But doctors are asking parents to resist the urge to give children underthe age of 6 over-the-counter cough and cold medication.
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Such drugs can have serious side effects on the smallest of children, theFood and Drug Administration warns. Side effects include hives, drowsiness,difficulty breathing and even death.
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"Some 7,000 children end up in the emergency room each year because ofproblems associated with these medicines," says Esther Yoon, M.D., generalpediatrician in the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases at theUniversity of Michigan Health System.
Roughly two-thirds of incidents occurred after children drank medicationwhile unsupervised, according to the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention. Most problems have occurred as a result of dosing errors.
To ease pain from a harsh cough or throat pain, doctors recommend usingover-the-counter acetaminophen and ibuprofen in age-appropriate doses, Yoonsays.
Parents can help prevent colds by washing hands frequently, using instanthand sanitizers, teaching children to cover their mouth and nose when theycough or sneeze, and making sure children are well hydrated, have goodnutrition and are getting enough sleep.
"Other good tips include disinfecting the home, kitchen countertops, doorknobs and toys," Yoon says. "Children should get plenty of vitamin C and E tohelp fight germs and a multivitamin is also helpful."
Cold symptoms caused by a virus typically last between four and five days.But if they continue for more than five days, Yoon recommends taking the childto a doctor.
If a child is having difficulty breathing or is wheezing, he or she shouldbe seen right away. Infants younger than 3 months old with a fever should alsobe seen right away.
For more information, visit these Web sites:To relieve symptoms, doctors recommend the following: -- For blocked noses, parents should use nasal saline drops and a bulb suction to loosen up and remove mucus or have the child blow their nose. -- For coughs, the child should be given a teaspoon of honey or corn syrup if over the age of 1. Have the child drink warm fluids like water, apple juice and chicken broth to help with coughing. -- Take the child into the bathroom and run a hot shower. The steam relaxes the airways and helps with coughing spasms. -- Increase the humidity in the home to help reduce nasal congestion and coughing.
SOURCE University of Michigan Health System
