The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has stated it will review the safety of OTC (over the counter) cough and cold remedies aimed at children. It is doing so because of concerns about safety and effectiveness of this class of medications for children.

Since 2004 approximately 1500 children in the U.S.A. have been treated in hospital emergency rooms for conditions related to side-effects of o.t.c. cough and cold preparations.

The common cold is a viral infection. It cause transient symptoms of rhinorrhea (runny nose), low fever, and possibly cough. The symptoms may interfere with the child’s sleep, appetite and activity and thus impact the sleep and schedule of the parent. Medications are given, often on the advice of a practitioner, to “help” the cold. These medications do not impact the length of time symptoms last unless they may lengthen them, and can not cure a cold. The immune system “cures” the cold. It needs assistance like keeping mucus membranes moist (saline nose drops), plenty of fluids and rest, and a reasonable expectation of the recovery time. Some children do get complications, bacterial ear infections can occur, less often bacterial sinus infections, and sometimes viral or bacterial pneumonia. These are not common and are not prevented by any symptomatic medication.

I have raised 5 children and been a PA for 29 years. My kids rarely took medication for colds. I used saline nose drops regularly and pediatric decongestant nose drops at bedtime if they were too congested to sleep. Their mother and I ran a vaporizer in their bedroom and if they were really sick I would bunk on the floor by the bed so I could be nearby if they needed me. (I think children should be in their own beds and not mine when they are sick)

My advice, don’t give your child much in the way of cough and cold medications.

When should you bring them in to see their Doctor or PA or FNP? A good rule is if they aren’t eating, if they have a fever of 100.4 or greater rectally or if they are much less active for more than one day they should be evaluated for complications. Ask your practitioner how they feel about those guidelines.

What has been your experience with treating cold symptoms in children? Leave a comment at the end of the article. Remember the only dumb question is the one you do not ask.

Popularity: 1% [?]