Information sources about medicines used in case of children's rhinitis | Informācijas avoti par medikamentiem bērnu iesnu gadījumos
2012
Salmane-Kulikovska, I., Riga Stradins Univ. (Latvia) | Dobelniece, S., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia)
Informācijas avoti par medikamentiem bērnu iesnu gadījumos. Safety and efficiency of common cold medicines, including nasal decongestants, are doubted in respect to small children by a number of countries. In Latvia decongestants can mostly be obtained without prescription, and patient information leaflets (PILs) generally permit using them for small children. The previous study (2010) in Latvia showed extensive use of decongestants for children and determined the necessity of deeper research. A qualitative study, enclosing 27 semi-structured interviews with caregivers having used nasal decongestants for children under six years of age, was performed in 2011.The decision to use decongestants is mostly made upon the suggestion of a doctor. Perceived information from the doctors is diverse, and does not contain detailed description of possible side-effects. Other information sources are pharmacists, information in media, PILs, lay people, internet and medical nurses. Evaluation of the information sources is distinctive, ranking from trust to the opinion that most information sources about common cold medicines, including nasal decongestants, are commercially-oriented. It is essential to raise a discussion about appropriateness of decongestants for small children in Latvia. Doctors and pharmacists, being extensively used information sources, must educate patients by explaining possible side-effects of decongestants, offering treatment alternatives, as well as other trustworthy information sources for dealing with rhinitis in cases of small children. Involvement of nurses in consultation about common cold diseases can facilitate work of the doctors.
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