When our children will abide by, we try to do our best to relieve their symptoms. And it is that cough, nasal congestion and discomfort can be very annoying, especially at bedtime.
But pediatricians warn about the use of certain drugs to relieve cough and congestion, because its effects could worsen the picture and harm the health of the child, especially the smallest. Such is the case of cough syrups to treat soft or productive cough, and balsamic creams to relieve cough and congestion, such as the well-known Vicks Vaporub.
We have asked our partner, Miryam Triana, a pediatrician who specializes in neonatology, about the use of Vicks Vaporub, and has explained to us why some pediatricians do not recommend its application in children.
What is the Vicks Vaporub?
It is sold without a prescription and it is easy to find it in the medicine cabinets of the houses. In fact, when we were children, many of us smeared the chest and back with this menthol balm, to relieve nasal congestion and cough during colds.
Vicks Vaporub is an antitussive, mucolytic and expectorant medication, which can be used both topically and inhaled, to treat the symptoms of the flu and the common cold.
According to the product data sheet its administration is not recommended in children under six. But there are many pediatricians who do not recommend using it in children of any age, as the adverse effects could outweigh the possible benefits.Why is it not recommended for use in children?
As Dr. Triana explains, there are three main reasons why many pediatricians do not recommend the use of this medicine in children:
High toxicity
Among the components of Vicks Vaporub are camphor, menthol, eucalyptus or turpentine, better known as turpentine. These components make the product especially toxic in case of accidental ingestion.
"Of the Vicks Vaporub we are especially concerned about the probability of toxicity. And it is that accidental poisoning of anticatarrhal are one of the most frequent causes of intoxication in children under four years "- explains Miryam Triana.
"But also, in the case of camphor, one of the components of this medicine, Inhaled toxicity has also been demonstrated".
The intoxication symptoms These substances include, from vomiting, diarrhea or headache, to seizures, respiratory depression, coma, and could even cause death, as unfortunately has happened on occasion.
In Babies and more A baby dies after ingesting the oil that her parents put on her chest to relieve her cough Dr. Amalia Arce also wrote a few years ago about the risk of toxicity associated with this medicine. Not surprisingly, according to the Poisoning Manual of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergencies, any camphor-based product is discouraged by pediatricians for years.
Neither should nursing mothers use this medication., as its components have a high risk for breastfeeding, and can cause a toxic effect on the baby.
It can produce bronchospasm
Although the Vicks Vaporub brings freshness and a feeling of relief when applied to the chest, back, throat or near the nostrils, its components could stimulate mucus production and inflame the airways, causing an opposite effect to the one sought.
And this is especially serious in children under two years of age and in asthmatics, since a bronchospasm crisis could be triggered.
"Apply topically the Vicks VapoRub or inhale it with fumes it could stimulate the production of mucus and inflammation in the respiratory tract and cause bronchospasm, that is, the respiratory tract narrows making breathing difficult. "
"That is why it should not be used (or done with special caution) if there is history of respiratory diseases or pronounced hypersensitivity of the respiratory tract, including asthma "- advises the doctor.
A few days ago, the pediatrician Lucia published a message on her Twitter account about this topic, advising against the use of this medicine especially in young and asthmatic children.
And this is one of the reasons why pediatricians do not like Vicks VapoRub.
- Lucia, my Pediatrician (@luciapediatra) March 23, 2019
Especially in young children and also in asthmatics (can trigger a bronchospasm) //t.co/fmehSGYaVL
May cause local reactions.
But in addition to the above, Contact with the ingredients of this medicine may cause local reactions., especially on sensitive skin. Symptoms would include skin redness, irritation, contact dermatitis and eye irritation if it comes into contact with the eyes.
So how can we relieve catarrhal symptoms in children?
Cough, mucus and nasal congestion are very annoying catarrhal and flu symptoms; Especially during the night. In order to promote their rest, parents try our best to relieve them, falling even in remedies without scientific basis, such as the application of this type of menthol balms on the soles of the feet.
In Babies and more Natural remedies against coughIn the market there are numerous products that promise an action similar to Vicks Vaporub, either in the form of ointments or patches that stick on clothing and release vapors that help with decongestion. But Dr. Triana is blunt about its use:
"Any product that contains menthol or camphor can be dangerous, as we have already seen that it could cause bronchospasm and poisoning, especially by accidental intake"Among the recommendations that the pediatrician gives us to relieve catarrhal symptoms in infants and children are:
Perform nasal washes
Place it in semi-incorporated position to facilitate breathing
If it is a baby, offer the shots in a fractional way, that is less quantity but more times a day. In the case of older children, we will increase fluid intake.
If there is respiratory pathology (bronchospasm, pneumonia, rhinitis ...) we will treat it with the necessary and specific medications that you have recommended.
Let us also remember the importance of not cutting productive cough with cough syrups, and do not use antibiotics if they have not been prescribed by the pediatrician, because these do not serve to treat colds and the flu.
Acknowledgments | Dr. Miryam Triana Junco
Photos | iStock
