Congestion Cleared
If your child experiences the sniffling, sneezing and coughing associated with colds and influenza (flu) this winter, you may turn to Vicks® VapoRub® to relieve the symptoms. However, misuse of the product can lead to more severe illness, especially in young children.
“Vicks VapoRub is a Vaseline-like solution,” said Monica J. Federico, MD, Director of the Asthma Management Program at Children's Hospital Colorado. “If your child eats or inhales the solution, it could lead to pneumonia. Never use VapoRub around the mouth or nose.”
VapoRub is recommended for use on children older than age two. Follow the directions on the label, which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Federico advises using nasal saline to help clear any nasal congestion for children younger than age two.
For more information about respiratory conditions, visit www.childrenscolorado.org, search for “pulmonary” and click on “Pulmonary Conditions We Treat.”
