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Alternative Remedies to Cold and Cough Medicine
As you have recently learned and heard on the news, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is recommending that children under 6 should not be administered cold and cough medicine due to potential side affects and unproven benefits. Currently, the FDA's advisory has been for children under 2.
Below, here are some safe, natural remedies for children of all ages if you’re in search of alternative treatments given the FDA’s advisory and AAP's recommendation against use of cold and cough medicine in kids.
Alternative Remedies to Cold and Cough Medicine
Capsules, Powders, & Potions Beware: Keep in mind that herbal supplements should not be given to children. Vitamins should only be given under the direction of the pediatrician. The FDA doesn't regulate OTC supplements. Because young bodies process drugs differently, kids may be especially vulnerable to side effects.
No Honey for Infants: Honey should not be given to children under the age of one as it may contain bacterial spores that can cause infant botulism, a rare and serious form of food poisoning. Infant botulism affects a baby's nervous system and can result in death.
H2O & You, not Babies: Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day as it flushes out toxins and serves to rehydrate the body. Keeping the body hydrated through water consumption is important so that mucus membranes are also, in turn, hydrated and thus able to effectively expelling virus particles. Babies under the age of one should not drink water unless advised by a pediatrician.
Warm vs. Cool Mist Humidifiers: Humidifiers are a solution to coughs and stuffed up noses as they hydrate mucus membranes, helping the body expel germs more effectively. Look for bacteria-eliminating features like in the Vicks GermFree Humidifier, which features a patented UV light chamber that kills up to 99.999% of bacteria, mold and spores in the water vapor that enters the air. For maximum safety in the nursery, use a Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier.
Saline Drops vs. Spray: For nasal congestion in babies, consider using nasal saline drops, which are gentler, and a bulb syringe to help loosen and clear mucus. For older children, you can use a nasal saline spray.
If you have other home remedies you would like to share with Moms Buzz readers, please provide it in the comments section.
- The Moms Buzz
Hello - You have a very good and helpful blog! This is a very important article and I wanted to share a real life story about the dangers of honey and infants as you mention here:
http://www.yourerdoc.com/botulism-infants-and-honey/
Thank you!
Posted by: Brian | January 02, 2009 at 04:13 PM