Treating Cough And Cold Flashcards
What is the evidence for potential harm for using cough/cold medications?
5% ALTE’s showed CCM on tox screens.
May be associated with pediatric deaths, ? Related to ingredients.
CCM’s responsible for 6% of ER visits related to med usage in <12.
What percentage of children use medicinal products in a given week? (<12 yo)
What are most of these meds?
> 50%. Most are cough/cold meds
Is there evidence for effectiveness of cough/cold meds in pediatrics?
Not proven to work. Dosing derived from adults.
What are the 7 risk factors for death secondary to cold/cough meds?
< 2 yo Use of meds for sedation Use at daycare Failure to use measuring device Mixing 2+ meds (same ingredient) Use of a product intended for adults Misidentification of product
What is the recommendation of Health Canada in reference to cough/cold medicine usage?
Do NOT use in children < 6yo, and use caution > 6yo.
What does the FDA recommend as age criteria for use of cough/cold medications?
Do NOT use when < 2yo.
What is the mainstay of treatment of cough/cold?
Fluid intake!
What is the evidence for use of humidified air in cough/cold?
No harm, no proven benefit.
What is the evidence for usage of Antihistamines during cough/cold?
Small effect on rhinorrhea/sneezing. Offset by sedation. Combo with decongestants shows no benefit.
What is the evidence for echinacea and honey as treatments for cough/cold.
Echinacea no proven benefit in children. Doesn’t prevent either.
Honey has insufficient evidence in Cochran review to have benefit, but safe if pasteurized when <1yo.
May be more effective against cough.
What is the evidence for use of zinc supplementation during cough/cold?
Not yet recommended. ? Benefit if started early in inhibiting viral growth.
What is the evidence for use of Vit C during cough/cold?
No proven benefit in Cochran review, but reduced colds 13% when used as preventative.
