Prudent Considerations when selecting medications for children

26 Jul Prudent Considerations when selecting medications for children

I recently witnessed a strenuous journey of a recovery involving a toddler who faced unexpected challenges further to using alternative medicine.
Initially thriving and reaching developmental milestones, the child experienced a setback when a treatment for loose stools left him to develop excessive lethargy and neuro regression in the child. There was history of intake of alternative medicine for the loose stool and subsequent investigations revealed high level of serum lead leading to heavy metal toxicity and hypertension.

This emphasized the importance of being cautious and making informed decision in medications and treatment.
Alternative medicines and complementary medications, often perceived as natural and gentle, can sometimes harbour unexpected risks.
In this instance, a seemingly harmless remedy led to significant consequences, affecting the child’s growth and development.
The child is now active, socializing age-appropriately, even though needing assistance with catching up with his developmental milestones and under regular follow up for management of his hypertension.

This experience highlights several critical lessons for parents and caregivers:

1. Consultation is Key: Always consult healthcare professionals before starting any new treatment, even if it’s labelled as natural or alternative.
2.Know what you’re giving as medicines: Educate yourself about the ingredients and potential side effects of any medication or supplement.
3. To Monitor Effectiveness: Pay close attention to how your child responds to treatments and seek prompt medical advice if there are unexpected changes.
4. Trust Evidence-Based Practices: Favour treatments that have been scientifically validated and regulated for safety and efficacy.

To sum up, while alternative medicines may appeal to parents seeking gentle or holistic treatments for their children, it’s crucial to approach them with caution and informed decision-making.