When our children are suffering from allergy or cold symptoms, it can be heartbreaking. No mother enjoys seeing her child sniffling, sneezing and just generally feeling miserable. So most of us keep over-the-counter medications on hand to alleviate these symptoms, and if that doesn't work, we go to the pediatrician to get something stronger.

But there has been growing cause for concern over giving antihistamines, decongestants and steroids to children. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration has issued a number of warnings and mandates in the past few years that involve these medications. Some have caused serious side effects, and in a few cases, they have been linked to deaths. So it's very important for all parents to choose medications for their children carefully.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are most often found in allergy medicines, but they are also ingredients in many cold and motion sickness medicines. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is one of the most commonly used antihistamines. But did you know that diphenhydramine is also used in medications for insomnia? Like most medications that cause drowsiness, diphenhydramine should not be used by children under six years of age.

Another antihistamine that has been the subject of recent warnings is promethazine (Phenergan). It has been linked to severe breathing problems in children younger than age two. It should also be used with caution in older children, particularly those with respiratory problems.

The side effects associated with most antihistamines are the same. In addition to drowsiness and breathing difficulties, they can cause dizziness, constipation, upset stomach and dry mouth.

Decongestants

Decongestants are found in cold and allergy medicines. They help reduce the swelling and mucus in the nasal passages that cause difficulty breathing through the nose and headaches, and that sometimes lead to a sinus infection. Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) are mild stimulants, so they are most often used in daytime cold and allergy medicines or in combination with antihistamines.

Decongestants may cause such side effects as trouble sleeping, light-headedness, nervousness, rapid heartbeat and loss of appetite. For this reason, they are not recommended for children under four years old. Some experts say that they should not be given to children younger than six.

Steroids

Sometimes physicians prescribe steroid treatments for allergy symptoms. They are most often administered in the form of a nasal spray, and may be given to children as young as two years. Unlike antihistamines and decongestants, steroid use in children has not been the subject of intense scrutiny. But there are some potential side effects associated with steroids.

Steroids are known to have an effect on growth in children. Nasal steroids are believed to be somewhat safer than oral ones in this respect, but they still seem to have an effect. They have also been linked to eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma, especially in children with a family history of these diseases. Nasal irritation may also occur with nasal steroid use.

All medications come with certain risks, and these risks tend to be greater in young children. Studies have shown that the greatest danger with cold and allergy medications occurs with products that use a combination of ingredients, or with using several of them together. So if you do decide to give your child medication to help alleviate cold or allergy symptoms, choose a medication that treats only the symptoms he has, and choose it carefully.