Is cough medicine safe for children?

With schools back in full swing, chances are your child may pick up a few germs, even during the summer months.

There is nothing more upsetting than seeing your child unwell. While the majority of colds your child suffers will help them increase their immunity, it can be distressing to see your child not feeling well.

When your child has a cold, you want to make them feel well as soon as possible. You might even be tempted to run out and get some medicine right away. Is this, however, the correct response? Is it safe to give cold meds to children?

Factor in the age of your child

According to experts, parents should avoid over-the-counter cold remedies until their children are at least four years old. Cold meds can have major side effects, such as delayed breathing, which is especially dangerous for babies and toddlers.

Many cold treatments contain a combination of ingredients. In young children, this combination of chemicals may interfere with or impede the administration of other drugs. There are no treatments that can cure a cold. Over-the-counter medications, such as decongestants, will only alleviate cold symptoms, and they haven’t even been demonstrated to do so in children under the age of six.

Signs and symptoms of a cold in young children

If you see the following symptoms in your child, he or she may have a cold:

• a stuffy or runny nose
• difficulty breastfeeding or bottle feeding due to nasal congestion
• a fever (anything above 38°C)
• chills or clammy hands
• coughing and sometimes sneezing
• a decrease in appetite
• sleeping problems

Good to know: A cold’s symptoms can resemble less severe flu symptoms. They are typically the same symptoms that an adult would have.

When should I be concerned?

Make an appointment with a doctor if your child has any of the following symptoms:

• Weight loss
• dehydration symptoms (if your child hasn’t been urinating or your baby’s nappies are dry)
• difficulty breathing.
• ear pain
• a persistent fever you can’t break
• symptoms that worsen or last longer than 10 days

Natural treatments to help a child with a cold

Thankfully, there are several non-drug options you may try at home to relieve your child’s symptoms.

• Keep the liquids flowing: When your child has a cold, they can drink breast milk, formula, water, or Pedialyte to stay hydrated.
• If your child can’t blow mucus out of their nose, suction the mucous out with a bulb syringe.
• While your child sleeps, use a cool-mist humidifier to give moisture to the air.
• Use saline drops to clear up your baby’s nasal airways.
• To break your child’s fever, dress them in light clothing or give them a lukewarm sponge bath.
• Ensure your child gets enough rest. Sleep helps heal the body.

A word on antibiotics

Your child may require antibiotics if they have a bacterial infection rather than just a cold virus.

Antibiotics should not be used in all circumstances because a viral cold infection cannot be treated with antibiotics. Treatments will not destroy the virus, and your child’s body may develop antibiotic resistance, making antibiotics less effective in the future.

If you’re concerned that your cold symptoms are lasting longer than expected or worsening, a trip to your child’s doctor to rule out the necessity for antibiotics is recommended.