When should parents give their children cough and cold medicine?

The article was professionally approved by Master, Doctor Dang Huy Toan - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital

When winter comes, the weather turns cold, the number of children going to clinics for colds increases dramatically. Colds rarely cause serious complications for children, but symptoms of fever, cough, etc. always worry parents. So when to use drugs, and how to use them safely for children is something that every parent is concerned about.

Some cough and cold medicines also have serious side effects, such as slow breathing, which can be life-threatening, especially in infants and young children, so it is important to Know when your child needs medication and when he or she can get better without medication.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends the following regarding the use of cough and cold medicines in children:
FDA does not recommend over-the-counter medicines for cough and cold symptoms. colds in children under 2 years of age. Prescription cough medicines containing codeine or hydrocodone are not indicated for use in children under 18 years of age. Codeine and hydrocodone are opioids that can be combined with other medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants. In prescription medicines for the treatment of coughs and symptoms associated with allergies or the common cold for adults. Parents should also read the labels on over-the-counter cough and cold products, as some may contain codeine. Here are some notes for parents when giving their children cold medicine.

There is no cure for the common cold, a viral infection that cannot be treated with antibiotics. Usually, a cold clears up in a week or two, and children usually clear up on their own without medication. For older children, some over-the-counter medicines can help relieve cold symptoms, but won't change the natural course of a cold or make it go away faster. Coughing is a normal symptom of a cold and helps the body clear mucus from the airways and protect the lungs. Non-drug cough treatments include drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm beverages, to soothe the throat.

Not every child who sniffs or coughs needs to see a doctor. If there are suspicious symptoms, parents should consult a doctor, typically the symptoms are as follows:
Infants 2 months of age or younger with fever Fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius or higher of any age Lips blu Urinating) Excessive sleepiness or irritability Persistent ear pain If the cough persists for more than three weeks If the child's symptoms are getting worse These symptoms suggest that the child may have something more dangerous than a cold.

Fever helps the body fight infection and does not always require treatment. But if your child is upset with a fever or other cold symptoms, there are alternatives to cough and cold medicines that will help them feel more comfortable, including:
Steam or humidifiers A clean, cool mist in a small area near a child's bed can help humidify the air and relieve dry nose and throat. For infants with nasal congestion, use saline or saline drops/spray to moisten the nasal passages and loosen mucus. Then, clean the nose with a rubber aspirator or other suction device designed for infants. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and pain. Pay attention to the correct dosage, consult a doctor before using for children under 2 years old.

How can parents give their children the right dose of medicine? Follow the instructions for use printed on the label. Drug manufacturers often provide dosimeters, such as measuring tubes or cups, that parents should use, instead of spoons or other tools made from other drugs, to measure the dose.
When in doubt about the use of the drug, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Specialists can explain to parents what type of measuring device to use, in what amounts, and how often to take them based on the medication label.
In many cases, colds can go away on their own without treatment, but parents should not be subjective because when they have coughs and colds, children are at high risk of causing respiratory failure or other chronic diseases. .
In addition, in order to prevent diseases that young children often get, parents should pay attention to nutrition to improve children's resistance. At the same time, add supporting foods containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, B vitamins,... snacks and less digestive problems.
Parents can learn more:
Why do you need to supplement Lysine for your baby?
The role of zinc - Guidelines for reasonable zinc supplementation
Please visit the website Vinmec.com regularly and update useful information to take care of your baby and family.

Reference source: fda.gov