It's the cold season and the winter bug is still in the air. Parents with toddlers have to be on alert because it's easy for their kids to catch the bug at the daycare center.
Experts, however, advise parents not to give their toddlers the usual cold medicine if they become infected with the common cold. According to Romper, there are no concrete studies to ensure that over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications meant for children are actually safe.
The majority of studies on the effects of cold and cough medication are primarily done for adults and experts simply reduce the amount meant for children. It has been learned, however, that such a method is not accurate and dangerous, according to CNN.
Cold medicines have active ingredients like dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine and brompheniramine, and pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. The likelihood of over-medicating children below 6-years-old with these chemicals remains high even as the dose is adjusted.
Toddlers given OTC cold medicine could end up with increased heart rate and high blood pressure, according to pediatrician Dina Kulik, via Huffington Post. They could also suffer seizures or coma and could die due to overdose or accidental consumption.
So, what must parents do instead of giving OTC cold medicine? According to the CNN report, use of nasal saline spray is safer and helpful in relieving nasal congestions in children. Using a humidifier can also improve the toddler's condition.
Parents should see to it that their sick toddler is drinking plenty of fluids. A child with a cold should also stay home and get plenty of rest, for her sake and the other children's sake.
If the toddler is suffering from coughs along with the cold, honey might help with suppressing coughing episodes. If the toddler has developed fever, giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen might be necessary but before doing so, parents should seek the advice of the child's pediatrician before taking any treatment.
