KIDS should not be given decongestants to help with colds and sniffles, experts have warned.
A study in The BMJ found there is no evidence they work and said it is unclear whether or not they are safe.
Children under six should never be given them, and children aged six to 12 should only be given decongestants with caution, they advised.
Professor Mieke van Driel and his team at the University of Queensland in Australia warned in some cases decongestants containing antihistamines had been found to cause convulsions, rapid heart rate and even death.
For adults, using decongestants for three to seven days could have a small effect on symptoms.
But side-effects can include an increased risk of insomnia, drowsiness, headache, or stomach upset – and long term use of decongestants can lead to chronic nasal congestion, which is difficult to treat.
There was no evidence that they work in children.
Prof van Driel said: “There is no evidence that these treatments alleviate nasal symptoms and they can cause adverse effects such as drowsiness or gastrointestinal upset.”
The research team advised doctors to reassure patients that a cold is distressing but symptoms should pass in a few days.
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The common cold is usually caused by viruses and symptoms clear in seven to 10 days – but it can have a substantial impact on work, school, use of health services, and money spent on medications.
Children suffer around six to eight colds per year, while adults get two to four.
Other treatments, such as steam inhalation, echinacea, vapour rub, eucalyptus oil, and increased fluid intake, are either not effective or have not been studied at all.
She said: “If parents are concerned about their child’s comfort, saline nasal irrigations or drops can be used safely, but this may not give the desired relief.”
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