What age is safe to treat children with colds?
Published: Friday, January 23, 2009 at 2:02 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, January 23, 2009 at 2:06 p.m.
Treating children’s colds has not been that simple, as the federal government continues to study the safety of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children ages 2 and older.
Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration recommended that nonprescription, over-the-counter cold medicine not be given to children younger than age 2 because of “serious and potentially life-threatening side effects.” Those side effects, according to the federal agency, include death, convulsions, rapid heart rates and decreased levels of consciousness.
Most recently, members of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association announced in October they would voluntarily change the labels on pediatric over-the-counter cough and cold products to state “do not use” in children under the age of 4. The association represents most of the makers of nonprescription over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children, according to the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. The manufacturers are also introducing new child-resistant packaging and measuring devices.
Parents who have or buy a product without the voluntary label change should follow the dosage instructions and warnings that accompany the medication, the FDA says.
“Since October 2007, we’ve been working with CHPA to make some changes to protect children from accidental overdosing,” says Rita Chappelle, an FDA spokeswoman.
Chappelle says the agency will continue to look at more up-to-date scientific data and other information to decide what is the most appropriate age for use of these products in children.
Dr. Nader Ajluni, a pediatrician with Mercy Jordan Creek Pediatric Clinic in West Des Moines, says he usually sees a spike in children’s colds in the winter, and he’s already seeing an increase. He stressed that parents need to be cautious giving children any over-the-counter medication, and to check with the child’s doctor first.
“We have known for a number of years that using cough suppressants is actually a risk in children because the cough helps keep their lungs clear,” he says. “If you suppress the cough, any upper respiratory infection could extend itself into the lower respiratory tract and increase the risk for pneumonia.
“It has really gotten to the point where we have been reluctant to recommend any over-the-counter medications in children, other than Tylenol for fevers.”
Depending on the severity of the cold, Ajluni recommends other things parents can do to bring relief to sick kids.
The most important thing is making sure children get enough fluids and nutrition, he says. “We need to strengthen the body to allow the immune system to fight these germs off.”
For an infant with a mild cough or runny nose, he suggests using over-the-counter nasal saline drops and a bulb suction, which can help loosen and clear the mucous.
Ajluni says a humidifier has the same sort of effect. But be cautious with those that use hot water as they can pose a danger for burns, he warns. Try to place the humidifier out of the child’s reach.
A cool mist humidifier can also be helpful, but avoid letting the water sit too long without changing it, as it can become a breeding ground for germs, he says. “If you’re changing the water frequently, that shouldn’t be a concern.”
If the child’s illness is getting progressively worse, it’s time to see the doctor, Ajluni says.
“Look at their level of orientation, particularly with infants,” he says. “If you can tell that the child is able to recognize the parents and interact appropriately, then that’s a good thing. But if the child appears to be lethargic or irritable, then that’s the time we need to be taking a look.”
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