Your child wakes up with a runny nose, congestion, and a cough....they have yet another cold. Now you have to run to the store to get an over the counter (OTC) cold medication before the symptoms get worse, right?
Probably not.
It’s important to understand that even though OTC medications can be useful in easing the symptoms of an adult’s cold, they do not work in treating colds in infants and children.
You may be thinking it’s still worth a try to see if an OTC medication works in treating your child’s symptoms. Keep in mind these medications often have unpleasant side effects that can make your child feel even worse than the cold symptoms.
A Review of the Most Popular OTC Cold Medications:
Antihistamines
- If a runny nose or sneezing is due to allergies, antihistamines are a good choice for treatment.
- If a runny nose or sneezing is due to a cold, antihistamines are usually not helpful.
- A side effect of the medication is increased drowsiness.
- Some children will become irritable or nervous while taking this OTC medication, making it difficult for them to rest.
Decongestants
- Children taking this medication can have:
- An increased heart rate
- Decreased appetite
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nasal decongestant sprays should never be given to an infant.
- In a child, taking the spray for longer than a few days can decrease the effectiveness of the medication and cause the nose to become dependent on it.
Cough Suppressants
- Coughing is a great reflex our bodies have to help the lungs clear out germs and mucous.
- Cough suppressants block that reflex, telling your brain to stop coughing.
- The problem with stopping your child’s cough is that you are also stopping the body's ability to rid itself of mucous and germs.
What to do When Your Child has a Cold
First, know that a cold is caused by viruses and will go away on its own. Then focus on the best way to help your child “get better” by strengthening his or her immune system and easing the symptoms as best possible by:
- Giving your child lots of fluids appropriate for their age. This will help keep them hydrated and thin out mucous.
- Sitting in a steamy bathroom or using a cool mist humidifier to soothe irritated throats and noses, thin out mucous and make it easier for the mucous to drain or be coughed out.
- Using a bulb syringe to remove mucous and clear the nose. Saline nose drops can be used before suctioning to loosen thick or crusted mucous.
- Keeping infants and children propped up to help promote drainage.
- Providing cough drops or throat lozenges that can be used for children over 4 years of age.
- Using acetaminophen or ibuprofen for sore throats, headaches, fever or muscle aches that can be associated with colds.
- Making sure your child gets plenty of rest and TLC to promote healing.
This article was written by Barb Warner, RN, a pediatric nurse at the St. Louis Children's Hospital Answer Line.