Cough, Coughs, Coughing
Germ Proof Your Kids
Cough, Coughs, Coughing
Expectorants and Antitussives: Big Words for Little Kids with Coughs
When your child is uncomfortable due to a cough, you want to give her or him a safe, effective medicine to soothe the hacking.
The most common type of cough medicines -- of which there are dozens -- are expectorants and antitussives.
Expectorants thin the secretions in your child's airways and loosen the cough. A looser cough makes it easier for you child to get the mucus up and out.
Antitussives work differently. They inhibit the cough reflex.
Unfortunately, most commercial anti-cough formulas don't distinguish between the two types of medicines -- but they should!
Expectorants -- the ones that loosen mucus, should NOT be used on dry coughs because there is no mucus to thin. And antitussives should NOT be used on wet coughs because the caughing is necessary to clear out the secretions.
But here is the real kicker: There is no scientific evidence that either type of cough medicine ingredient works faster or better than nature itself in helping soothe your kids' coughs. Indeed, a prominent group of cough experts (yes, there are people who specialize in coughs) issued guidelines in January 2006 recommending that kids under the age of 15 avoid over-the-counter cough medicines altogether. No expectorants. No antitussives.
For younger children cough medicines pose a an extra risk. Kids who somehow get their hands on an open bottle of flavored cough syrup may accidentially overdose.
Here again, old-fashion remedies are best: honey in drinks; chicken soup; lots of rest; and lots of extra hugs.
The most common type of cough medicines -- of which there are dozens -- are expectorants and antitussives.
Expectorants thin the secretions in your child's airways and loosen the cough. A looser cough makes it easier for you child to get the mucus up and out.
Antitussives work differently. They inhibit the cough reflex.
Unfortunately, most commercial anti-cough formulas don't distinguish between the two types of medicines -- but they should!
Expectorants -- the ones that loosen mucus, should NOT be used on dry coughs because there is no mucus to thin. And antitussives should NOT be used on wet coughs because the caughing is necessary to clear out the secretions.
But here is the real kicker: There is no scientific evidence that either type of cough medicine ingredient works faster or better than nature itself in helping soothe your kids' coughs. Indeed, a prominent group of cough experts (yes, there are people who specialize in coughs) issued guidelines in January 2006 recommending that kids under the age of 15 avoid over-the-counter cough medicines altogether. No expectorants. No antitussives.
For younger children cough medicines pose a an extra risk. Kids who somehow get their hands on an open bottle of flavored cough syrup may accidentially overdose.
Here again, old-fashion remedies are best: honey in drinks; chicken soup; lots of rest; and lots of extra hugs.
Adapted from: Germ Proof Your Kids: The Complete Guide to Protecting (Without Overprotecting) Your Family From Infections.
Cough Plus Honey = Softer Cough, Science Says
Grandmothers have long known that honey -- in tea, in milk, or straight up -- soothes kids' coughs and helps them feel better. A December 2007 study proves that, again, Grandma is right.
Honey performed better than cough medicine or no treatment at all in easing coughs due to colds and flu. Honey also helped kids sleep better.
Be mindful that if your child is under 15 months of age, honey is a no no. Believe it or not, there is a risk in children this age of contracting botulism.
One non-scientific benefit of honey is that -- unlike flavored over-the-counter cough medicines -- kids aren't very likely to overdose on honey should they get their hands on an open bottle when you are not looking.
Besides, ever hear of Winnie the Pooh getting stuck trying to break into a pharmacy? Us neither!
Adapted from: Germ Proof Your Kids: The Complete Guide to Protecting (Without Overprotecting) Your Family From Infections.