Vicks VapoRub Proves Harmful in Children Under Two

Anyone reading this has either done it to themselves or to their child. Heck my mom used to do it for me when I was a kid. I'm talking about using Vicks VapoRub under the nose area. Really opens things up and allows you to breathe better, doesn't it? Actually, unbeknownst to me and I'm sure many of you reading this, that action can be harmful especially in children under two.

U.S. Researchers just came out with their findings on the Proctor & Gamble Co product saying that it can actually restrict the airflow not open it up like commonly misconceived. This can prove especially harmful in infants and toddlers that have a much narrower airway than that of an adult. The findings took the researchers by total surprise for a product that has been on the market for over 100 years (source news.yahoo.com).

According to Dr. Bruce Rubin of Wake Forest University School of Medicine the only problems have arose with the medicine in children under the age of two. Rubin says that the ingredients in Vick VapoRub can be an irritant and cause the airways to swell and produce more mucus. Given the smaller airways of small children this can cause severe respiratory problems (news.yahoo.com).

In the study, the researchers used the Vicks VapoRub on ferrets as they have airways similar in size to that of an infant or toddler. The study found that the ferrets with a chest infection had their airways narrowed considerably after use of the Vicks VapoRub because of increased production of mucus and swelling of the airway. While only Vicks products were used in the study, researchers warn that generic versions of the Vicks VapoRub also contain the same ingredients and would likely have the same effect (source: news.yahoo.com).

It does state on the Vicks VapoRub instructions that the product should not be applied under or inside the nose and it also says you should not use the product on children two years old and under without consulting a doctor first (source: news.yahoo.com). But that apparently has not been enough to deter people from doing it.

Bottom line is Vicks VapoRub can be harmful if used under or inside of the nose, especially in children under two. But we should be careful with any medications given to children under two. According to Dr. James Mathers, president of the American College of Chest Physicians, parents should consult their physician before giving any medication to their children under the age of two, especially any kind of cold or cough medications which can be harmful if not used properly (source: news.yahoo.com). As for the Vicks VapoRub, keep it on your chest and away from your nose, no matter what your mother used to do.