Nebulization is one of a very good modality that is used in children for management of cough or breathing issues.
There is a reservation that most parents have to use nebulizer for their children. However, for younger children especially less than 4 year olds, it is proven as a better modality than using cough syrups.
Medications get administered in a better way.
The dose of medicine delivered is very low when compared to any oral medicine, which helps is lesser toxicity.
There are lesser chances of any unwanted side effects of medications.
The best way to give nebulization in your child is while he or she is calm and playful or sleeping. Forcefully giving nebulization especially while child is crying leads to an ineffective delivery of medicine and ends up being a useless administration.
Please consult your pediatrician for any further query.
Antihistamines, especially sedating ones, have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and tend to cause more adverse reactions than ‘second generation’ or ‘non-sedating’ antihistamines.
The most common adverse effects with sedating antihistamines are sedation, dizziness and incoordination. However, paradoxical stimulation ranging from excitation through to tremors, hallucinations and convulsions may occur. Excessive doses in children have led to respiratory depression and very critical condition.
With winter approaching, it is important to note that coughs and colds are often self-limiting conditions and may not require pharmacological intervention. Antihistamines (especially in less than 2 year olds) may lead to dryness of secretions which can lead to extreme discomfort and respiratory difficulty. It can lead to worsening of symptoms.
Symptomatic measures, such as increasing fluids, making sure children get enough rest and reducing the spread of the virus (including regular hand washing) should be practiced.
