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From the first signs of cool weather (and sometimes even in the middle of summer), cases of colds, bronchitis, or tonsillitis are common, especially among the most vulnerable people, including babies. If the condition of the latter does not require a visit to the doctor, the use of natural products, or over-the-counter products in pharmacies, is often preferred. But a product, even though it is well-known and widely used, can be fatal for a sick baby.
Among all the products used to treat common respiratory conditions that cause congestion of the bronchi and nose (colds, coughs, etc.), Vicks VapoRub is perhaps the most popular.
Indeed, its effectiveness is no longer in doubt, the local application makes it easy to use and it can be used in many ways (massage, local application, inhalation, etc.).
Its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties come partly from camphor that it contains: this strong-smelling compound helps in particular to decongest the nostrils and free the bronchi of the mucus they contain.
But it can also very quickly ignite the area where it is applied if the skin is sensitive, or even the lungs in some cases.
So it is It is strongly recommended not to use Vicks VapoRub during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if you have a history of seizures.
It is also important to wait until your child is old 6 years to perform skin applications, and 12 years for inhalations (as indicated on the leaflet contained in the box of Vicks Vaporub).
Unfortunately, a Mexican mother was unaware of these risks and caused the death of her two-year-old baby.
When her baby had a fever, this mother decided to apply Vicks VapoRub to his chest, back, and under his nose so he would breathe it in.
Unfortunately, when it came time to check on her child, he was no longer breathing and despite the efforts of medical staff at the nearest hospital, he died.
According to the medical report, the baby's death was due to a inflammation of the respiratory tract.
It's the camphor who would be responsible for it and who would have increased inflammation, instead of decreasing it, resulting in an increase in the amount of mucus in the lungs and ultimately preventing the child from breathing.
These statements are confirmed by several studies which state that the use of camphor in young children can lead to inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Therefore, always pay attention to the products you use, especially if you are using them for a child or an elderly person , who are more vulnerable.
Always seek the advice of a doctor or pharmacist before self-medicating.
Always read the instructions in the medicine boxes before using them.
