Many childhood diseases are accompanied by inflammatory processes. Their sign may be fever, swollen lymph nodes, pain and swelling. In this case, doctors often prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs for children. They will help reduce pain and alleviate the condition of the baby. But these drugs only relieve the symptoms of inflammation, therefore, in case of serious diseases, they should be used as part of complex therapy. And in any case, you should not give anti-inflammatory drugs to children without a doctor's prescription.
General characteristics
Inflammation is a pathological process that occurs under the influence of various factors. Most often, it is provoked by bacteria or viruses that enter the body. But inflammation can also occur after injury, skin damage or other pathologies. At the same time, special substances begin to form in the cells - histamines and prostaglandins. These are the so-called inflammatory mediators. They need to attract to the placeimpact of negative factors on immune cells. They also prevent viruses or bacteria from spreading throughout the body. But it is these substances that provoke the development of the inflammatory process. They contribute to the flow of blood to the damaged area and increase the number of immune cells. As a result, the following symptoms appear:
- temperature increase;
- swelling, redness of the skin;
- discharge of pus, and if the respiratory tract is affected - a large amount of mucus;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- soreness.
It is for the purpose of relieving these symptoms that anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to children. They are able to inhibit the activity of prostaglandins, resulting in reduced swelling, pain and reduced temperature. The choice of the right medicine depends on the severity of the pathology, the age of the patient, the site of inflammation and the cause that caused it. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used for infectious and chronic diseases.
Classification of such drugs
There are several groups of drugs that are classified as anti-inflammatory. For children, non-steroidal drugs, that is, non-hormonal, as well as corticosteroid hormones, are most suitable. After all, not all medicines can be used by babies, they often cause side effects and may not help, but only worsen the condition.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are considered the safest drugs, so they are often prescribed to children. Their anti-inflammatory effect is not veryhigh, but they are good at relieving pain and fever in the most common childhood illnesses. This group includes such popular drugs as Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Nimesulide and others. Most of them belong to non-selective agents, as they act on the body systemically. Selective drugs act selectively on the inflamed area of the body, so they are most often used after injuries or joint diseases.
Corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs are given much less often to children, as they can be addictive and have serious side effects. These are hormones based on cortisone. They quickly relieve inflammation, so they can be used in emergency cases. But they are used mainly in a hospital setting.
In case of serious illnesses, so-called "basic" remedies are sometimes prescribed. They act slowly, so they are used as part of complex therapy. These drugs include Hingamine, which is used for malaria and other similar infections, as well as Kuprenil, effective for rheumatoid arthritis.
Issue Forms
Adults are more accustomed to taking such drugs in the form of tablets or capsules. But not always the child can swallow the pill. They are prescribed from the age of 5-6 years, and capsules - not earlier than 12 years. Therefore, anti-inflammatory syrups for children are most popular. They can consist entirely of a non-steroidal substance or have a complex composition. It is more convenient to give syrups to children, sincethey have a sweet taste and can be mixed with juice or tea. Preparations in this form can be given to babies from the first year of life.
Rectal suppositories containing anti-inflammatory ingredients are safe for children. They are good at reducing fever and pain, but less likely to have side effects. They can be used at any age as prescribed by a doctor. Anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of a suspension are also convenient for babies. Such drugs have a pleasant taste, like syrups. They can be added to juice or food.
To relieve local inflammation for children, ointments and gels containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or hormonal substances are also used. And for the treatment of diseases of the eyes, ears or nose, you can use drops. In this form, these substances are less toxic and have fewer side effects.
Indications for use
Most often recommended to give anti-inflammatory children with a cold. They effectively help to cope with fever, sore throat. But before visiting the doctor, you can give the child once, for example, Paracetamol. It is the safest of its kind. Longer use is possible only on the testimony of a doctor. Moreover, in order to prescribe the necessary treatment, it is necessary to make a diagnosis. And against the background of the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, this can be difficult.
Doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs for children with such pathologies:
- SARS, flu, colds;
- inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract: tonsillitis, laryngitis, tracheitis,bronchitis;
- with otitis media, sinusitis, conjunctivitis;
- pneumonia;
- kidney or bladder damage;
- after injuries leading to local inflammation;
- inflamed joints.
Contraindications and side effects
Anti-inflammatory drugs should not be given to children who have stomach or intestinal problems. In the presence of an allergic reaction, such treatment is also contraindicated. With great care, anti-inflammatory drugs are used in pathologies of the liver and kidneys. Many of them are contraindicated for children of a certain age.
All anti-inflammatory drugs have negative side effects, so only the safest ones are chosen for children. The most harmless of them are digestive problems. Such reactions can cause any NSAIDs. These are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. In addition, allergic reactions often also occur, which are caused by individual intolerance to the active ingredients of the drug. It can be itching, redness of the skin, rash, lacrimation, rhinitis, and even bronchospasm. If such reactions occur, the drug should be discontinued.
In addition, there may be other side effects:
- dizziness;
- breathing difficulties;
- hearing and vision impairment;
- internal bleeding;
- mental disorders.
Non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs
This group of anti-inflammatory drugs is the most popular in pediatrics. There are many drugs in it, most of them are relatively safe, so they can be prescribed to children. But all the same, it is necessary to use such funds as directed by a doctor. There are several drugs that pediatricians often choose, even for the treatment of babies in the first year of life.
- "Ibuprofen" is considered the safest of them all. Its action is carefully studied, it rarely causes side effects. You can buy this remedy in the form of tablets, syrup or suspension. Ointments are often used. This drug is also known under the name "Nurofen".
- Another safe and therefore popular anti-inflammatory drug for children is Paracetamol. It is available in tablets, syrup, and suppositories, and is also included in many cold or cough medicines. This tool is the active ingredient of the drugs "Panadol", "Kalpol", "Efferalgan".
- "Nise" has a stronger analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. According to the instructions, it is recommended to use it for children only after 12 years, but doctors often prescribe it at a younger age. Only for children who weigh less than 40 kg, the dosage must be calculated individually.
- In more serious diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, children over 2 years of age are prescribed Sulindak. This is a fairly strong drug, so use it only under the supervision of a doctor.
It is not recommended to give children drugs based on aspirin and meloxicam.
Steroid hormones
The main active ingredient of these drugs is identical to the hormones secreted by the adrenal glands during stress. Such funds can reduce inflammation and pain, so they quickly improve the condition of the child. But corticosteroids often cause side effects, so the recommended dosage and duration of treatment must be strictly observed. Such drugs have a quick effect, so they are used in emergency cases when other means do not help. But due to their high toxicity and addictive potential, they are not allowed to be used alone at home.
Systemic corticosteroids are indicated only in emergency cases, most often by injection. Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, Kenalog, Metipred are used. In the form of inhalations or ointments, such drugs are safer, therefore they are prescribed more often. These can be inhalations with Beclomethasone, Pulmicort or Diprospan. Ointments "Lorinden", "Mometasone", "Advantan" are also used for children.
Anti-inflammatory ointments
Such topical preparations are safer for children. They are used for various skin diseases, after injuries, with inflammation of the joints. Most often, in such cases, children are prescribed anti-inflammatory ointments on a plant basis. These are drugs"Traumeel", "Arnica", Vishnevsky's ointment. For colds, ointments "Doctor Mom", "Oxolinic", "Vitaon" are effective.
NSAID-based topical preparations are used less frequently. Only Ibuprofen ointment is safe. The rest can be used no earlier than six years. In case of serious inflammation or disease of the joints, hormonal agents are also prescribed: "Hydrocortisone" or "Prednisolone" ointment, "Advantan" or "Elocom".
Anti-inflammatory drops for children
In some pathologies, it is necessary to use drugs to relieve inflammation in the form of drops. They are dripped into the eyes, ears or nose. These drugs can only be used as directed by a doctor. They have a different composition and are therefore effective in certain pathologies.
- "Albucid" - eye drops used for infectious diseases.
- An antibiotic-based "Floxal" can be dripped into the eyes of children from birth.
- "Protargol" - nose drops that can be used for children from birth. The drug has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect.
- "Polydex" is a complex drug containing an antibiotic and a hormonal agent. Used for infectious diseases.
- "Otipaks" - ear drops with anti-inflammatory effect. Often used for otitis media in children.
Anti-inflammatory drugs for colds for children
For colds and viral diseases, simple-type analgesics are most often used. These are drugs based on Aspirin and Paracetamol. Often, doctors also prescribe anti-inflammatory coughs in children. Such treatment is necessary not only for pneumonia or bronchitis, but also in the case of a common cold. Anti-inflammatory ingredients help prevent complications and speed up recovery.
The most common anti-inflammatory cough syrups for children are:
- "Gerbion" is a herbal preparation that improves sputum discharge.
- "Omnitus" - relieves inflammation and blocks the cough reflex.
- "ACC" increases local immunity, dilutes sputum.
- "Ambroxol" reduces inflammation in the bronchi and lungs.
- "Flyuditek" relieves inflammation in the respiratory tract.
- "Bronchipret" has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.
Application Features
Use any medication for the treatment of children can only be prescribed by a doctor. It is not recommended to combine several anti-inflammatory drugs in complex treatment, as this will not improve the result, but can lead to an overdose. Therefore, if there is no improvement in 2-3 days of using some remedy, the doctor cancels it and prescribes another one. Glucocorticoid-based drugs can only be used as directed.doctor. Therefore, in the pharmacy they are sold by prescription.
When treating children, it is very important to strictly follow the dosage recommended by the doctor. For dosing syrups and suspensions in the package there is always a measuring spoon or a special syringe. Tablets or capsules should be taken with plenty of water. The ointment is applied in a thin layer, as many times as prescribed by the doctor.
