Menthol for Sore Throat, Colds and Coughs... Should we use it?

I am often asked about the use of Vick's Vapo Rub (or other menthol products and refer to all brands in this post).

We see menthol for vaporizer dispensers, in cough drops, and the good ole jar of rub that mom used on our chests when we were sick.

But should we use it?

Cough drops 

Menthol is a mild anesthetic that provides a cooling sensation when used as a cough drop. The menthol is basically a local anesthetic which can temporarily numbs the nerves in the throat that are irritated by the cold symptoms and provide some relief. (Interestingly, menthol is added to cigarettes in part to numb the throat so new smokers can tolerate the smoke irritation better. Hmmm...)

Menthol cough drops must be used as a lozenge and not chewed or swallowed because the menthol must slowly be exposed to the throat for the numbing effect. They are not recommended for young children due to risk of choking. Since science lacks strong evidence, but the risk to most school aged children is low and it is safer than most other cough medicines, I use the "if it seems to help, use it" rule for children not at risk of choking. Do not let any child go to sleep with one in his mouth. First, he might choke if he falls asleep with it in his mouth. Second, we all need to brush teeth before sleeping to avoid cavities!

Vaporized into the air

When it is put into a vaporized solution, menthol can decrease the feeling of need to cough. It should never be used for children under 2 years of age. They have smaller airways, and the menthol can cause increased mucus production, which plugs their narrow airways and may lead to respiratory distress. Infants can safely use vaporizers (and humidifiers) that put water into the air without any added medications.

The rubs for the skin

We've all seen the social media posts supporting putting the menthol rubs on the feet during sleep to help prevent cough. That has never made sense to me, and the link provided discusses that it is not a proven way to use the rubs.

Menthol studies show variable effectiveness. It has been shown to decrease cough from baseline (but the placebo worked just as well) and did not show improved lung function with spirometry tests (but people stated they could breathe better) in this interesting study. (So people felt better, but there really was no objective improvement.) Putting menthol rubs directly under the nose, as opposed to rubbing it on the chest, may actually increase mucus production according to a study published in Chest. In children under age 2, this could result in an increase in more plugging of their more narrow airways. There is a more recent study that does show children ages 2-11 years with cough sleep better with a menthol rub on the chest.

Note: There is a Vick's BabyRub that does not contain menthol. Its ingredients have not been proven to be effective and some of the ingredients have their own concerns, but that does not fall into this discussion.

Cautions

Menthol products should never be used in children under 2 years of age. It can actually cause more inflammation in their airways and lead to respiratory distress.

If a child ingests camphor (another ingredient along with menthol in the rubs) it can be deadly. It has been known to cause seizures in children under 36 months when absorbed or ingested in high concentrations. Menthol rubs sold in the US contain camphor in a concentration that is felt to be safe if applied to intact skin in those over 2 years of age. Mucus membranes absorb medicines more readily than intact skin, so do not apply to nostrils, lips, or broken skin. Do not allow children to handle these rubs. Apply only below their necks to intact skin. 

Many people using the menthol rubs experience skin irritation. Discontinue use if this happens.

How long will a cough or cold last?

How long will a cough or cold last?

I get this question all the time. Most people want it gone now. Unfortunately despite our medical advancements over the years, we still have no cure for colds and coughs. Viruses do not get killed by antibiotics, and most colds and coughs are caused by viruses.

Unfortunately our area has been hit with Enterovirus D68, which seems to cause prolonged symptoms compared to many respiratory viruses.

I don't hold back on advice when I see kids with disturbing colds and coughs. I sympathize with the child and parents. I've been there: both as a person with a bad cold and as a parent watching my kids struggle with colds. But I still can't make them better faster.

We have our standard instructions:

• Fluids (water)
• Rest
• Saline washes to the nose
• Blow the mucus out. If a child's too young to blow his nose well, parents can suck the snot right out.
• Honey for children over 12 months of age
• Prop the head up during sleep
• Prevent spread

But then we still have the original question: How long will a cough or cold last?

One of my favorite graphs depicting the timeline of a typical upper respiratory infection is from research done in the 1960's, but since we don't have any better treatment now than we did back then, I find it to hold true to what I experience when I get a cold and what I see in the office.

Notice how the symptoms are most severe during the first 1-5 days, but still persist for at least 14 days. And at 14 days 20% of people still have a cough, 10% still have a runny nose. And the lines aren't going down fast at that point, they both seem to linger. 

A more recent review of medical studies showed that the many symptoms of illness linger for much longer than parents want to accept. From this study:

* Earache range 7-8 days, Sore throat 2-7 days

Bear in mind that children tend to get about 8 colds per year, often in the fall/winter months, so a second virus might start developing symptoms right as the first cold is finally going away. That is an important distinction between back to back illnesses versus a sinus infection requiring antibiotics. This is why doctors and nurses ask (and re-ask) about symptoms. The history and timeline of symptoms are very important in a proper diagnosis. It isn't the color of the mucus (really!) We don't want people to unnecessarily take antibiotics. That leads to bacterial resistance, side effects of medicine, and increased cost to families.

So if you're struggling with cough and cold symptoms in your house, follow these instructions. To help determine when your child needs to be seen:

Urgently or emergently: If your child is breathing more than 60 times in a minute, ribs are going in and out with breaths, or the belly is sucking in and out with each breath, your child needs to be seen in the office, at urgent care or an ER (preferably one that specializes in children), depending on time of day and your location. Another complication that kids must be seen for is dehydration. Dehydration may be present when the child is unable to take in enough fluids to make urine at least 4 times a day for infants, twice a day for older children. 

Routine office visits: If your child has ear pain, trouble sleeping, or general fussiness but is otherwise breathing comfortably and well hydrated, he should be seen during regular office hours. If the cold is worsening after 10-14 days, bring your child in during regular office hours.

More reading:

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Bacterial Sinusitis in Children Aged 1 to 18 Years

How Long Does a Cough Last? Comparing Patients’ Expectations With Data From a Systematic Review of the Literature

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Top 10 Posts of 2013

My last post of 2012 was my Top 10 Posts of 2012. I think I'll keep the tradition going with the Top 10 of 2013.

photo source: Shutterstock

This past year I have written about everything from insurance to illnesses to common parental concerns. My most influential blog has been about the generic formulations of Concerta, with 11,875 readers. It has been shared on ADHD blogs, various Facebook and Twitter feeds, and found on Google searches. I never thought over 1,000 people would read one of my posts, let alone over 10,000! Thank you to all who are reading and sharing!

If you don't want to miss a post, be sure to sign up for an e-mail subscription on the right!

From #10 to #1:

10. My Child's Cough and Breathing Sounds Like… is a collection of videos I compiled to help parents describe their child's cough.

9. Allergy Tips reviews ways to avoid allergens when possible and how to treat symptoms.

8. Flu Vaccine 2013: The Story Unfolds discusses how coding and billing issues impacted our office use of flu vaccines this season.

7. But the Snot Is Green… once again argues why the color of mucus does not make the diagnosis of bacterial sinusitis and gives information on treating colds and coughs.

6. To Tamiflu or Not to Tamiflu  might be a little intense for some readers because it reviews the research on Tamiflu risks and benefits. I am happy it is among the top 10 because I want people to see that Tamiflu isn't that miraculous of a drug for influenza. I get far too many requests for it this time of year. 

5. Flu Shot Information 2013-14 Season explains the different types of influenza vaccine available for the season. 

4. Help! My Child Has ______ Up His Nose! shares a "secret" tip I use to get some unwanted objects out of a child's nose. 

3. Screen Free Week is a challenge to readers to go Screen Free for a week. I have no idea why it is ranked so high. That is a surprise to me. 

2. Cough Medicine: Which One's Best reviews various cough medicines and other treatments of cough.

1. Generic Concerta Not Working Like the Brand Used To?  was read about 10 TIMES as much as any other post. It was found most often by a search engine, not direct shares, which tells me that many families are struggling with this issue. This is the post I am most passionate about. Any of my ADHD patients who are treated with Methylphenidate ER/Concerta know how angry I am that the FDA allows this substitution. I am thankful that the blog can help spread the word so that parents who are concerned about their child's sudden altered response to a medication can learn what might be the cause. I had so many updates to the original post, I wrote a follow up: Update on generic Methylphenidate HCl ER.

Blogs that missed the Top 10 that I wish more people would read include: 

Evolution of Illness - I wish people would read this because we often fall into the trap of wanting a quick fix. Too many parents bring kids into the doctor for a fast remedy only to find that there isn't one.  Resolution of illness takes time. Sometimes kids get worse, only to have the parent accuse a doctor of missing something. It happens to all good docs once in awhile…

First Period Q&A with a Tween - I wish people would find this one because it has questions every young lady thinks about but is often afraid to ask.

It's [Sports, School, Camp, Yearly] Physical Time - I wish people would read this so they understand the value of well exams and the scheduling constraints most pediatricians face. Don't call at the last minute!

Insurance Confusion - I wish people would read this because dealing with insurance is one of the most stressful parts of my job. I want people to learn about insurance to avoid financial surprises and to be responsible with insurance use.

Private Discussions with the Pediatrician - I wish people would read this because I am often uncomfortable (and sad for a child) when a parent wants them to leave the room for us to discuss something privately. Pre-planning with a quick phone call or secure message before the visit can save the child from excess worry.

What kids need to be able to do to leave the nest - This is one of my favorites because it was written at a very emotional point of my life. My kids are growing up and I reflected on what I really want them to know.

New Ideas

While most of my blogs were article-style writings, I introduced a few different types of blog this year. 

My first (and to date only) attempt at a video blog was Nutrition For the Picky Eater. It was born from a talk I gave at an ADHDKC.org parent meeting. 

I also did a picture blog with Lawn Mower Safety. 

I had one guest blogger. Sleep expert, Kerrin Edmonds, wrote Common Sleep Myths. 

Busy times…

April was my busiest month blogging. Seven posts that month. It tends to be a slow month in the office.  Ironically it was also Screen Free Week, a time I should have been off the computer!

• Allergy Tips

• Generic Concerta Not Working Like the Brand Used T...

• Screen Free Week April 29-May 5, 2013

• Help! My child has ___ up his nose!

• Group Teaching With Physicals

• Waiting times...

• Feeding Your Newborn

"But the snot is green…" Or "How can we treat cough and colds?"

This time of year it seems everyone is at least sniffling. Many have annoying coughs. Coughs are annoying to others who wonder why that cougher isn't staying at home keeping his germs to himself. They are annoying to the cougher who is up all night coughing (and his parent who also hears it all night long.)

And then there's all the mucus. We normally make about a liter of mucus a day. Yes, a liter of the stuff. On a good day. It helps moisturize our airway and collects the dust and germs that enter our body. It has antibodies that help fight off the germs it catches. We swallow most of what is made, but when we're sick we make even more. When we're sick it plugs up our noses and makes our head hurt. It drains down the back of our throat, causing us to cough. In kids it drips down the face. It changes color from clear to yellow to green. Sometimes it even gets bloody. It can be thin or thick and sticky. Don't be fooled that the color or thickness means it is for sure "just allergies" because it's clear, or a sinus infection because it's green. These change based on how long it's been in the sinuses, how dry the air is, and other factors. Yellow or green color does not come from bacteria or guarantee that antibiotics will help get rid of the mucus.

Colds and coughs seem to continue forever. Especially since kids get recurrent viral infections this time of year, and they each run into the next illness. I often joke that it doesn't matter if kids get sick in October or January, it will go away by April. Bad joke, but it often seems that once kids start getting sick for the season, they stay sick most days until April.

Here's a graph from way back in 1967 that shows the timeline of a typical upper respiratory illness in an adult:

Remember that kids tend to stay sick longer (and are contagious longer) than adults, so if 20% of adults are still coughing on day 14, you can bet at least that many kids still are coughing with a cold or the flu.

So what can you do to help make kids feel better? As I always say: water, water water.

Water in the air helps thin the mucus, so increase the humidity in the bedroom during the dry winter months. Use a humidifier or vaporizer in the bedroom during illnesses even if your home has a humidifier attached to the heater. Humidifiers with a cool mist are safest with young children. Be sure to follow package directions for cleaning and changing the filter. Vaporizers are generally less work to use, but the steam comes out very hot and can burn young children. Again, follow package directions for proper cleaning and use. Allow it to dry out a bit during the day to avoid build up of mold. 

Water in the nose in the form of saline can really help. The salt in the saline draws the fluid out of the swollen nasal passageways, decreasing the swelling and opening the airway to allow more mucus to be blown (or sucked) out.

Increase fluids that kids drink. Really push water. And unless a child is allergic to milk, it is an old wive's tale that milk will make the mucus worse. If that's what they want, they can have milk with a cold. 

I think what really needs to happen is to get the mucus out. Using saline along with a strong blowing (or suctioning) of the nose is important.

For infants and younger children it can be hard to blow forcefully to get the mucus out. I have been disappointed in the use of a bulb suction because it is very difficult to make a seal and to have enough air to really get a good suction. They tend to cause trauma to the nose because you need to stick it up so high to make a seal. I like nasal aspirators that seal outside the nose and have a continuous flow of air. Check out How to use the Nosefrida. A similar nasal cleaner is available from Nasopure. (Note: I am not tied to either of these companies and do not get any payment from either company.)

For kids over 2 years old, washing the nose is one of the best ways to treat (and prevent) nasal congestion. Check out this video from Nasopure for an easy how to use. (Note: I do not get payment from this company, I simply love the Nasopure company. Not only does the product work well, it is also an all American company. Bottles are made in Kansas City and assembled by disabled adults in Columbia, Missouri.)

What medicines work?

If you choose to use medicines, pick one that has a single active ingredient. Many cold and flu medicines include several active ingredients to treat different symptoms. This increases the likelihood you will use a medicine that isn't needed (because you don't have that symptom) as well as increases the risks of side effects. Also if there is an allergic reaction, you won't know which component was the culprit.

I don't recommend decongestants most of the time. They can make the mucus more thick, which plugs the nose more. If a child is old enough to say if it helps or not (generally over 6 years) and it helps, then it is okay to use a decongestant for a short term. Side effects are trouble sleeping, shakiness, nervousness, increased blood pressure and increased heart rate.

Antihistamines block the histamine that is triggered from allergies. It helps decrease the amount of mucus made when allergies flare, but don't help with the typical cold. Side effects are drowsiness, impaired coordination, excitability in children, and dry mouth.

Guaifenesin is supposed to help thin out mucus to help cough it up. Some studies say it works, others disagree. Again, if a child is old enough to say it helps and it does, use it. Otherwise don't. Side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, blurry vision, or lightheadedness.

Studies do not show that any cough suppressant works very well. Honey has actually been shown to help better. Use honey only in kids over 1 year of age due to risks of botulism.

For influenza many people request Tamiflu. Here's my blog on Tamiflu describing why I will be forced to use a medicine I don't like. (It's too long to explain here.)

Another blog going in depth on cough medicines is Cough Medicine: Which one's best?

Holidays and family spoiled by illness... It's that time of year!

It is Thanksgiving morning as I write this. I am enjoying my quiet time as the family sleeps in. Extra time to blog because I'm not cooking today ... more on that later.

Wash hands to help prevent illness!

Yesterday was a typical day in our office for a day before a holiday. Sick kids came in with parents hoping for an insta-cure so they could enjoy the holiday with the extended family. A few wanted to fly back home with a febrile child and wanted our okay -- but of course didn't get it because even on an antibiotic they could spread illness if it is a virus, which most illnesses are. Some parents just called in because they were already out of town when their child got sick and they wanted to know what will make them better before the turkey celebration.

I'm sure most parents knew deep down that the answer would be "time". There is no insta-cure for most illnesses. Anyone with fever, cough, sore throat, or other ill symptoms should be kept away from the festivities. Even if the fever goes down with a fever reducer. Even if the last fever was before bed last night and it's down this morning. Fever can wax and wane and one needs to be fever-free (without a medication to bring it down) for 24 hours before we really consider it gone. People are most contagious when they are running a fever and the first few days of illness.

It stinks. I know. As a parent with a teen who has had a cough for over a week and is sleeping a disrupted 16-18 hours a day, I will miss Thanksgiving with extended family to avoid the spread of illness. Could we go? Sure. He hasn't run a fever all week. He's old enough that he can wash hands, cough into his elbow, and stay out of everyone's way. But he'd be miserable. And if one of the little ones got sick, I'd feel awful. Even if they got it elsewhere, I'd wonder if it was from him.

So I get it. It really stinks. Family from Tennessee and California are in town. We rarely see them and I want the cousins to get to know one another. But my teen isn't feeling well and I don't want the cousins to feel this way. I haven't started him on antibiotics to make him better faster because I know they wouldn't work. We are using a humidifier, lots of sleep, and waiting. He's refusing the nasal wash unfortunately... but I keep offering it!

This holiday season I wish everyone health, but if someone is sick, stay home. Don't spread the germs.

For more information on treating illnesses, see these links:

Fever
Cough and colds
Ear pain and infections
Wheezing in infants
Croup
Influenza
Tamiflu
Vomiting and diarrhea
Pink eye and other red eyes
Strep throat
Painful urination
Cough Medicines: Which One's Best?
Evolution of Illness

Cough Medicine: Which one's best?

This is the time of year I get a lot of requests for an over the counter cough suppressant suggestion or a prescription cough medicine for kids so they can sleep. Despite my attempts at educating the family about why I don't recommend any cough medicines, many parents are upset leaving without a medicine. I have collected numerous articles that show why I treat cough the way I do. Links are included throughout this blog. Click away to learn more!

First, a little background...

Most cough medicines were studied in adults and the dosing for kids was calculated from the adult dosage. Kids are not small adults. Their bodies handle illness and metabolize drugs differently. But few studies have been done to show if medicines work at all, and if they do, what the best dose is for kids of various ages and sizes.

In 2008 the FDA stated that toddlers and babies should not use cold and cough medicines. Drug makers voluntarily changed the labeling of over the counter (OTC) cough and cold products, recommending them only for children aged 4 and older. The American Academy of Pediatrics says there is no reason that parents should use them in children under age 6 because of the risks without benefit. Despite this, studies show that 60% of parents of children under 2 years have given a cough and cold medicine. Why? In my opinion, they are desperate to help their child and don't think it is enough risk to not at least try.

I know it is frustrating when your child is up all night coughing. It is frustrating when my kids and I are up all night coughing. But you know what we do in my house?

• Humidify the air of the bedroom (unless it's a spring or summer cough)
• Extra water to drink all day
• Honey before bedtime in an herbal tea (No honey before 1 year of age!)
• Encourage cough during the day to help clear the airways
• Nasal rinse with saline (I love this, but my family is not so keen on it)
• Sleep with water next to the bed to sip on all night long (even when I still had bedwetters)
• Back rubs, hugs, kisses, reminders that it will get better, etc
• Nap during the day as needed to catch up on lost sleep
• Watch for signs of wheezing or distress

That's about it for the cough. If something hurts, we use a pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. We use those only if something hurts, not just because and not for fever without discomfort.

Why don't I give my family cough medicines?

Because they don't work.

The OTC options:

A Cochrane Review in 2007 was done to look at over the counter cough medicine effectiveness in both children and adults. These reviews look at many studies and analyze the data. Unfortunately there are very few studies, and many were of poor quality because they relied on patient report. In studies that included children, they found:

• Antitussives were no more effective than placebo for kids. (one study) In adults codeine was no more effective than placebo. Two studies showed a benefit to dextromethorphan, but another study did not, so mixed results.
• Expectorants had NO studies done in children. In adults guaifenesin compared to placebo did not show a statistically different response. 
• Mucolytics more effective than placebo from day 4-10 in kids. (one study) In adults cough frequency was decreased on days 4 and 8 of the cough. (Note: I am not sure what OTC mucolytic was studied. I am only aware of pulmozyme and mucomyst, both used by prescription in children with cystic fibrosis.)
• Antihistamine-decongestant combinations offered no benefit over placebo. (2 studies) One of two studies showed benefit in adults. The other did not.
• Antihistamine shows no benefit over placebo. (one study) In adults antihistamines did not help either.

Another Cochrane Review in 2012 once again failed to show any real benefits of cough medicines, especially given the risks of side effects.

What about some specific studies on OTC medicines? I cannot report them all here, but here's a few:

A study comparing dextromethorphan (the DM in many cough medicines), diphenhydramine (AKA benadryl), and placebo in 2004 showed no difference in effectiveness of controlling cough for sleep. That means the placebo worked just as well as the medicines. Insomnia was more common in those who got dextromethorphan.

Does guaifenesin help? It is thought to thin mucus to help clear the airways. It does not stop the cough. Studies vary in effectiveness and are typically done in adults, but it may be helpful in children over 4 years of age. Do not use combination cough medicines though, for all the reasons above.

In 2007 honey was shown to be a more effective treatment than dextromethorphan or no treatment. Another study in 2012 showed benefit with 2 tsp of honey 30 minutes before bedtime. A side effect of honey? Cavities... Be sure to brush teeth after the honey!

What side effects and other problems are there from over the counter cough medicines?

As stated above, the dosages for children were extrapolated from studies in adults. Children metabolize differently, so the appropriate dosage is not known for children. Taking too much cold medicine can produce dangerous side effects, including shallow breathing and death.

Many cough medicines have more than one active ingredient. This can increase the risk of overdosing. It also contributes to excess medicines given for problems that are not present. For instance if there is a pain reliever plus cough suppressant, your child gets both medicines even if he only has pain or a cough. Always choose medicines with one active ingredient.

Accidentally giving a child a too much medicine can be easy to do. Parents might use two different brands of medicine at the same time, not realizing they contain the same ingredients. Or they can measure incorrectly with a spoon or due to a darkened room. Or one parent forgets to say when the medicine was given and the other parent gives another dose too soon. 

And then there's non-accidental overdose. There is significant abuse potential: One in 20 teens has used over the counter cough medicines to get high. Another great reason to keep them out of the house!

Side effects of cough medicines include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Double or blurred vision
• Slurred speech
• Shallow breathing
• Impaired physical coordination
• Rapid heart beat
• Drowsiness
• Numbness of fingers and toes
• Disorientation
• Death, especially in children under 2 years of age and those with too high of a dose

What about prescription cough suppressants? 

In 1993 a study comparing dextromethorphan or codeine to placebo showed that neither was better than the placebo. Codeine belongs to a class of medications called opiate analgesics and to a class of medications called antitussives. When codeine is used to reduce coughing, it works by decreasing the activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing. It can make breathing too shallow in children. Codeine has several serious side effects which could be life threatening in children. Combination products with codeine and promethazine (AKA phenergan with codeine) should never be used in children under 16 years. In my opinion, why use it in older children and adults, since it hasn't been shown to work?

How about antibiotics for the cough?

Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial causes of cough (such as some pneumonia or sinusitis illnesses) but antibiotics have no effect on viruses, which cause most coughs. If your child has a cold, antibiotics won't help.