Since you can't give babies (under 2 yrs) many OTC medications, what do you do f

1. 80

   philliposted 11 years ago

   Since you can't give babies (under 2 yrs) many OTC medications, what do you do for runny nose/cough?
   
   I have a son that has not yet turned 2. He has allergies, so he often has a running nose, some congestion and sometimes wheezing and cough. If it were me with the symptoms, I would just pop a Zyrtec or take some cough medicine. However because of his age, I have not been able to find him any OTC medicines. His doctor always just says let it run it's course. This works most times, but when it is really bad, I want to give him a little help to get over it. I've found tons of medicines for 2 and up, but nothing for younger kids (he meets the recommended weight but not the age). Homeopathics?

   replyreport
2. 0

   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   The best way to deal with nasal congestion and stuffiness is through the use of saline nose drops or spray. Saline is just salt water. It is formulated to be the same as body fluid so it causes no particular sensation in the nose (as opposed, say, to ocean water, which is much stronger and burns). It helps loosen the thick nasal secretions, which can then be either blown out or sucked out (by using a bulb type syringe, which you squeeze prior to inserting in the nose and then “unsqueeze” it while it’s in the nose to suck out the mucus). It is also important to keep the child hydrated by forcing fluids. This helps to keep secretions more fluid and helps to prevent dehydration, which can be caused by fever, excess respiratory activity due to coughing, decreased appetite and diarrhea. A cool mist humidifier or vaporizer in the child’s room at night can also help loosen secretions.

   replyreport
   1. 80

      philliposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the very thorough answer! We've tried most of this, but I did not make the connection with more liquid to keep secretions easier to deal with. I will try this. We use a nebulizer, Little Noses, Vicks plug-ins, etc already.

      replyreport
   2. 0

      JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You are very welcome.

      replyreport
3. 94

   peeplesposted 11 years ago

   If everything Jthomp says doesn't work out for you then talk to your doctor about dosing her based on weight not age. My daughter is just under 2 and was at the hospital yesterday because of a head cold turned infection. The ER doc told me to go get the children's cold and flu (age 6 and up) and dose according to her weight and provided me a chart. The main reason these medications have been changed to 2 or 6 and up is because of parents giving too much and killing their children. So talk to a doc about dosing. When my boys were little they were still for all ages. My daughter is 29lbs and gets 3/4 teaspoon or 3.75 ml but that may be different for your child.

   replyreport
   1. 80

      philliposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      My son is just over 30 lbs., so I'm sure that his doc could probably prescribe something similar.  She seems very anti-OTC, though.

      replyreport
4. 68

   Lady Guinevereposted 11 years ago

   I worte this a few months ago and it will answser most of your questions on how to make you child feeling better in no time.  http://ladyguinevere.hubpages.com/hub/S … lu-At-Home

   replyreport
   1. 80

      philliposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the link...I had not heard about the garlic tip. It's always nice to learn something new. The thing about the honey is that his doctor said he shouldn't eat it until he was at least 2 years old. Thanks for all the info, though!

      replyreport
   2. 68

      Lady Guinevereposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I hear that too.  There are other sweeteners that you can try.  Agave, Splenda, Stevia.  They may be allergic to  cow's milk too.  Beware of the ingredient that is natural in it. It is the CASSEIN and some formula's have it in it too.

      replyreport