If your adopted children are anything like mine, they tend to get colds or some type of illness frequently, especially during that first year of placement. All but one of my adopted children came to us through the foster care system so we have some experience with new germs entering our home. Colds, especially when accompanied with constant coughing and runny noses, are a nuisance. When the coughing goes on all night long, interrupting your sleep, you can become desperate for some type of help. When the colds spread to all of your children, you can become really desperate. You may think some of those over-the-counter cough and cold medicines can help your children feel better. When the children feel better everyone in the house sleeps better. Unfortunately, cough and cold medicines are not recommended for children under 2 years of age, by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many pediatricians don’t like older children to use them either so what is a parent to do?

A pediatrics specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Jay Hoecker, M.D, gives some practical advice on the Mayo Clinic Website. There still is no cure for the common cold and those over-the-counter cough and cold medicines won't make a cold go away sooner. There are risks involved in using these over the counter medicines. Accidental overdose can be fatal to young children who may require small doses. When children are having trouble breathing, the sedating effects of antihistamines can be dangerous. Research has indicated that cough and cold medicines are no more effective than placebos with children. Low-grade fevers don't need treatment and are a sign that the body is trying to heal itself.

Viruses do not respond to antibiotics and because colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics won't help your child feel better any sooner. Overuse of antibiotics can increase your child’s risk of getting sick with an antibiotic-resistant infection in the future.

Pain relievers like acetaminophen or Ibuprofen can help headaches, ear infections, or sore throats feel better and lower high fevers. Offering plenty of water or juice to drink can help loosen congestion and clear mucus from the child’s airway. Moistening the air, taking hot showers, and using nasal saline drops can soothe nasal passages. Remember to encourage sick children to rest. Older children can gargle with salt water to help sore throats, sucking on cough drops or hard candies can also help.

You should consider contacting your pediatrician if your child is ill and under three months or has the following conditions. If your child isn’t urinating as often, it could indicate dehydration. If your child has a temperature over 103 F (39.4 C) for one day or over 100 F (37.8 C) for more than three days. If your child seems to have ear pain, sinus pain, or a thick green nasal discharge for more than two weeks contact your doctor.

Seek immediate medical help if your child has refused to accept fluids and is becoming dehydrated. If your child coughs hard enough to vomit, expel blood-tinged sputum, or hard enough to cause changes in skin color. If your child has difficulty breathing or has a bluish hue around the lips and mouth, seek emergency intervention.

You know the old saying; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Wash your hands, your child’s hands, toys, and household surfaces frequently. Teach your children to sneeze or cough into a tissue or towards their armpit. Avoid sharing cups, utensils, towels, or washcloths and stay away from sick people.

Photo Credit Julia Fuller 2007