the-counter (OTC) pediatric cough and cold drugs are putting this message on their products' labels: Don't use these drugs in kids younger than 4. The issue isn't so much about the ingredients in these drugs, but concerns parents' failure to follow dosing instructions which makes otherwise safe drugs, the leading causes of rare adverse events in young children. About 7,000 children under 11 go to emergency rooms each year after taking cough and cold medicines, and roughly two-thirds of those occur after children drank medication while unsupervised. So, are there any alternatives to OTC cough and cold medicines? First, the facts: OTC cough and cold medicines don't “cure” a common cold or make it go away any sooner. They simply relieve the symptoms of the disease. Chances are, if left to recover on their own, your child's signs and symptoms will improve by themselves with time. Low-grade fevers don't need treatment, and research shows that cough and cold medicines for kids are no more effective than a placebo. Colds are caused by viruses, so antibiotics which fight bacteria won't help either. In fact, the more your child uses antibiotics, the more likely he or she is to get sick with an antibiotic-resistant infection in the future. Instead of reaching for a bottle from your medicine cabinet at first sign of your child's sniffles, here's what you can use to help your child feel better: Honey: A teaspoon full of honey coats the throat, helping to relieve the tickly and scratchy feeling that accompanies many colds. This, in turn, may cut down on coughing. According to a recent study conducted by Penn State College of Medicine, a little honey before bed was more effective than dextromethorpan in reducing nighttime coughs in children. Fluids: Liquids can help loosen chest congestion, soothe coughing and can can help clear the mucus from your child's airway. Offer water, fresh juice and hot, soothing soups. Rest: Consider keeping your child home from school and other activities if he or she has a fever or bad cough. Moist air: Run a humidifier in your child's room to help soothe irritated nasal passages. Aim the mist away from your child's bed to keep the bedding from becoming damp. To prevent mold growth, change the water daily and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the unit. Steam from a hot shower may help, too. Saline drops: Saline nose drops can loosen thick nasal mucus and make it easier for your child to breathe. Look for these over-the-counter drops in any pharmacy. Gargle: For older children, gargling salt water or sucking on hard candy or cough drops may soothe a sore throat. Medicated lollipops, can provide temporary relief from a sore throat. Readjusting pillows: Readjusting your child's bed or crib so that they sleep on an incline may help to discourage coughing at nighttime. If your child is still in a crib, place a folded pillow underneath the mattress at the place where your child's head lays. In a bed, place a firm pillow on top on your youngster's regular pillow. This way their sinuses will drain less into the throat, which encourages coughing. Vaseline: Rub a little vaseline under your child's nose to help soothe the rawness that accompanies a runny nose. Warm or Cold Pack: Sinus pressure is significantly relieved by applying a warm washcloth (run under warm water, with the excess water squeezed out) or a cold washcloth (run under cold water, extra water Bulb Syringe: Since most babies and toddlers can't blow their own noses yet, a bulb syringe may help. These are available in most pharmacies. You insert the syringe into one nostril at a time and squeeze the bulb at the top. This action helps to clear your child's nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. However, it's a good idea not to take any chances with very young children. You should call the doctor at the first sign of illness in children younger than 3 months, since a common cold can quickly develop into croup, pneumonia or other serious illnesses. Call the doctor if your child: Isn't urinating as often as usual Has a temperature higher than 103 F (39.4 C) for one day Has a temperature higher than 100 F (37.8 C) for more than three days Seems to have ear or sinus pain Has yellow eye discharge Has a cough for longer than one week Has thick, green nasal discharge for longer than two weeks Seek medical help immediately if your child: Refuses to accept fluids Coughs hard enough to cause vomiting or changes in skin color Coughs up blood-tinged sputum Has difficulty breathing or is bluish around the lips and mouth With the cold season coming up, it's also a good idea to keep preventive measures in mind. The common cold typically spreads through infected respiratory droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. The best defense is plenty of soap and water. Keep it clean. Teach your kids to wash their hands thoroughly and often. When soap and water aren't available, provide hand wipes or gels that contain germ-killing alcohol. Keep toys and common household surfaces clean, too. Cover up. Teach everyone in the household to cough or sneeze into their sleeve and use a tissue — and then toss it. If you can't reach a tissue in time, cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm. Don't share. Avoid sharing utensils, drinking glasses, washcloths, towels and other items that may harbor germs. To prevent confusion, you might want to specifically mark these items for each member of the family. Avoid anyone who's sick. Although this is easier said than done, especially for school-going children, this is especially important during the first few days of a viral illness, when the person who's sick may be most contagious. __
