Cold Products

There is one that I really like, the pediacare cough and decongestant. My son is just like me and the only thing that clears his stuffy nose is the sudaphedrine and this is about the only children's med that still has it. I have only been able to find it at Giant Eagle this season and you have to ask for it at the pharmacy just like any of the other products that still contain the sudaphedrine. Maybe it's just something with my family but the new "replacement" for sudaphedrine just does not work for us. If you want a more homeopathic remedy go to GNC, or about any other health store, and ask for a product called Sambucol. It reduces the severity of symptoms and the length of the cold if started soon enough. It can also be used daily, at a lower dosage, to build up the immune system and fight viruses.

Hey C..

I personally always stick to basic medications that I know work for me and aren't complex.

Examples: When the kids are congested, I only use a basic decongestant: Sudafed, now available for children. For runny nose and watery eyes, I only use a basic anti-histimine: Benadryl (always check with a doctor before this, however, as many won't want you to use anti-histimines before a certain age). For pain, I only use a basic pain reliever: Tylenol. For cough, I only use a cough suppressant: Delsym. For gas, I use the CVS version of Mylicon. May not be the best way to handle things, but I always feel less is more and basic is best.

... and I always have a cool mist humidifier running at night.

If you want some great advice, I go to CVS on Far Hills/Whipp. ###-###-#### My favorite pharmacist is Michael, (Alan is great, too), and he has been a great help to me every time I've had any question. I'd highly recommend calling for a recommendation. They are great.

Also, as a side note, I am also a stay at home mom. There is an international organization for moms like you and I called MOMS Club (www.momsclub.org) that has a number of very active local branches here in Dayton. I belong to the one in Centerville and it's a great way to interact with other moms and other children your son's age. And no minimum or maximum participation required. You might want to check it out.

Best of luck.
S. :)

C.-
Try Sambucol. IT is an all-natural syrup made from Black Elderberry. It has been used for hundreds of years to treat viruses (such as colds). Look up the word Sambucol online and read about it. This stuff really works wonders!!! You can purchase at Wild Oats.
J.

Has anyone ever suggested nasal spray/drops? My dr. recommends Little Noses. I use it and it works great - but it will work the best when you catch the runny/stuffy nose early on. Best of luck! !

I have seemed to find that pediacare works the best! They have different kinds for each symptom. It usually knocks out my daughters colds in about 2 days!

Like some of the other moms, we use pediacare decongestant. In addition to that, we use baby vaporub and got a humidifier (got mine for $14 at CVS!) and use vaposteam in it. Also you can try elevating the crib by putting a pillow under the mattress.

If you want something that relieves runny noses and sneezing you need an antihistimine (Benadryl is the most common). I'm not sure if Zyrtec is considered and Antihistimine, if it is than you probably shouldn't give him anything else. For congestion - look for something with pseudoephedrine (you'll most likely find it behind the pharmacy counter) and for cough Dextromethorphan Hbr. Children's Dimetapp works well for these symptoms - It's a Decongestant and Cough relief drug. It may help some with the runny nose. I would consult your pediatrician for anything else.

I like triaminic and childrens robitussin. My dr. acutally recommends the robitussin.

S.

I, too, don't like to give medications unless absolutely needed. But, I will give my son Triaminic. I usually give a dose for overnight, especially if he is really congested. I know how I feel laying down & not breathing well, so I can only imagine how he feels, and if they can't sleep, it's going to take longer to feel better. But, I use very sparingly during the day. But, Triaminic has worked best for me. Find one that is symptom specific.