Understanding the Cold Season and Children’s Health.
Children’s Cough According to Dr. Pooja Mehta, a pediatrician at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health at Bayside Medical Group in Berkeley, California, a mild cough often accompanies the cold in children and disappears once the cold improves. However, in some cases, this cough can persist at a mild-to-moderate level for several weeks.
Non-Prescription Cough and Cold Medications for Children
Non-prescription Children’s Cough and cold medications are readily accessible to provide relief from symptoms associated with cough, cold, and flu in children.
Types of OTC Medicines
Children have access to a diverse range of Children’s Cough and cold medications, including syrups, chewable or dissolvable tablets, drops, and sprays.
Recommendations and Guidelines
Jaclyn Taylor, a pharmacist with Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, suggests considering medication only if the cough persists and significantly disrupts the child’s daily activities or if it interferes with their sleep. Coughing is generally a natural defense mechanism to eliminate phlegm from the airway, so suppressing it all the time is not advisable.
Potential Side Effects
Children’s cough and cold medicines may have potential side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. It is important to be aware of more severe side effects like allergic reactions, which require immediate medical attention.
Symptoms Alleviated by Children’s Cough and Cold Medicines
Children’s cough and cold medicines can help alleviate symptoms associated with the common cold and flu, including coughing, sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and fever. Some of these medicines may also contain pain relievers and antihistamines to address additional symptoms.
Precautions and Safety Measures
Before giving your child any over-the-counter Children’s Cough and cold medicines, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend OTC cough and cold medicines for children under the age of 4, and healthcare providers generally advise against their use in children under 6 years old.
Interactions and Serotonin Syndrome
Parents should be cautious when combining cough and cold medications for their children. Certain ingredients, such as dextromethorphan, can interact with serotonergic agents and potentially lead to serotonin syndrome. If your child is taking any serotonergic agents, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before giving them cough and cold medicines containing dextromethorphan.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If the cough remains at the same level and does not worsen, you can continue to treat your child with natural remedies or age-appropriate over-the-counter cough and cold options. However, if there is any change in the cough, it is important to contact your pediatrician.
Natural Remedies for Children’s Cough and Cold
There exist numerous natural remedies that effectively alleviate symptoms related to cough and cold in children. Honey is often recommended as a cough suppressant, but it should not be given to infants under the age of 1 due to the risk of infant botulism. Keeping your child hydrated with clear fluids and using a humidifier to inhale steam can also help reduce congestion and ease coughing symptoms.
Conclusion
When your child experiences a cough and cold, it is important to consider appropriate remedies and medications to alleviate their symptoms. Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines can provide relief, but it is crucial
to follow guidelines, consult with healthcare professionals, and be aware of potential side effects and interactions. Additionally, natural remedies can be used alongside or as alternatives to pharmacological options, providing comfort and relief to your child.
Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,
India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
