Every day parents come into my office with questions about how medications can safely help their children feel better when they’re sick. Following are a few of the most common questions and answers.
What’s the best way to treat my child’s fever?
Parents are often concerned when their child has a fever and think they’re treating their child’s illness by bringing the fever down. But a little fever can actually be a good thing because it’s the body’s way of fighting off a virus.
I don’t treat fever under 102 degrees as long as the child is comfortable. For higher fevers – or if a child is miserable – I recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) because it’s easier on the stomach than other medications. Babies over 6 months old can also take ibuprofen with food. Never give aspirin to a child under age 18. It’s been linked to a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome, which causes swelling in the liver and brain.
What can I give my toddler to help ease cold symptoms?
No medicine cures the common cold. The body has to fight off the virus, and that usually takes a few days or a week. Cold medicines don’t help much, and if used improperly can cause harmful side effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t approve cough and cold medicines for children under age 2, and I tell parents not to use them in children under age 6.
I suggest treating your child naturally. Congestion is the biggest problem for kids with colds. You can use a suction bulb to extract mucus from a baby’s nose. A humidifier or a steam shower before bed also helps. I’ve had good luck using Vicks BabyRub on a child’s feet or chest. For kids over age 1, buckwheat honey may help ease a cough.
My child gets diarrhea when he/she takes antibiotics. Do you have any recommendations?
Try probiotics, found in yogurt made with active cultures. Studies show that probiotics can help reduce diarrhea and other stomach problems. There are even probiotic drops for newborns because some studies suggest they lessen colic.
How can I get my child to take medicine he/she doesn’t like?
Some pharmacies can flavor a medicine. If there’s a flavor your child really likes, your doctor can indicate that on the prescription. Sometimes a little juice or syrup can hide the taste of a medicine your child doesn’t like. Always talk to your pharmacist before using anything to flavor it, however, because some medicines have to be taken on an empty stomach and some shouldn’t be taken with milk.
Is it safe to store medications around my child?
Medications are the leading cause of child poisoning. Always buy medicines with childproof caps and place them high and out of reach. Keep the Poison Control number – (800) 222-1222 – on your cellphone. In an emergency, call quickly, no matter where you are.
Dr. Nina Rezai is a pediatrician at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation and column editor Arian Dasmalchi provide this monthly column.
Correction: Darcie Ellyne, the author of last month’s House Calls column, is a registered dietitian at the San Carlos Center of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Her center location was previously misidentified.
