Health and Wellness
Smart advice about kids and colds
The FDA recommended that all infant cold and cough medications be pulled from shelves. But as cold and flu season rolls in, parents are asking, "What am I supposed to do now for my sick baby?"
"Parents are concerned about how to treat the cough and cold this year since they don't have access to or feel safe using over-the-counter cough medications right now," says Arthur Benzick, MD, pediatrician at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine.
Cough and cold medications are not cures.
"Most of the viruses and common colds that circulate every year go away on their own without any medication," says Dr. Benzick. "These medications only help relieve the symptoms-not kill the virus. Usually, a virus like that will run its course in about 5 to 10 days."
Parents can help a child with a cough or cold in ways that do not include medication.
"For example, nasal saline can be used on a young child. You can also elevate the head of the bed or use a humidifier or vaporizer to help the child sleep through the night," says Dr. Benzick. "If the child still appears to be uncomfortable, you can also give them a non-aspirin pain reliever," he says.
"But if your child runs a fever of more than 100.4 degrees or if they have had a cough for more than a few days, it's best to go ahead and call their pediatrician," adds Dr. Benzick.
Used with permission from www.health-eheadlines.com, © 2007 Write On, Inc.
