Why can t babies have cough medicine?
It’s a common question among parents and caregivers of young children: why can’t babies have cough medicine? As frustrating as it may seem, there are several reasons why this is the case. In this article, we’ll explore some of the science behind infant coughs and medications, and explain what parents should do instead when their little ones start to feel under the weather.
The Risks of OTC Medications
Many over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines contain ingredients such as dextromethorphan or guaifenesin intended to alleviate symptoms. These types of drugs work by affecting various parts of our bodies’ systems that are involved in causing us to cough – altering nerve signals from irritated airways or loosening mucus within them.
However, even trace amounts can be dangerous for infants because many OTC meds contain multiple active ingredients combined with alcohol/syrup which impairs liver functioning- they may not only fail in treating your baby but also put his/her health at risk-unintended overdose/cognitive impairment/drug interactions being examples!
Infant Immune System Development
While these risks alone might warrant caution when considering whether an infant should take any medication, there other reasons why babies cannot intake most types.The human immune system undergoes continual development throughout childhood (and often into early adulthood). During infancy specifically, it isn’t fully equipped to handle a wide range infections; hence over-reliance on meds like adults could result in masking more serious issues developing.
Additionally concerns are raised since these substances pose mood-altering effects(pacifying/binding receptors meant merely for adults),recommending shorter dosages or smaller quantities has therefore been opened up for much discussion within scientific community.
Alternative Treatments
Don’t fret just yet though.There still exists practical home remedies which address mild flu symptoms rather than suppressing temporarily.Certainly the reactivity of parents to Coughing fits will be tempered by more natural options which are generally safer and controllable. Some home remedies worth considering include but not limited to:
Steam Therapy
A tried, tested & trusted formula.By running a warm shower or bath,turn hot water tap on together with keeping windows/entry doors shut creates an imitation humid infusion in some way similar to inhaling VapoRub solution. Essentially facilitating easier aspiration and soothing those inflamed nasal passages-the dristictive cough should lessen where might occur.
Honey/Dark Chocolate
Honey possesses anti-bacterial properties; immediately nurturing sore throats including suppressing tickles therein.Also mild inflammation response in airway lining is miminized effectively nipping bronchitis/cold causes/duration symptoms mitigated thereby.Your doctor may recommend particular brand/similar remedy however honey over dairy products supraliminaly makes taste buds most satisfied!
Diet Control
Ensuring moderate hydration while at it(either through breast milk/baby formula/fruit juice-not concentrated)as well as reducing cow-milk based food items has shown positive result too.Nutrition counts doubly with health issues.Therefore introducing soups broths where temperature doesn’t aggravate any sensitivity could do no harm either!
Nasal hand-suction devices
By far less invasive than traditional conical suckers-these non-toxic phthalates-free rubber tubes adapted for infants selectively extract surplus mucus.Making feed times smoother(no obtrusive gagging sobs during meal time).
Changes that can minimize chances of flu/cough among babies would also make good follow up actions just besides usage od home remedies enumerated above –
- Avoid smoke exposure from cigarettes,trees,trash incineration.
- wash hands often using soap or antibacterial sanitizer-very important until better immunity builds-up between ages 6months -to 1 year.
- Limit contact with people who seem really tired/sick/frequent sneezing- to do this,merely physical distancing or face mask use given Covid19 would suffice.
Conclusion
Babies are thinking beings but have limited physiological development hence care needs to accommodate that fact.The risks of giving OTC cough medicines moreover the slim chances they actually aid in your baby’s recovery make Home Remedies not only widely used but convenient as well.Dietary modifications and lifestyle changes also help minimize infections against relapses.Safe alternatives like steam therapy,nasal suctioning,Honey & Dark Chocolate are most ideal.More research is ongoing concerning safe drug dosage administration management among neonates ensuring holistic feedback for concerned parents.Consequently Parents/guardians should keep up routine vaccine schedules,visit doctor regularly(including spontaneous check-ups)monitor progress pay attention,to symptoms such as fever,hypoxia.General positive environment aimed at better immunity remains paramount.