- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (usually Advil or Motrin) is the pain-reliever of choice in children. Most pediatricians advise such medications for children who run fevers over 101 degrees F.
- Aspirin and aspirin-containing products are virtually never recommended for children or adolescents. Reye's Syndrome, a very serious condition, has been associated with aspirin use in children who have flu symptoms or chicken pox.
Some studies suggest that these anti-fever drugs may actually reduce the body's immune response against cold and flu viruses and prolong symptoms. A 2000 study, for example, reported a longer flu duration in people who took aspirin or acetaminophen (although people still felt better). Nevertheless, most doctors strongly recommend lowering fevers in children, since high fevers can sometimes cause seizures.
Nasal Wash
A nasal wash can be helpful for removing mucus from the nose. A saline solution can be purchased at a drug store or made at home. (Mix 1 teaspoon of table salt with a pinch of baking soda in 2 cups of warm water.) The nasal wash should be performed several times a day. Researchers have reported that daily irrigation of the nasal passages with a hypertonic saline solution relieves sinusitis symptoms and also reduces antibiotic use and the occurrence of acute exacerbations. Patients in the study had 72% fewer sinus infections, a 69% improvement in breathing, and they reduced medication usage by more than half.
A simple method for administering a nasal wash is:
- Lean over the sink head down
- Pour some solution into the palm of the hand and inhale it through the nose, one nostril at a time
- Spit the remaining solution out
- Gently blow the nose
The solution may also be inserted into the nose using a large rubber ear syringe, available at a pharmacy. In this case the process is:
- Lean over the sink head down
- Insert only the tip of the syringe into one nostril
- Gently squeeze the bulb several times to wash the nasal passage
- Then press the bulb firmly enough so that the solution passes into the mouth
- The process should be repeated in the other nostril
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