Common Childhood Ailments and OTC Relief
Children often come down with minor illnesses like colds, allergies, fever, and stomach bugs. While these ailments usually clear up on their own, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide relief for your child's symptoms and make them more comfortable. Here's an overview of common childhood sicknesses and OTC treatment options.
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Coughs, Colds, and Congestion
Colds are the most common cause of coughs and congestion in children. OTC cough and cold medicines containing decongestants like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine can relieve stuffy and runny noses. Cough suppressants like dextromethorphan can ease coughing. Expectorants like guaifenesin help loosen mucus.
Use caution with multi-symptom cold medicines in young children and stick to single-ingredient preparations. Always check labels for proper dosing by age and weight.
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Allergies
Children with seasonal or environmental allergies may have persistent sneezing, coughing, congestion, and itchy eyes. OTC antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and cetirizine (Zyrtec) can block allergy symptoms. Nasal corticosteroid sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) reduce inflammation.
For eye allergies, lubricating eye drops can provide relief. Oral antihistamines are also effective for eye allergy symptoms.
Pain and Fever
For pain and fever relief, OTC options like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are generally safe for older infants and children. Always follow dosing guidelines on the label.
Do not give aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Use caution with ibuprofen in children under 6 months old.
Sponging with lukewarm water can also help lower a fever. Keep your child hydrated by offering plenty of fluids.
Upset Stomach and Diarrhea
For nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, try an OTC antiemetic like bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol). Oral rehydration solutions help replenish fluids and electrolytes.
OTC probiotics containing lactobacillus and saccharomyces can help restore gut bacteria after illness. Yogurt with live active cultures can also help.
Avoid anti-diarrheal medicines in children under 6 years old.
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Skin Irritations and Rashes
For minor skin irritations, an OTC hydrocortisone cream can reduce inflammation and itching. Oral antihistamines may also provide relief.
Antifungal creams containing clotrimazole, miconazole, or tolnaftate can treat fungal infections like ringworm and athlete's foot.
Keep the affected area clean and dry. See your pediatrician if symptoms persist or worsen.
With many OTC options for children's symptoms, always read medication labels carefully and give the proper dose for your child's age and weight. For severe or persistent illnesses, consult your pediatrician. With careful use, OTC medicines can effectively and safely relieve many common childhood ailments.
Coughs, Colds and Congestion in Children
Coughs, colds, and nasal congestion are very common in children. These upper respiratory infections are usually caused by viruses and often clear up within 7-10 days without treatment. However, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help provide symptom relief and make your child more comfortable.
Common Cold Symptoms
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Body aches
OTC Medications for Colds
Several types of OTC medications can help relieve cold and cough symptoms in children ages 4-6 years old, with proper dosing:
| Medication Type | Active Ingredients | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Decongestants | Pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine | Relieve congestion and sinus pressure |
| Cough suppressants | Dextromethorphan | Control coughs |
| Expectorants | Guaifenesin | Loosen mucus from chest and throat |
Dosing Tips
- Give the proper dose based on your child's age and weight
- Read medication labels carefully
- Measure doses carefully using the dosing device provided
- Follow dosing schedule on label (usually every 4-6 hours)
Avoid drug combinations in young children and stick to single-ingredient OTC cold preparations. Always check with your pediatrician if you have dosage or medication questions.
Other Comfort Measures
In addition to OTC medications, other remedies can help relieve cold and cough symptoms:
- Increase fluid intake to stay hydrated
- Use a cool mist humidifier to moisten airways
- Elevate head with extra pillows to promote drainage
- Saline nasal spray to loosen mucus
With OTC medications and home remedies, you can help your child feel better until their cold runs its course. See your pediatrician if symptoms last more than 10 days or worsen.
Upset Stomach and Diarrhea in Children
It’s common for kids to occasionally get an upset stomach or diarrhea. Stomach bugs and viruses that cause vomiting or diarrhea usually clear up on their own. But over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help relieve symptoms and prevent dehydration until your child feels better.
Causes
An upset stomach may be caused by:
- Viral infections
- Food poisoning
- Motion sickness
- Eating too much unhealthy food
Diarrhea can be caused by:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Parasites
- Food intolerances
OTC Medication Options
For nausea and vomiting, OTC medications like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) can help soothe the stomach. Follow dosing instructions carefully based on your child’s age and weight.
Oral rehydration solutions help replenish fluids and electrolytes lost from vomiting and diarrhea. Products like Pedialyte are preferred for children.
For diarrhea specifically, loperamide (Imodium A-D) can help control symptoms in children ages 6 and older. But talk to your doctor before use.
Probiotic Supplements
OTC probiotic supplements containing strains like Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces can help restore healthy gut bacteria and relieve digestive issues. Yogurt with live active cultures can also help.
Home Remedies
In addition to medication, try these remedies to soothe an upset stomach:
- Encourage rest
- Serve bland, BRAT diet foods
- Apply warmth with hot water bottle or heating pad
- Give small sips of ginger ale or mint tea
For diarrhea, focus on hydration and electrolyte replacement. Avoid sugary fruit juices which can make diarrhea worse.
Call your pediatrician if symptoms don’t improve after 24 hours or if you notice signs of dehydration like excessive thirst, dry mouth, or dark urine.
Skin Irritations and Rashes in Children
It’s common for kids to develop minor skin irritations or rashes at some point. These are often caused by allergies, dry skin, or infections. While rashes usually clear up on their own, over-the-counter (OTC) creams, antihistamines, and antifungals can provide relief from symptoms.
Common Causes of Rashes
- Eczema - dry, itchy patches
- Allergic reactions - raised, red, itchy bumps
- Insect bites - itchy, swollen bumps
- Ringworm - circular, scaly rash
- Impetigo - oozing blisters with crusting
OTC Rash Treatments
For itchy rashes, a topical hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation. Oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) can also relieve itchiness.
Antifungal creams like clotrimazole, miconazole, or tolnaftate applied twice daily can treat fungal infections like ringworm or athlete’s foot.
Antibiotic ointments such as mupirocin (Bactroban) can treat bacterial skin infections like impetigo or infected scrapes, with doctor approval.
Oatmeal baths, calamine lotion, and aloe vera gel can also help soothe irritated skin.
Home Treatment Tips
- Keep the affected area clean and dry
- Avoid scratching, which can worsen rashes
- Apply cool compresses to reduce inflammation
- Have child wear loose, breathable clothing
See your pediatrician if the rash spreads, symptoms worsen, or the rash lasts more than a few days. Signs of infection like oozing, fever, or red streaks may require prescription medication.
With close monitoring and proper topical treatment, most mild skin irritations and rashes in children can be treated at home. But contact your doctor if you have any concerns.
How Amazon Prime Benefits Frequent OTC Medication Buyers
For parents and caregivers who regularly purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medications for children, Amazon Prime offers several benefits that can save time and money.
Free Two-Day Shipping
One of the biggest perks of Amazon Prime is free two-day shipping on millions of items. This means you can stock up on essential OTC medicines and treatments for your kids and receive them quickly without paying extra shipping fees.
When your child wakes up with a fever on a Friday night, you can order acetaminophen or ibuprofen and have it on your doorstep by Sunday, rather than running to the store.
Amazon Family Discounts
Amazon Prime members can create an Amazon Family account to access exclusive discounts on baby products, toys, clothing, and more. Although the discounts vary, you may save up to 20% on select OTC medicines and first aid items for kids.
Subscribe & Save
With the Subscribe & Save program, you can schedule regular automatic deliveries of household items like OTC medications. This ensures you never run out, plus you save up to 15% per item. It's easy to cancel or adjust the cadence if your needs change.
Amazon Household
If you share Amazon Prime with another adult through Amazon Household, you both can access the benefits. That means you and your spouse/partner can conveniently get OTC medicines delivered fast with free shipping.
For parents who frequently need OTC medications for sick kids, Amazon Prime can make stocking the medicine cabinet quicker, cheaper, and more convenient.
"Top 6 OTC Medications & Treatments For Common Baby & Child Care Problems"
Top 6 OTC Medications & Treatments for Common Baby & Child Care Problems:
- Analgesics: Treat pain and fever. Common analgesics for infants and children are acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Don't give aspirin to children younger than 19, because it can cause a rare but sometimes deadly condition called Reye syndrome.
- Antihistamines: Treat runny noses, itchy eyes, and sneezing caused by allergies (but not colds). Some can cause drowsiness, so be careful when giving them to your child.
- Cough and cold medicines: The FDA and the AAP advise against giving over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to infants and small children because of the risk of life-threatening side effects. Studies have shown cough and cold products may not help the symptoms of children under 6 years old, and may cause serious problems.
- Glycerin laxative: Pedia-Lax is a glycerin laxative, rectal liquid or suppository that can help relieve constipation in children.
- Enema: Fleet for children is an enema that can help relieve constipation in children.
- Milk of Magnesia: Phillips Milk of Magnesia and Fletcher's Laxative for Kids are laxatives that can help relieve constipation in children.
What Are The Risks Of Giving Over-The-Counter Cough And Cold Medicines To Infants And Small Children??
Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines can pose serious risks for young children. The FDA and the AAP advise against giving over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to infants and small children because of the risk of life-threatening side effects. Reported side effects of these products included convulsions, rapid heart rates, and even death. Children under 2 years of age should not be given any kind of cough and cold product that contains a decongestant or antihistamine because serious and possibly life-threatening side effects could occur. Studies have shown cough and cold products may not help the symptoms of children under 6 years old, and may cause serious problems. Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines can also be harmful if they’re given too often or if more than the recommended amount is being used. Pediatricians strongly urge parents and caregivers to measure children's liquid medications in metric units, rather than by teaspoon or tablespoon. It's best to use the dropper, syringe, or dosing cup that comes with your child's medication. If one is not included, ask your doctor or pharmacist for one. Never use a kitchen spoon.
What Are Some Alternative Treatments For Cough And Cold In Infants And Small Children??
There are several alternative treatments for cough and cold in infants and small children that do not involve over-the-counter medications. Here are some drug-free remedies that can help ease your child's symptoms:
- Saline drops: A nasal rinse can help ease your baby's congestion because it loosens the thick mucus that's clogging their nose. Look for over-the-counter saline drops or sprays, or make your own: Stir a half-teaspoon of table salt into a cup of warm water. Lay your little one on their back, and use a dropper to put two or three drops into each nostril. Wipe away any mucus, or use a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to suction it out.
- Increase fluids: Give your child more drinks than usual. Extra fluids can thin out their mucus so their nose won't be as stuffy and they’ll cough up all that gunk more easily. Most drinks, like water, juice, and milk, are fine. Warm liquids like chicken soup, or apple juice can soothe a sore throat. Be sure they’re warm, not hot, to avoid burns. You can also offer an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte, or popsicles. Babies under 6 months should only drink breast milk or formula, not water or juice. But you may offer more milk than usual for coughs or colds.
- Honey: It soothes sore throats and eases coughs. It may even work better for children than OTC cough medicines. Give your child 1/2 teaspoon of honey before bedtime. But never give it to a child less than a year old. It can make them very ill.
- Use a humidifier: Moisture in the air makes it easier to breathe, so run a humidifier in your child's bedroom at night. Cool-mist models are safer than those that produce steam. Follow cleaning instructions carefully to avoid the growth of bacteria and mold.
- Mentholated rub: For children 2 years and older, you can rub a thick layer of a mentholated rub on the skin over the chest and neck (over the throat). As with all medicines, follow directions closely and put it up and away, out of your child's reach, once you are done using it.
- Cough drops: For children aged 6 years and older, cough drops can decrease the tickle in the throat. If you don't have any, you can use hard candy. Avoid cough drops before 6 years. Reason: risk of choking.
It's important to note that if your child's symptoms are severe or last longer than a week, you should consult a pediatrician.
