Children are in a period of growth and development. Their nervous system, endocrine system, and many organs are still immature. The detoxification and excretion functions of the liver and kidneys, as well as the blood-brain barrier, are not fully developed. Therefore, medication must be administered under the guidance of a physician.
1. Use Aspirin with Caution
Aspirin or aspirin-containing medications provide effective fever reduction and pain relief for children with colds or fevers. However, they must be used cautiously in children under 12 years old due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.This syndrome initially presents with fever, convulsions, and frequent vomiting, progressing to coma and liver damage. It is often misdiagnosed as toxic encephalopathy or viral encephalitis. The most common aspirin-containing medication is APC (Compound Aspirin), which also contains caffeine and has stimulant effects.Using APC to reduce fever in infants and young children is like "adding fuel to the fire," potentially causing collapse due to excessive sweating. Therefore, it should be used with caution.
2. Avoid Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in bone growth, promoting cartilage maturation. It slows down the maturation process of epiphyseal cartilage cells.However, excessive vitamin A intake can impair bone development, causing irreversible damage to cartilage cells. This results in bones thickening without lengthening, potentially stunting a child's height. Foods rich in vitamin A include eel, animal organs (pork, beef, chicken), egg yolks, spinach, leafy greens, green peppers, tangerines, and carrots.Avoid taking fast-acting cold capsules.
Infants and young children have underdeveloped nervous systems and incomplete liver detoxification functions. Taking fast-acting cold capsules during colds or fevers can easily cause convulsions, leading to thrombocytopenia or even liver damage.
4. Avoid indiscriminate use of tonics
Many traditional Chinese tonics contain hormones or hormone-like substances. Children who take them may experience premature puberty, which is detrimental to their physical development.
5. Avoid Overusing Antibiotics
Antibiotics may damage children's liver, kidneys, auditory nerves, and even the blood system. Furthermore, overusing antibiotics severely contributes to bacterial resistance. Over time, this could lead to a lack of effective treatments and even life-threatening situations.