There it is. That cough you were dreading would arrive now that your child is back in school. You’ve just put them to bed when you hear it–the hacking from their bedroom announcing their winter cold. Now what?
To treat a cough, you may be tempted to reach for a medicated cough syrup–though in Canada, cough medicines can’t be given to children younger than six years old. Even with kids who are over six, pharmacist Sherry Torkos says it’s wise to think twice about the medication you administer.
“It’s important to not give adult medications to kids because it’s not just about the amount. There are certain drugs not recommended for kids–multi-symptom cough and cold medications often contain acetaminophen and decongestants or antihistamines and they can affect kids’ behaviour and sleep,” says Torkos, author of 18 books including Immunity: Power Up Your Natural Defenses.
Luckily, there are natural cough syrups you can keep on hand this winter such as Prospan by Helixia Kids which is approved by Health Canada and can be used by kids over the age of one.
Found in the cough and cold aisle of pharmacies, it’s the only ivy-leaf-based cough syrup to contain EA575, a natural dried ivy leaf extract that loosens mucus and phlegm to free up airways and help with productive coughing (coughs that are “wet” or produce mucous)–its efficacy has been demonstrated in 18 clinical studies conducted with more than 65,000 patients.
“In 48 hours, 95 per cent of the time there’s cough relief,” says François Leblond, senior brand manager for Helixia. “It’s also a kid-approved taste because it tastes like honey without containing honey.” Prospan by Helixia Kids is also sugar-free, alcohol-free and dye-free.
For parents looking to be proactive this cold and flu season, having Prospan by Helixia Kids on hand before a cough starts means treatment and relief can start right away. There are lots of other habits families can start practicing at home right now to help get through the rest of this cough and cold season.
On the front line of cold defense is teaching your child about proper handwashing–think using warm, soapy water and having them sing the length of “Happy Birthday” twice. “As for household members, they can also try and keep clear of sick family members, sanitize regularly and practice good habits such as making sure that if somebody’s coughing and sneezing, they’re covering their mouth or doing it away from everyone,” says Torkos.
Healthy basics are also helpful, incorporating good nutrition into their diet, such as a protein and veggie packed chicken soup, and ensuring they’re resting up. “When you’re sick, you’re tired because your body is fighting an infection. Rest is really the best thing,” adds Torkos.
As for what else you can do when that cough and cold do hit? After all, the Canadian Pediatric Society says young children can get between eight and 10 colds a year.
You can start helping your child feel better by plugging in a humidifier at night in your child’s bedroom, Torkos says. “It puts moisture in the air and that makes it easier to breathe. If you have a dry throat, it’s irritating and can make symptoms worse.”
Ultimately before administering anything to your child, Torkos says double checking with your pharmacist is a good idea. “We’re on the front lines and we can be there to help advise you on safe ways to tackle symptoms,” she adds.
Canadians looking for a natural solution to combat coughs without side effects that trigger drowsiness, diabetes, gluten allergy, insomnia can turn to Prospan by Helixia.