By: Heather L. Zimmerman, M.D.

In January 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that over-the-counter cough and cold medication should not be given to children under the age of 2 years, as they have not been shown to be safe or effective.  The FDA is continuing to look into the effects of over-the-counter cough and cold medications for children 2-11 years.  Colds and all of their ailments (runny nose, water eyes, stuffy nose) will last at least 7-10 days—even if you use over-the-counter medication. Cold medications are used to help treat the symptoms but will not cure your cold. 

So, how do you deal with your children’s cold symptoms without the medications that many people have been dependent on for decades? Boys Town Pediatrics offers advice to parents and caregivers:

• Place a cold mist vaporizer/humidifier in your child’s room
• Use saline drops with a nasal suctioning bulb for infants
• Sit with your child in a hot steamed bathroom for about 10-15 minutes at a time
• Use hard candies (for children over age 4 years) or warm chicken broth to soothe a sore throat
• Keep your child home from school or daycare if he has a fever

To help prevent more colds make sure your child is bundled up for the winter chill, don't share utensils or cups, and practice proper hand-washing. Cold are inevitable, but with the proper precautions you may help cut down on the number of stuffy noses your child will get this year.

Contact your child’s physician if you plan to use any over-the-counter medications so he or she can supply you with the correct dosage for your child’s weight and also recommend products based on your child’s medical history.

Contact your child’s physician any time you have questions about your child’s health.