Clear Dosage Guidelines for Kids
Clear Dosage Guidelines for Kids
Your child wakes up in the middle of the night with a fever. You get some acetaminophen or ibuprofen to find the correct dosage and it reads, "Children under 12: Ask a doctor." Here, Cindy Gellner, MD, a pediatrician at University of Utah Health, shares dosing guidelines for these two common over-the-counter medications.
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Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen?
Acetaminophen tends to work better for headaches. Ibuprofen reduces inflammation and usually works better after vaccines and to ease the pain of sore throats.
"Both medications reduce fever, but by 2 degrees at the most," Gellner says. "Remember that fever is the body's way of fighting off an infection. Instead of worrying solely about the number the thermometer reads, focus on how your child looks and acts, and whether he or she is hydrated."
What That Smell Means: A Parent's Guide to Child Odors
Kids can be messy, sweaty, and occasionally smelly. But some odors may point to a medical issue instead of just needing a bath. Learn what is usually harmless, what simple fixes may help at home, and when certain smells could signal infections, constipation, diabetes, or other concerns worth checking out.
When Does My Child Need to Go to the ER for a Nose Injury?
Does your child's nose seem to be a trauma magnet, constantly getting bumped, bruised, and bloodied? It is pretty typical for kids to hurt their noses as they play and explore. Learn when you should treat your child's injured nose at home and when it is time to go to the doctor.
How to Treat Your Child's Cold Sore
Cold sores are common in adults, but they can surprise parents when they appear in children. Caused by the herpes simplex virus, these painful blisters often return during illness, stress, or fatigue. Learn when to ask your doctor about prescription treatment.
Is Your Child Peeing Too Often? Frequent Urination in Young Children Explained
Your preschooler suddenly needs the bathroom every few minutes—but seems otherwise fine. While alarming for parents, this common phase is often harmless and linked to stress, routine changes, or bladder habits rather than disease. Learn the warning signs that deserve medical attention and how reassurance often becomes the best treatment.
Treating Your Child's "Barking Cough" at Home
Has your child got a bad cough that almost sounds like a seal? Hearing a child with croup is concerning to any parent. Learn about at-home treatments, how a pediatrician can help, and when it is time to go to the ER.
My Child Has Night Terrors—What Can I Do?
It can be hard to watch your child have night terrors—when they scream and cry inconsolably at night. Although night terrors usually stop eventually, learn to recognize signs that it may be something more serious, and when you should take your child to the doctor.
How to Make Your Child Comfortable While They Recover From the Flu
If your child comes down with the flu, there is, unfortunately, not much you can do except make them comfortable and wait for the virus to run its course. Learn what foods your child should eat, how much water they should drink, their medications, and when they can go back to school.
