The achy muscles, the runny nose and stuffy head. When your
child comes home from school feeling sick, what can you do to help
soothe their aches and pains? The choices of medication can be
overwhelming to parents.
“If your children are really sick and you don’t know what to do,
call your pediatrician. That’s why we’re here,” says Ken Wible, MD,
chief of general pediatrics at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics.
Here is a rundown of common cold and flu treatments and the symptoms
they relieve:
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen: These can ease aches and pain
and reduce high fevers. But consult your pediatrician before giving
your child any; some fever can be good. Never use aspirin in children,
as it has been linked to Reye’s syndrome.
Antihistamines: They have not been proven effective in
fighting colds or flu, although they have been effective in reducing
allergy symptoms. Antihistamines may thicken mucus and increase nasal
stuffiness and unproductive coughs.
Cough syrups: They have not been proven effective in
children; you should consult your pediatrician on the best way to ease
your child’s cough.
Lozenges: Never give your child lozenges or cough drops.
They could choke on them.
Decongestants: They have not been proven effective in
children and can also create side effects such as insomnia and
nervousness.
Nose drops: Most nose drops contain mild saline solution
plus medication to reduce swelling and mucus production in the nose.
But, if used for more than three days consecutively, they may worsen
some symptoms. Consult your pediatrician before using any drops beyond
plain saline drops.
Vaporizers and humidifiers: Although they cannot cure a
cold, cool mist vaporizers and humidifiers can help heal the dry
irritated lining of the nose and liquify mucus so it can be blown or
coughed out.
Rest: Let your child get as much sleep as he or she needs.
Resting will allow the body to recuperate.
