Curiously Awesome

The old-fashioned cold treatment of slathering menthol rubs to a child’s chest is still common today. These rubs usually contain ingredients like camphor and menthol. They are thought to help ease coughing and breathing during colds. New research, however, is indicating that these menthol rubs are dangerous for children.

There are new warnings about a possibility of a drastic increase of nasal inflammation and difficulty breathing in young children. No one should place these ointments in or under their nose. Evidence shows that a small portion of children seem to have severe reactions to menthol rubs placed under the nose.

The FDA has recently concluded that over-the-counter cold and cough medications show no evidence of being effective in children. The menthol in these rubs provides a cooling sensation in the nasal passages. This may make breathing feel easier, but it isn’t actually improving air flow at all.

Natural remedies like consuming plenty of liquids and getting extra rest when sick are a much safer alternative.