Some cold remedies contain multiple ingredients, such as a decongestant plus a pain reliever, so read the labels of cold medications you take to make sure you're not taking too much of any medication. Talk with your child's doctor before giving any medications. Overuse and misuse of these medications can cause serious damage. However, they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects.Įxperts agree that these shouldn't be given to younger children. For adults and children age 5 and older, OTC decongestants, antihistamines and pain relievers might offer some symptom relief. Try over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medications. Change the water daily, and clean the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions. A cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can add moisture to your home, which might help loosen congestion. Honey may help coughs in adults and children who are older than age 1. A cold remedy used in many cultures, taking in warm liquids, such as chicken soup, tea or warm apple juice, might be soothing and might ease congestion by increasing mucus flow. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, in such children.
Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 3, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Ask your child's doctor for the correct dose for your child's age and weight.Īdults can take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin. For children older than 6 months, give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. For children 6 months or younger, give only acetaminophen. Saline nasal sprays may be used in older children.
To do this, squeeze the bulb, gently place the syringe tip in the nostril about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 12 millimeters), and slowly release the bulb. In infants, experts recommend putting several saline drops into one nostril, then gently suctioning that nostril with a bulb syringe. Over-the-counter saline nasal drops and sprays can help relieve stuffiness and congestion. Don't give lozenges or hard candy to children younger than 6 years.Ĭombat stuffiness. Use caution when giving lozenges or hard candy to children because they can choke on them. You can also try ice chips, sore throat sprays, lozenges or hard candy.
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