Many parents have stood in the medicine aisle at the local drug
store staring at the many different options. Choosing between
cough suppressants, expectorants, antihistamines and
decongestants or any possible combination of these can literally
give parents a headache. As a pediatrician and a parent, I've
tried to design a helpful guide to help you sort your way
through the many cold medications.Choosing the right medication
Choosing the correct medication is easier if you understand your
child's symptoms and how cold and cough medications work. Here
is a quick review. Treat your child's specific symptoms: If your
child simply has a bad cough, but no nasal congestion, then you
probably don't need a multi-symptom cough and cold medication.
You only need a cough suppressant. If your child's cold symptoms
are not interfering with his sleep or daily activity, then you
probably don't need to use medication. Often the most effective
treatments for colds are "non-medical" such as nasal saline
spray, hot steam and sim