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Health Update: How to Soothe Kids' Colds Without Meds
Over-the-counter cold and cough medicines should no longer be given to children younger than 4, according to a new warning from the makers of these children's medications. The FDA is still evaluating whether they're safe for children under 11. So what do you do if you child's coughing the night away or sneezing nonstop? We asked top pediatricians how to help your child feel better and sleep soundly -- safely.
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Do cold and cough medicines actually work?
The evidence says no: Over-the-counter cold and cough medicines do little or nothing to fight off germs and relieve symptoms like congestion, runny noses or coughs. Numerous studies have shown that babies and toddlers given cold and cough medicines don't have fewer side effects or feel better any quicker than children who don't receive any. "Most babies and kids with colds will start feeling better in less than five days, whether or not they take medicine," says Dennis Kuo, MD, a pediatrician at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Swear that giving your baby meds before bed helps her snooze better? It's likely a parental placebo effect, says Jennifer Shu, MD, a pediatrician and coauthor of Heading Home With Your Newborn. "These drugs may help you feel better, so you assume they work on your baby too," she explains.
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Also,nothing helps more when a child is sick than REST and NUTRITIOUS FOOD,such as home made chiken soup.(The warm soup helps activitate the lymphatic glands and release antibodies to fight the cold).
10/29/2009 01:43:32 PM Report AbuseGreat article!This what I have been telling everyone but no one seems to understand why. Unfortunately,many parents are lazy to take care of their child(children) as needed and the child (children) suffer not only from a cold but also ear infection.(Ear infection is caused by mucus that was not removed from the nose adequately).I feel bad for those kids whose parents do not understand this.
10/29/2009 01:36:21 PM Report Abuseflip the next two comments to read them in order....
10/29/2009 12:26:02 PM Report Abusereal doctors, that are not afraid to tell the truth, will tell you. med were not a placebo to parents! Like we can't tell the difference if our baby is doing better or not! I know that my little girl has suffered from this pulling of meds. Her colds went from lasting a week to lasting 2 weeks from lack of sleep! If you are going to write an article at least get it right, don't lie to us!
10/29/2009 12:25:22 PM Report Abusewhat a ridiculously inaccurate article! they pulled baby meds because of the stupid parents that overdosed their children! meds work but the masses had to suffer because of the few parents out there that can't figure out the right dosage for their child or intentionally give too much so the child will sleep.
10/29/2009 12:25:09 PM Report Abuse