A
press release in January 2007 from the United States
Center for Disease Control urged parents, caregivers
and doctors to think before they dosed. This information
was provided after the CDC studied more then 1500
cases of infants and children visiting emergency rooms
from side effects or overdoses of cold and cough medicine.
You’ll
notice that not many, if any cold and cough medications
are designed strictly for children under two. The
safety and effectiveness has not been established
and no recommended dose has been provided. The instruction
has always been given to contact your child’s
doctor before giving any over the counter medication.
The CDC included doctor’s in this recommendation
because they believe, after the results of their research,
that no child under the age of two should be given
an over the counter cold and cough medication unless
it is absolutely necessary.
The main
reasoning behind this recommendation is the active
ingredients that are found in these types of medications.
The link that tied all the cases together was high
levels of pseudoephedrine. In some instances, the
levels were several times higher then the recommended
levels of children under the age of 12.
Infant
and toddler dosages are determined by their weight
and type of medication. Special devices are used to
measure out each dose. (Not provided in the package)
The doses are also not universal. Just because your
child may receive 0.6ml of one medication does not
mean they should receive that dosage for all medications.
This becomes even more confusing because cold and
cough medications come in different forms. One brand
that is available for purchase might be labeled “suspension”.
Labeling a medication a suspension means it’s
more concentrated. As you can guess, this can become
very dangerous if a parent is not careful.
Doctor’s
have been suggesting that a little extra attention
and babying an infant/toddler is better/safer then
medicating them. Most of the reasons responsible for
a young child to have a cold are due to a virus. Medications
have no real effect on viruses; they just need to
run their course.
I
have several suggestions to try in place of medicating
your sick infant/toddler:
Add
a humidifier to the room: Mucus becomes
thick in dry air. Adding a humidifier helps keep the
room air moist. This should help your little one to
breathe a little easier. Keep in mind it’s important
to change the water in the humidifier daily to prevent
mold and mildew from forming.
Take
a shower: Bringing your child into the
bathroom with you while you shower can work wonders.
The warm steam is great for their airways and a great
way for you to relax at the same time. If your child
can/will not sit by while you shower, try several
visits to the bathroom. Close the door and turn on
the hot shower for a few minutes a few times a day.
Keep
your child upright: If your child will
tolerate it, allow them to nap in their car seat.
Elevating the crib using a pillow underneath the crib
mattress (never put a pillow directly inside a crib
as this is an increased risk for SIDS) or even allowing
them to sleep with you if that’s what makes
them comfortable.
Shorter
more frequent feedings: It’s difficult
for young children to breathe and eat at the same
time. If your child is still bottle/breast feeding,
offer smaller meals more frequently. Fluids are so
very important when a child is sick and this may make
it easier for them to keep hydrated.
Spoil
them: Many parents are afraid to ‘give
in’ to the clingy demands of their young children.
They feel that they are creating bad habits by allowing
them to be held possibly constantly. The reason our
children appear so clingy is because they need and
want mom and dad. Don’t worry about spoiling
your child. Go ahead and hold them as long as they
want to be held. Take the time to offer them extra
attention. Our children need us the most when they
are ill.
These suggestions
should not be used in place of doctor’s advice.
Young infants and children are at greater risk for
developing serious illnesses. When ever you’re
in doubt, please call your pediatrician. Don’t
worry about contacting them too often either; this
is what they are there for.
©
Rebecca Pillar 2007
