June 2022

 

The January 2022 issue of the American Academy of Pediatrics publication GROUND ROUNDS had several nuggets that parents should be aware of if they want to be informed.

 

INFLUENZA ANTIVIRAL THERAPY AND LENGTH OF HOSPITALIZATION

 

On page three the authors Campbell, AP, et al point out the use of influenza antiviral therapy being very useful in shortening the length of a stay for patients admitted with an influenza A or B infection. This is also helpful in judging the usefulness of anti-influenza medication in the outpatient setting. A child with a documented type A or B influenza infection should benefit from such medication if started in the first 48 hours of fever and symptoms.

 

OVER-THE-COUNTER COUGH AND COLD MEDICATIONS DANGER IN CHILDREN

 

Once again another article appears; this time by Halmo LS, et al showing over-the-counter cough and cold medications can be dangerous. That is if they are administered in doses above the minimal suggestion on the package or to children less than two years old.

 

I’ve heard too often, “I give the medication because it makes him sleep despite his cold.” That is exactly what makes them dangerous. If you give enough it will certainly make them sleep, and in addition suppress respirations. Don’t use over-the-counter cough and cold medications in children under two years of age or above the dose recommended at any age. Fatalities have been reported with such incorrect usage.

 

HIGH TECHNOLOGY USE AT BEDTIME DOUBLES RISK FOR SLEEP INSUFFICIENCY

 

Stine F, et al points out a very practical problem among preteens in North Carolina. This issue is not only occurring in the Carolinas but throughout the United States.

 

The use of electro-tech devises (cell phones, electronic books, TV’s etc.) that involves screen viewing significantly decreases sleep. I have certainly seen this in my practice. It is thought that the light waves emitted by these screens decrease the brain’s pineal body production of melatonin. Thus these delay the induction of sleep.

 

The authors advise no use of these devices for one hour before trying to go to sleep. I certainly agree. Reading a book by lamp light does not have the same effect as I know only too well. For me, the best sleep inducer is trying to read by lamp light.

 

Be a parent and enforce good health habits by preventing your child from taking an electro tech device to bed or watching TV when trying to go to sleep. Your child, no matter what the age, needs eight hours of sleep per night. Help them attain it even if they don’t appreciate your care. Being a parent demands it.