All of Poland is appalled by the sudden death of 3-year-old Kubuś. The experts check whether the boy, who had a cold and was treated by his parents with drugs prescribed at the clinic, died under their influence. His tragic death is, unfortunately, also a warning: parents, remember that every drug has side effects!
Little Winnie died just two days after the first symptoms of a cold and a visit to the doctor. Parents say they administered the drugs to their child exactly as prescribed by the doctor who prescribed them. Unfortunately, the boy was already dead on Wednesday. Did the syrup really kill him – it will be shown by the autopsy of Kubuś.
It could be so. – There are certain groups of drugs that, if administered incorrectly, can harm children and even lead to their death – doctors warn! A child’s body reacts to medication faster and more violently than an adult’s. Just because a drug is available over the counter doesn’t mean it is absolutely safe at any dose.
Unfortunately, research by scientists shows that parents can give their children drugs that they take, changing only the dose. They are not aware that some medications present in almost every home medicine cabinet can lead to, for example, bone marrow damage or even death in a child.
Therefore, medications can only be used as prescribed by a doctor and strictly adhere to age restrictions and the duration of their use. It is also not allowed to combine several drugs containing the same active ingredient – drugs have different names, but may contain the same ingredient.
Below are some substances that may harm children.
Acetylsalicylic acid
Tablets containing this compound, used in the treatment of colds or flu, are not allowed for children under 12 years of age. Before giving them, check the packaging to make sure that the child can be given the medicine. They can cause swelling, swelling, seizures, and shortness of breath at the wrong dose.
Codeine
Cough medications containing codeine – a derivative of morphine – used especially in young children (up to 6 years of age), may cause breathing problems.
Metamizole sodium
It is an active ingredient in painkillers and antipyretics. Drugs at the wrong dose damage the bone marrow, which can lead to anaphylactic shock (i.e. a drop in blood pressure and breathing problems), which is life-threatening.
Nausea medications
Such drugs should not be given to a child without consulting a doctor. They act on the labyrinth, which may be particularly unfavorable in the period of the growth of a small child. These drugs also camouflage the causes of the disease, which may make it difficult for the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis. When you visit the doctor, inform him that the child has been given antiemetics.
Antihistamines
They are antiallergic agents. Although some are sold over the counter, consult your pediatrician about using them. Sleepiness and nausea are side effects of these medications, which may cause a young child to choke while asleep.
Did Kubuś kill the cough syrup?
Wrong doses of the drug can do more harm than good