Coughs and Colds: Medicines or Home Remedies?
Coughs and Colds: Medicines or Home Remedies?
Medicines Over-the-Counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines can cause serious side effects in young children. The risks of using these medicines outweigh any benefits from reducing symptoms. Therefore, in October 2008, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recommended that OTC cough and cold medicines never be used in children under 4 years of age. From age 4 to 6, they should be used “only if recommended by your child’s doctor”. After age 6, the medicines are safe to use, but follow the dosage instructions on the package. Fortunately, you can easily treat coughs and colds in young children without these non-prescription medicines. Home Remedies: A good home remedy is safe, inexpensive, and as beneficial as OTC medicines. They are also found in nearly every home. Here is how you can treat your child’s symptoms with simple but effective home remedies instead of medicines. 1. Runny Nose: Just suction it or blow it. And remember, when your child’s nose runs like a faucet, it’s getting rid of viruses. Medicines: antihistamines (such as Benadryl) do not help the average cold. However, they are useful and approved if the runny nose is due to nasal allergies (hay fever). 2. Blocked Nose: Use nasal washes.
3. Coughing: Use homemade cough medicines.
4. Fluids: Help your child drink plenty of fluids. Staying well hydrated thins the body’s secretions, making it easier to cough and blow the nose. 5. Humidity: If the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier. Moist air keeps the nasal mucus from drying up and lubricates the airway. Running a warm shower for a while can also help humidify the air. Treatment is Not Always Needed:
Summary : If treatment is needed for coughs and colds, home remedies may work better than medicines. Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker |
Updated:  
March 22, 2017