Cough medicines prescribed for children for common colds are "useless," according to a respected pediatrician. Dr. Khalid Al-Dajam, Pediatric Consultant at King Fahd Medical City, said that there were no adequate studies conducted on these medicines, and referred to the growing demand for their withdrawal from shelves. Even years ago, based on medical research, parents were advised against giving cold and cough medicines to children. Research also questioned the effectiveness of common, over-the-counter cough medicines. Dr. Al-Dajam, who is the head of the hospital's Pediatric Department, warned against taking antibiotics for viral diseases, especially by children whose common medical problems include pneumonia of the upper respiratory tracts, sore throat, tonsillitis and middle ear infection. He stressed the need to correctly diagnose bacterial infections that require antibiotics, which are ineffective against viral ailments. A doctor determines the condition after a clinical check up, he said. He pointed out to the dangers of indiscriminate antibiotic use without prescription as it would weaken the child's immune system. "It is indeed unfortunate that doctors are in a hurry to prescribe antibiotics for children. Parents too hastily give such medications to their children without consulting a doctor or determining the nature of the infection." A child suffering from a bacterial infection usually has temperature above 39 degrees, doesn't respond to fever reducers, feels weak and is reluctant to breast feed. In such a case, parents should first see the doctor for a medical checkup to understand the symptoms before giving any antibiotics, he advised.
