Published:
Saline is Safe Alternative to Harmful Cough and Cold Products
LENEXA, Kan., May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- In a press release earlier this year,
the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory for parents and caregivers,
recommending that over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products should not be
used to treat infants and children less than two years of age because serious
and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur from such use.
"The FDA strongly recommends to parents and caregivers that OTC cough and
cold medicines not be used for children younger than two," said Charles
Ganley, M.D., director of the FDA's Office of Nonprescription Products, in the
advisory. "These medicines, which treat symptoms and not the underlying
condition, have not been shown to be safe or effective in children under two."
OTC cough and cold products include decongestants, expectorants,
antihistamines, and cough suppressants. As a direct response to the FDA's
Public Health Advisory, parents and caregivers are seeking natural cold relief
treatments for infants and children.
"Upper respiratory infections in babies are frequent reasons for parents
to visit urgent care centers and emergency rooms," said Elisa Silverstein,
M.D., Attending Physician, Emergency Department, The Children's Mercy Hospital
ofKansas City. "Nasal congestion can be quite troubling especially in the
very young infant, prior to the ability to mouth breathe. The congestion can
significantly impact the baby's ability to be breastfed or bottlefed. As
pediatricians, we have long recommended the use of saline drops such as Baby
Ayr followed by a bulb syringe as the best, safest way to help clear nasal
passages of the infant. Often times the doctor visit for the nasal congestion
culminates in the instruction of this technique and the education that
decongestants are not safe for the infant and child."
A cold usually lasts about a week. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing,
runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat. Most of the time, a cold will go away
by itself. But for those parents and caregivers concerned about making
infants and children feel more comfortable, saline nasal drops are an
effective alternative to the treatments the FDA cautions against.
About B.F. Ascher & Company
B.F. Ascher is a privately held over-the-counter healthcare company
engaged in the production and distribution of products developed to help
consumers feel better. For more information or a media kit, contact Ben
Knopke at (800) 324-1880 or bknopke@bfascher.com
Sources
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01778.html
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/coughcold011708.html
SOURCE B.F. Ascher & Company
Copyright © 2009, PRNewswire
Copyright © 2009, NewsBlaze,
Daily NewsTags: ,HEA,MTC,SPM,REA,HOU,CHI,KS-Saline-Cold-Altern
Search News
Daily News
