Shortage of Children's Pain Relievers Expected

If your child has a runny nose and fever, be aware that you may have trouble finding children's Tylenol or Motrin from now until early 2011.

The supply problems are the result of manufacturing issues in the Johnson and Johnson factory in Pennsylvania, which has subsequently been shut down until the issue has been fully investigated and resolved.

The factory shut-down occurred after metal particles were found in some of the medications manufactured there.

While no health issues have been reported so far, the tainted materials have prompted an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration and a Congressional investigation.

Johnson and Johnson has issued the recalls in a statement, saying that these children's lines and about 40 adult medications including Tylenol, Motrin, Rolaids and Zyrtec eye drops, will be harder to find for up to six months while they research the cause and find a solution to the issue.

This recall, particularly of the children's pharmaceutical lines, limits parents' choices for cold treatments, coming on top of the removal of products targeted at children under four years old a few years ago.

So what do you do for your children suffering from cold symptoms until the Johnson and Johnson issue is resolved?

First, other similar types of products will remain on the market so you can speak with the pharmaceutical staff at the CVS on Halstead Avenue, who will be briefed on the issue, or any local pharmacist.

And of course there is always the old-fashioned treatments, which may be time-worn, but are still recommended by many pediatricians.

A common treatment recommended for children's colds is to use a nasal saline spray. These are recommended  as safe for treating everyone from adults to newborns. This is because saline is just a solution based on salt water. Check that the brand you choose does not contain any other medications. The basic solution works by loosening up clogging of the nose, so your child can breathe easily again.

A cool-water humidifier in the child's room will also help.

It is important to ensure your child stays hydrated and pediatricians recommend staying with what the child usually drinks throughout the cold's duration. That means babies should continue on breast milk or formula. But don't give straight water to young babies as it can cause electrolyte imbalance.

For children one year or older, you can offer water, juice diluted with a little water or milk.

Because of sore or scratchy throats, children will often refuse to eat their usual foods during a cold. Switch to soft comfort foods like soup, ice cream or Jello.

The most serious symptom for children is fever and you should consult a pediatrician if your child has an elevated fever.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the cold. According to the National Institute of Health, your child will get six to 10 colds on average each year. While the suggestions above will help alleviate some of the cold symptoms, the cold will still typically run a week to ten days.

Your goal should remain, with or without available medications, to keep the fever down and just make your child as comfortable as possible until the cold runs its course.