Note when using cough medicine, runny nose in children at the change of season

Runny nose, cold or cough are all diseases that children are easy to catch when the weather changes. Although not life-threatening, parents need to pay special attention to the use of drugs to treat diseases, to avoid adverse effects, affecting the health of children in the future.

According to experts, cough is a normal physiological phenomenon in children that helps protect the body and clean the respiratory tract, expelling sputum and secretions outside. However, children with cough can also be a symptom of many different diseases related to the upper respiratory tract such as bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, otitis media, asthma ... Children will have a cough accompanied by a cough. with a runny nose in these cases.

Some common causes that can cause children to have a runny nose and cough include:
Children are infected with bacteria and viruses that cause colds and flu; Inhalation of secondhand smoke from adults (about 40% of cases); Because the child's respiratory system is still sensitive, it is easily affected by allergens and causes a runny nose; Due to changes in weather, children's resistance declines; Children suffering from respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis ...

It is very important for a child to take any medicine with a runny nose, what dose it is, because if the child takes the wrong medicine or overdose, it will have the opposite effect, affecting the development process later.
To ensure the safety of children's health, when using children's nasal decongestants, parents should note some of the following issues:
2.1 For antihistamines Normally, when a child has a runny nose, cough, You will be given antihistamines in syrup or liquid form to help fight allergies and effectively soothe and relieve coughs.
In addition to the effects achieved, the type of children's nasal decongestant containing antihistamines will have some side effects such as causing drowsiness. Parents must not abuse this to help children sleep longer and better because it is very harmful to the health of children. Antihistamines are not recommended for long-term use in children and should not be used in cases where children have a cough with phlegm, asthma, or lower respiratory tract infections.
2.2 For antibiotics Some special cases, when children have runny nose, cough will have to use antibiotics to treat. However, only in cases where the cause of the disease is a child with a severe infection caused by a bacterial agent should a combination antibiotic be used, not just one antibiotic to treat most cases. antibiotic resistance.
For antibiotics that can cause toxicity, the doctor will adjust the prescription according to the age of the child. Children will not be allowed to use some antibiotics such as: Chloramphenicol, Tetracycline, Quinolone, Fluoroquinolone....
2.3 Medicines to reduce fever and pain nose, flu, cold commonly used is paracetamol. In normal doses, paracetamol is well tolerated and has few side effects. However, if overdose of paracetamol can cause liver toxicity and side effects such as vomiting, abdominal pain... Therefore, parents should be careful when using these drugs to treat children's diseases. , absolutely adhere to the correct dose and time of taking the drug.

2.4 Cough suppressants The two most commonly used cough suppressants are Codeine and Dextromethorphan. In the case of a normal cough, there is no need to use medicine, cough suppressants should only be used when there is a dry cough, a persistent cough that causes fatigue, vomiting, and insomnia. Children who use these two medicines for cough and runny nose can experience serious side effects, causing respiratory failure, so parents are absolutely careful to avoid using this medicine for young children.
2.5 Anti-congestive, stuffy nose Drugs that cause vasoconstriction can lead to decreased blood flow and relieve nasal congestion. However, when the drug is overdosed or given to children, it can cause generalized vasoconstriction and cyanosis, sweating, increased blood pressure, dizziness... Parents need to be especially careful when using this medicine. treatment for young children, people with coronary artery disease, kidney failure, people with asthma, diabetes or hyperthyroidism...
The use of children's nasal decongestant if properly and strictly followed the doctor's instructions, It will help the disease heal quickly, without causing side effects. For children, only when the exact cause of the runny nose and cough is determined can the correct treatment regimen be given. Therefore, parents are not allowed to arbitrarily buy drugs to treat their children but must take them to see a doctor before deciding on treatment.

Seasonal weather is easy to reduce resistance in children, so parents need to take measures to help children avoid runny nose and cough when changing seasons:
Build a scientific, reasonable and healthy diet. rich in vitamin C to help strengthen children's resistance; Children should not be forced to eat too much in one meal, but can divide meals to help children absorb and metabolize food best; Do not let children eat strange foods; Daily hygiene of the nose and throat for children to help the child's nose clear and easy to breathe, pathogens will be eliminated; Keep the house always airy and clean; Keeping children's body warm in cold days, especially in the head, neck, chest, palms, soles... Cough, runny nose... are common diseases that children may encounter not at any time, but especially at the time of season change. Therefore, parents need to learn carefully about how to use cough and runny nose medicine as well as take preventive measures for children. If they notice abnormal signs, parents should take their children to reputable facilities for advice and examination.
Parents can take their children to Vinmec International General Hospital, because this is one of the leading hospitals in the country for examination, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases, special nutrition in children. infants and young children. With modern equipment, sterile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of disease spread. Along with that is the dedication from the doctors with professional experience with pediatric patients, making the examination no longer a concern of the parents.
If you have a need for consultation and examination at Vinmec Hospitals under the nationwide health system, please book an appointment on the website for service.