Many parents give cough syrup to their sick children. This is almost an automatic response at the time of year many kids are sick with a cold. But global health authorities have now issued blanket warnings that should be a cause for alarm. There have been serious incidents that raise questions about safety. These medications may either not be necessary for young children or they may even cause harm.
In fact, leading public health organizations all hold the same opinion. The Indian Academy of Paediatrics discourages the use of cough syrups for children. Their position statement concludes that “Most coughs resolve spontaneously, and cough mixture is not required,” when advising parents that most coughs in childhood resolve without any medicine.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Health Service of Great Britain share the same position. Therefore, there is little clear evidence that using a cough syrup helps speed up recovery. Simply, your child will weather their infection on their own.
Instead, it is better to use supportive natural therapies at home. Make sure your child is getting plenty of rest. Keep them hydrated with plenty of clear fluids. If they have a blocked nose, use saline nasal drops. Steaming (as in a shower) can often relieve nasal congestion. Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry air.
Honey is actually safe for children over one-year of age and an effective natural cough remedy. You can give your child about a half of a teaspoon, and it can coat the throat and soothe the cough. Additionally, honey should never be given to infants under the age of twelve months due to the risk of infant botulism.
The countries of the world set strict age limits. The UK has banned these over-the-counter syrups for children under the age of six years. The recommendation in the US is against the use of them in children under the age of 2, and in India paediatricians discourage the use of the products until children are over the age of six years. Always use the label and follow the guidelines provided.
Self-medication with cough syrup is extremely risky. Administering too little or too much can produce undesirable effects, for instance, drowsiness, and even heart palpitations. There is also a risk that using syrup in addition to another form of medication can cause an interaction. Always administer syrups that come from licensed manufacturer’s only.
See a doctor first. They are in the best position to assess your child’s effectiveness in handling the cold. A prescription will ensure the dosing is appropriate. Never give your child syrup, unless a profession has approved the usage of syrup. That is the safest possible way to treat your child.
Parents should view these syrups with a much broader viewpoint. A syrup does not resolve the cold; it only controls symptoms for a limited time. The body’s immune system does the work, so support it with tried and proven care; the illness will run its course.
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