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I wasn’t surprised when I heard my oldest daughter complaining to a family member recently: “Mommy doesn’t give us medicine”. Yep, I’m a Pediatrician who doesn’t really give my kids medicines. It may seem hard to believe, but it’s the honest truth. With 5 kids, I’m really lucky they rarely get sick. Sure, my youngest is in daycare and gets little viruses and colds back to back at times. And when the older kids do get sick, they may be uncomfortable for a few days. But they make it through most illnesses without really needing anything more than Tylenol or Motrin (if that!). I used to be one that treated every little symptom I saw, as soon as I saw it. I felt like I always had to do something about everything. But, over the years, things have changed. I’d love to share with you why I don’t give my kids medicines (most of the time).

What kind of Pediatrician doesn’t give her own kids medications??

Answer: The kind that believes in the practice of good pediatric medicine!

As a Pediatrician, I’ve had parents in my office at both ends of the spectrum. Some will refuse ALL treatments and medications, even if they’re absolutely necessary for their child. Others will come to me demanding an antibiotic or some sort of prescription medication for every single thing – even when it isn’t necessary. I don’t treat kids based on their parent’s request. I treat the child and the symptoms in front of me. And I do it all following the most recent recommendations in Pediatric Medicine.

So, here’s why my kids don’t really get medicines:

Medicines usually aren’t needed

The other day, an old friend of mine brought her 5 year-old son in to see me with a fever and decreased appetite. He seemed to have a virus. After we talked about his care, we joked about how our Hispanic and Caribbean parents believed in all types of natural remedies for things, like wearing/breathing garlic, rubbing Vaporub on our feet, etc. Some of the treatments sound crazy, but they many times worked! I grew up without a lot of medications, and turned out just fine! I’m doing the same for my kids.

The reality is that most childhood illnesses don’t need to be treated with medications – especially prescription ones. Children will catch all types of viruses. Some will show up with cold symptoms. Others with vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes. Still, others will just have a fever – and nothing else. For the majority of viruses, there aren’t any treatments that your Pediatrician can give to make your child better any sooner. In my office, I spend a lot of time reassuring parents that I’m not withholding a secret “get-better-fast” treatment from their child. If there was something I could give your child to help him feel better sooner, I absolutely would. I treat my patients the same way I would treat my own kids.

I only treat things that need to be treated

Yes, kids get a lot of viruses that just need to run their course. But, there is still a chance that your child will come down with an illness that should be treated. Breathing problems (asthma, bronchiolitis), strep throat, pneumonia, skin infections, and other bacterial infections all require treatment for improvement. As a general rule, if it’s a bacterial infection, it likely needs some sort of antibiotic.

As an aside, though, not all ear infections need to be treated. With some ear infections, you can just do “watchful waiting”. If you have a child older than 2 who has no symptoms, but just happens to have an ear infection on exam, it doesn’t have to be treated. The ear can be left alone to clear on its own, as long as the infection isn’t severe and the child is comfortable. You should stay in close contact with your pediatrician, in case your child develops symptoms.

I just treat for comfort

For those illnesses that don’t “require” treatment, I usually just treat the symptoms. Just treat for comfort. If my kid is happy and bouncing around with a fever, I won’t give him a fever-reducer right away. If he has a cold but is otherwise comfortable, he also won’t get any cough medicine.

To that point as well, most over-the-counter cough medications are only indicated for kids 4 years and older. Younger kids can have all-natural remedies, which can sometimes be useful. Especially honey-based medications, for kids older than a year. Saline, suction/blowing nose, and cool mist humidifier are the staples I use to treat colds in my house.

Of course, if your child has a bone or muscle injury, treating for comfort is important. A serious injury should always be checked out by a physician. But, mild injuries can be treated at home with RICE (rest, ice/ibuprofen, compression, and elevation).

Medicines have side effects

If your child is already sick, why risk him feeling worse after taking a medication that he didn’t really “need”? Medications have a wide range of side effects, and also carry the risk of an allergic reaction. So, I wouldn’t take the chance with a medication that your child doesn’t really need.

Medicines don’t always taste good

When I was in my Pediatric Residency, I remember having medication taste-tests. We were given small samples of some of the worst-tasting medicines in Pediatrics. This way, we knew exactly what we were prescribing our patients. And let me tell you – some of them were beyond disgusting! I’ve had dozens of patients who are just so difficult when it comes to taking medications. They clench their teeth, spit the medication right back at you, kick and scream, or find it in the food you tried to hide it in. I’ve seen it all. I even have one of those kids in my home! Avoid the drama by not giving your child a medication he really doesn’t need.

One less thing to remember

Once your child is prescribed a medication, you’re committed to giving it to him for the entire course. There’s no stopping early, unless your Pediatrician says it’s OK. I have to admit, that even as a Pediatrician, I’ve forgotten a few doses of my kid’s prescribed medicines, just because life gets so busy. Giving your child a medication he doesn’t need just adds one more thing to your to-do list. One more thing to remember.

I’ve learned over the years that kids are pretty resilient and can fight most things on their own. Remember that most childhood illnesses will resolve without the need for complicated treatments or multiple medications. Of course, you should always reach out to your Pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child’s illness. Be sure to listen to their recommendations, and don’t push for medications if they aren’t needed. I wouldn’t advise you to do anything for your child that I wouldn’t do for my own!

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