Health Canada is warning parents not to give cough and cold medication to children under six-years-old. Dr. Marc Berthiaume of Health Canada told CTV News “Based on (our) review, we have come to the conclusion that these products should not be used in children under the age of six”.

Very few studies have proved that cough and cold medications work on children; meanwhile, over a 13-year period, Canadian officials have received reports of 164 negative reactions from children. Those reactions included heart problems, hallucinations and convulsions. Worse yet, 5 deaths have been linked to cough and cold OTC (over the counter) medication.

These concerns are very real, but for parents with young children what does this mean? Many parents are finding themselves at a loss. Western culture has become so dependent on popping pills for all minor ailments that we are left helpless without them.

There are many more effective alternative remedies for coughs and colds in children. These home remedies are safer for your children.  Many of the products you will already have at home so they are convenient and inexpensive.

 Rest and stay warm: Make sure your child rests when he first comes down with the cold. This allows his body to direct all of its energy towards the immune “war”. This battle is hard on the body so help it out by making your child stay warm under a blanket. It will also make him feel more comfortable.

Blow the nose often:  Gently blow your child’s nose frequently rather than allowing him to sniffle the mucus. If your child blows his nose hard this can cause an earache.  Sniffling mucus causes the accumulation of secretions in the back of your child’s throat which promotes bacteria to thrive and can lead to secondary infections.

Drink plenty of hot fluids: Fluids keep the mucus thin and they can soothe the uncomfortable inflamed membranes that line your child’s nose and throat. Colds can dehydrate your child so have him drink at least eight ounces of fluid every two hours. A great home remedy is to make a tea with lemon juice (squeeze real lemons), lots of honey and some ginger.

Bring out the chicken soup: One of the best hot liquids your child can consume when he has a cold is chicken soup. Doctors aren’t sure why chicken soup helps to clear nasal passages but in the tests performed it always works well. Press a clove or two of fresh garlic into his bowl of soup – garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties (helps kill those pesky viruses!)

Hit the spice rack for Thyme: For a cough that won’t clear up then place a tablespoonful of thyme in a bowl, add boiling water and breathe in the steam. Thyme is a potent anti-spasmodic herb which suppresses the cough. It also has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.

Use a saltwater wash: The inflammation and swelling in the nose is caused by molecules called cytokines. If you wash out the cytokines it reduces the swelling and fluid production.  Fill a clean nasal-spray bottle with diluted salt water (one teaspoon salt water to one quart water) and spray each nostril three to four times. Repeat four to five times daily.

Vaporize it: The steam from a vaporizer will loosen mucus, especially if it is thick, and this will help make your child feel more comfortable.

If your child develops a fever, which is considered to be a temperature over 36.4C (97.7F), it is a sign that his body is fighting an infection caused by bacteria, a virus or other foreign organism. The following steps will help reduce a fever and help your child feel more comfortable:

• Dress your child in light cotton clothing;
• Keep the room temperature at a comfortable level;
• Make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids;
• Gently wipe your child’s face with a damp lukewarm cloth of sponge.  Baths are not recommended because they can cause discomfort and shivering;
• Never use an alcohol rub since the alcohol can be absorbed through the child’s skin.

Never use ASA (Aspirin) to treat your child’s fever. This medication has been linked to a rare but serious disease called Reyes Syndrome when it is given to a child with a fever.

Fever treatment in children with a low grade fever (under 101F or 38.5C) includes acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).  These should be used only if the child is in pain or great discomfort. The fact is that a fever can do the body some good since it helps the body defend itself against invading organisms. A slightly elevated body temperature gets the immune system revved up!!  Also, the bacteria or virus will not function as well in higher temperatures, so your child will heal quicker if he has not been medicated.

Please be aware there are times when you definitely should seek medical help for a fever.                                        

In the first three months of life call for help immediately or go to a hospital emergency if your baby has a fever over 39C (102.2F) for more than half an hour.  A baby under two months old with a fever should be seen by a doctor. Also, call if a fever lasts more than six hours in a baby under six months old.