Kids And Colds

Many over-the-counter cough and cold remedies can harm toddlers and preschoolers, charge critics who are pushing the government for stricter warnings to prevent life-threatening overdoses.The Food and Drug Administration will review the drugs, after a petition filed by Baltimore public health officials and others on Thursday.

How Can You Tell If Your Child Has A Cold?

Cold symptoms tend to come on gradually, and may include, according to WebMD:

Runny nose

Congestion

Sneezing

Reduced sense of taste and smell

Scratchy throat

Cough

How Can You Prevent The Common Cold?

According to WebMD, colds are hard to prevent, but here are top tips:

Avoid contact with people who have a cold.

Wash your hands after touching anyone with a cold.

Keep your child home when they are sick to help prevent others from catching the cold.

Encourage your child to cover his or her mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Discourage your child from touching his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

What Is The Concern About Cold Medicine?

In higher than normal doses, cold medicines can affect the heart's electrical system, leading to arrhythmias. Some medicines affect the blood vessels and, in high doses, have been associated with hypertension and stroke. In rare cases, children have been injured even when given recommended doses.

In a recent study of hospital emergency room records from 2004 and 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that at least 1,519 children under age 2 had suffered serious health problems after being treated with common cough and cold medicines. Three of the children died, the disease control agency found.

To Learn More:

• You can click here for more information from the FDA.

• Click here for over the counter cold and cough drug product information.

• You can read more about pediatric drug guidelines from the FDA.

• Click here for a video about kids and cold medicine from WebMD.