by Marla Carlton
A group of pediatricians are petitioning the FDA to look into the safety of over the counter cold and cough medicines given to children, especially under the age of 6 years. The petitioners argue that these products have never been proven to benefit children so young.
Dr. Charles Ganley, top FDA administration official said the agency was “revisiting the risks and benefits of the use of these drugs in children”. In a CBS news article it states, Ganley also acknowledged to reporters that the petition, perhaps unwittingly, asks a much broader question about the efficacy of the drugs when used in children not just to age 6, but up to 12. That’s because the efficacy of the drugs in children across the 2-to-12 age group generally has been established by extrapolating data from testing in adults.The article goes on to state that according to the CDC “The FDA has never approved dosing recommendations for the 0-2 age group for the drugs. Nor is it known just how much of their various ingredients it would take to injure or kill children that young”
Adding to this, the American College of Chest Physicians last year (2006) recommended avoiding using cough and cold medicines in children, especially young ones. In the Associated Press article they reported “in above-normal doses…” (which many parents commonly do accidentally), “…cold medicines can lead to heart arrhythmias, and some have been linked to hypertension and stroke when taken in high doses. In rare cases, children have had medical problems after taking recommended doses.
In the world we live in today there seems to be a drug for everything. As a parent you want to find the thing that will quickly make your baby better or seem better. I know I reached for every fever reducer, and cold and cough medicine I could find when my first child was born. Now as a mom of 3 children, with more “flu and cold” experience, I have stepped back a bit and think more about what I’m putting into my children’s bodies. Don’t get me wrong I am certainly not paranoid about drugs and medical treatments I believe there is a time and a place for everything. I am simply opening my mind to the alternatives and taking a walk down the holistic path.
Most newborn babies are innocent and pure, not tainted by our world’s toxins and chemicals. Their bodies are learning how to react to the world around them, internally and externally. Each time a baby is sick their immune system kicks into action and builds antibodies to fight off the infection. Have you ever heard that saying “Fever is your best friend”. Dr Lauren Feder, nationally recognized physician specializing in homeopathic medicine states in her book “Natural Baby and Childcare” The fever and its accompanying symptoms, whle annoying are vital in helping to strengthen the immune system and ward off future infection”. Ask your doctor how high you can let your child’s fever go before administering fever reduction medicine - it’s much higher than you think and according to many doctors if you can hold out it will help your child fight off the infection faster and his immune system will grow stronger. Over the counter medicines have never claimed to be a cure they just take away the discomfort. Dr. Michael Marcus, director of pediatric pulmonology, allergy and immunology at Maimonides Infants and Children’s Hospital in New York, said, “The best thing (parents) can do is support with fluids and lots of kisses and time, because lots of infections are viral and will pass in a few days. The medications have a greater potential for harm than the infections you are trying to treat.”
What about the natural way? As I said, I have been steering down the holistic path since my oldest son seemed to go from one virus to the next and had bad eczema. For me, homeopathic and natural remedies really have worked. I have seen a noticeable difference in his immune response since I stopped reaching for traditional over the counter medicine at every bout of a cold. I have learned there are homeopathic remedies for most common ailments for babies and children. Boiron, Hylands and Child Life are the most common brands of children’s remedies. If you aren’t familiar with homeopathic remedies check out your local Whole Foods store, or look in your area for homeopathic or naturopath doctors. You can also visit Dr. Lauren Feder’s website for a lot of useful information.
The goal for me is how can I help my children be healthier, stronger and boost their immune response. As parents, we do have choices to make for our children’s health and it’s important to do some research and make informed decisions. I feel better about the choices I’ve made in the past year and after the recent cold and cough medicine reports it makes me think I moving in the right direction.
References:
Children’s Cough Medicines Could Be Fatal for Youngsters, Christine Moers March 2, 2007
Over-the-Counter Cold and Cough Medicines Can Kill Babies, CDC Says, Associated Press January 12, 2007
Natural Baby and Childcare: Practical Medical Advice and Holistic Wisdom for Raising Healthy Children from Birth to Adolescence. Dr. Lauren Feder
