Pediatric use of cough medications on the rise
May 6, 2008
Tulsa, Oklahoma (WiredPRNews.com) — When babies or children have a cough, the easiest thing to do is give them a teaspoon of their favorite grape-flavored cough syrup and put them in bed. However, in a new report by Health Day News, the use of pediatric cough syrups and suppressants is on the rise by 10%.
According to a research study conducted by Boston University, “approximately one in 10 U.S. children uses one or more cough and cold medications during a given week.” Although the use of cough medicines has been widely marketed with warnings regarding proper dosages, the study indicates that excessive use of cough syrups could lead to serious long term health conditions up to and including death.
In a statement issued by Dr. Louis Vernacchio, study author and assistant professor of epidemiology and pediatrics at Boston University School of Medicine stated, “Given concerns about potential harmful effects and lack of evidence proving that these medications are effective in young children, the fact that 1-in-10 U.S. children is using one of these medications is striking.”
These statistics can be staggering considering the recent crackdown in pharmacies across the country which are now closely monitoring the sale of cough, cold and allergy medicines. On a more positive note, the overall use of cough and cold mediations has reduced. In a study conducted between 1999-2000, the use of these types of medications stood at 12.3% while the study conducted from 2005-2006 declined to 8.4%.
It is essential to monitor a child’s use of cough syrups to only on an as-needed basis to avoid any adverse reactions and over-medication.
Wired Health Reporter
