Health & Wellness

Parent Edition | 11th Annual | 2014

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12 "I know waking up is not very much fun, but for the most part, the cough is what's keeping the goo out of their lungs. It's a protective reflex," says Gablehouse, a pediatrician with Peak Pediatrics in Wheat Ridge. "Over-the-counter cough medicines are not effective and might put them at high risk for pneumonia," Gablehouse says, referring to the serious illness that can result if the "goo" settles in the lungs. "In small kids, if they need to cough, they need to cough." In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration recom- mended that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines never be used in children younger than 4, and that 4- to 6-year-olds should use these medicines only with a doctor's supervision. The recommendation was based on a review of a number of cases involving a range of serious side effects in children using these non-prescription drugs. Cold and Cough Medicines for Youngsters Are a No-No Dr. Brian Gablehouse often gets the plea in the middle of the night: "Please tell me what I can do for my baby's cough," a worried and sleep-deprived parent begs over the phone. Unfortunately, if the child is 6 or under, Gablehouse's answer is: Not much. by Keri Mitchell

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