Pavel Berezhansky cautioned against using mucolytics and home nebuliser treatments without medical advice. His suggestions on diet and humidity are not a substitute for a child’s clinician.
Pulmonologist and allergist-immunologist Pavel Berezhansky has warned about possible risks from treating children’s coughs without medical guidance. In an interview, he said children under five or six may struggle to clear mucus effectively, so unsupervised use of mucolytics could cause it to build up in the lower airways.
Berezhansky advised against nebulising mineral water, herbal decoctions or aloe juice. He said mineral salts and plant components could irritate the respiratory tract or trigger adverse reactions. He also cautioned against mustard plasters and iodine grids.
If a doctor prescribes a mucolytic, Berezhansky recommended giving it in the first half of the day so a child has time to cough up mucus before sleep. Other suggestions included maintaining indoor humidity at about 50–55 per cent, ensuring adequate sleep, and avoiding sweets and citrus. The latter are his recommendations, not a substitute for advice from the child’s clinician.
The reports did not cite a pediatric association or clinical guideline establishing the diet and humidity suggestions as universal advice. Parents should discuss medicines and treatment with the child’s own doctor.