Last year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that over-the-counter cold medicines containing dextromethorphan not be given to children less than 4 years old because of the cough syrup’s lack of effectiveness and potential for harmful side effects–dystonic reactions, severe involuntary muscle contractions, and spasms. (The former recommendation was for children less than 2 years old.) These medications have been blamed for more than 100 deaths and thousands of trips to the emergency room.
So if you can’t give your little one a spoonful of children’s Robitussin, what are you supposed to do? Local doctors offer up several safe alternative remedies.
ZINC “The studies are inconclusive but many people say that zinc lozenges sooth a sore throat,” says Dr. John Mark, a pediatrician at Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and author of Your Sick Child: Fever, Allergies, Ear Infections, Colds and More. “Also, some studies have indicated that zinc supplements (either lozenges or syrups) can decrease the number of and shorten the duration of colds.” Mark warns that zinc causes headaches, bad taste, and mouth irritation in some children.
PROBIOTICS “In a study done in Finland, children took probiotics all winter long (7 months) and severity and duration of respiratory infections decreased,” Dr. Mark says. “Probiotics are known to strengthen your immune system but I don’t think they’ll prevent colds all together.” Probiotics are available in various forms, from capsules or chewable tablets to fortified yogurt available at most grocery stores (though the actual amount of probiotics in these yogurts is unknown).
ELDERBERRY Some believe that this herb short-circuits flu symptoms due to its antiviral and immunostimulatory properties. “The studies are conflicting but many claim elderberry (usually given by syrup or extract) is effective and certainly worth a try although its safety has not been established in young children,” Dr. Mark says.
VITAMIN D “Most people think of Vitamin D as being for osteoporosis,” says Dr. Sarabenet Sequeira, a pediatrician at Pediatric Alternatives in Mill Valley, “but now it’s recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for every child and has significant immune system benefits. There haven’t been any studies indicating that it specifically helps with colds but many of my families who are giving their children vitamin D supplements report that the number of colds their kids are getting has been reduced.”
VITAMIN C “It has a bad rap but actually multiple studies show that vitamin C does have some proven benefit,” Dr. Sequeira says. “Throughout the winter season, I recommend that parents give their children a daily vitamin C supplement. It has been shown that this can shorten the duration of a cold by 15 percent. But it needs to be given every day during cold season. It doesn’t seem to work if you just start it at the beginning of a cold.”
MASSAGE “One of the many ways to boost the immune system is through the use of massage,” says Kim Lyons, a doula and infant massage therapist in Oakland. “Regular massage can assist babies and children in building a resistance to colds or other infections. If they already have a cold or fever, a short, gentle massage can ease aches and help them to relax enough to sleep. One area that might need some special attention is the chest. Gentle strokes here can help loosen phlegm and ease tight muscles caused by coughing. Downward strokes around the sides of the nose can help clear and drain the sinuses giving some breathing relief. And in reflexology, massaging the toes can help alleviate the ear, nose, and throat regions, which could ease congestion even more. Elevating while massaging may also help children breath better.”
ECHINACEA “The data on the use of Echinacea are inconsistent. It is a difficult herb to study because of its variety of forms and because different parts of the plant have been used in studies,” says Dr. David Becker, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UCSF. “Because there are some supportive studies and centuries of safe traditional use, it is reasonable to use.” Becker recommends that you try an echinacea tincture (glycerin tincture for younger kids, alcohol tincture is OK for those over age 4yrs) with kids and start giving it to them several times a day at the first sign of a cold. This herb should not be given to anyone with a ragweed allergy.
BUCKWHEAT HONEY “Last year a study found that a small dose of buckwheat honey provided more relief from a nighttime cough than Robitussin,” says Dr. Becker. Honey did a better job reducing the severity, frequency and bothersome nature of nighttime cough from upper respiratory infection than cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan. You can give a teaspoon or two to your child before bed but never feed honey to babies under 1 year old.
MOM’S REMEDY “I always ask my patients, ‘What did your parents give you when you had a cold as a child? Was it a cup of tea? A bowl of soup?'” Dr. Becker says. “These remedies from our past are familiar and comforting. Sometimes children need their parents to simply stop and pay attention to them and the act of giving the child something–whether it’s a cup of tea or salt water to gargle–will help. The remedy is a vehicle for your care and attention.”
Note: Consult your pediatrician before using these remedies on your children.
Do you have a favorite alternative cold remedy for your kids? What works? What doesn’t work?