home remedies for cough and cold Symptoms
Home remedies are the most effective way to treat cold symptoms in young children.
“Rather than using over-the-counter medications, we encourage home remedies to relieve symptoms,” adds Dr. Lee. “Home remedies like these are typically safe and may help your child find some relief and rest.”
You can use home remedies like:
- Offering your child warm liquids, such as caffeine-free tea or broth, to help loosen mucus and relieve a sore throat
- Allow your child to inhale warm water vapors (point them toward a warm shower, which can help loosen mucus
- Using a humidifier can keep the throat and nose of your child moist
- Assist your child in resting and sleeping also to help them heal
- Give your child cold things, such as ice cream or popsicles, to help ease a sore throat
- Use saline solution (like nose spray) to moisten and loosen mucus in nose
- If your child cannot blow their nose, use a suction bulb Have your child blow their nose often
- ONLY if your child is older than 1 year, give a spoonful of honey to suppress coughing
Just remember, all your child needs is time to heal. For example, it can take weeks to recover from a cold or a cough. Your child’s symptoms should slowly improve during this period.
If your child’s symptoms seem to be getting worse, you should always contact your child’s pediatrician. Children might require a medical professional if they have:
- Difficulty breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Asthma
- Vomiting
- High fever of more than 102°F in older kids or more than 100.4°F in babies
Your child’s pediatrician is always your best resource for medical advice and care.
