Healthremedy123.com – When children come down with a cold, many parents turn to the drugstore for over-the-counter medicines. Some of them may work, but others can have serious side effects.
Free and Most Common Flu Medication
Among the most common over-the-counter cold medicines are decongestants (pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine), antihistamines and cough suppressants. These medications are often sold in liquid form or as a nose spray or drops. Over-the-Counter (OTC) medicines can help relieve a variety of common cold symptoms in children. These medicines include fever reducers, pain relievers, and cough suppressants.
Some medicines also include acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which can be used for headaches, fevers, body aches, and stomach upset. Be sure to check the Drug Facts label for proper dose and administration instructions. The correct dosage is important for the safety of your child. If you are using a liquid medicine, use the dosing cup or syringe included with the package.
You should not give more than the recommended dose per day. Many cold medicines contain multiple active ingredients and are not safe for your child if they take more than the maximum amount per day or if they have certain medical conditions. Cough-and-cold medicines usually contain cough suppressants like dextromethorphan and guaifenesin, which block your cough reflex. They may also include a decongestant, which can be dangerous for infants and kids under age 2. Talk with your pediatrician about which medications are right for your child and write down the exact product name so you know if it is an OTC or prescription medication.
Natural Remedies can Help Children Recover from Colds
There are many natural remedies that can be used to help kids recover from colds. They are effective, cost next to nothing, and do not cause side effects. Keeping children with colds well-hydrated (especially at night) is one of the best ways to support their bodies’ ability to fight off the virus, suggests Rubin. Drinking lots of fluids thins mucous and helps keep a child’s nasal passages open, which in turn reduces congestion.
Rubin also recommends using a humidifier in the room to reduce symptoms. Suctioning mucous out of clogged noses with bulb syringes up to four times daily can also help. Honey has been shown to reduce coughing and improve sleep in children two years old and older with a cold. However, honey should not be given to infants under 12 months. This is because honey can contain botulism poisoning. Talk to your doctor before giving your child honey or any other home remedy.
Colds are a common illness that affects both children and adults. They start with a runny nose and are followed by congestion, a scratchy throat, a sore chest, and a headache. Many people treat their cold symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, these medicines have serious side effects and can interfere with prescription medications if taken together.
Preventing and Treating Diseases that Affect Children
Pharmacists often counsel patients about their cold symptoms and advise them on whether over-the-counter medicines are appropriate. They also refer patients with more complicated symptoms to a physician. This is especially true for young children since they are more likely to have severe colds and other respiratory illnesses. UNICEF procures pharmaceuticals to prevent and treat diseases that affect children, adolescents, and their caregivers, based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and standards.
Children are susceptible to colds, so it’s a good idea to keep basic medicines and treatments at home. Having a supply of Band-Aids, ointments, and cough syrups ready to go is essential. A cold, which is caused by a respiratory virus, is very common and usually goes away in a few days. But it can lead to other problems, like sinus infections and ear infections.
Cough and cold medicines can be helpful, but they are not always effective in children and can cause serious side effects. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they be avoided in children under age 6. Simple, natural, home remedies may work better than OTC medicines for coughs and colds. They are also safer and less expensive than medicines.
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