Vicks VapoRub, a popular over-the-counter treatment originally marketed as a nasal decongestant, is used by many parents to ease cold and congestion symptoms in children. The medication is recommended for use in children age 2 years and older as well as for adults. Vicks VapoRub can cause potentially serious respiratory problems in infants and should never be used on children under age 2.
Purpose
The purpose of Vicks VapoRub is to relieve nasal congestion, but the preparation does not actually have this effect, according to MayoClinic.com. The product contains camphor, eucalyptus and menthol, a combination that may make the nose feel cooler, giving the sensation that it's easier to breathe, but in actuality, Vicks VapoRub does not decrease nasal congestion.
Use
Vicks VapoRub is designed to be rubbed on the chest. However, many parents put the medication on the feet, and some dab it into or under the nose, an especially dangerous procedure that can result in serious respiratory problems.
Benefits
Although Vicks VapoRub may promote the feeling that it's easier to breathe, it's not effective for this purpose, giving little or no benefit to use of the salve. The particular ingredients appear to have no benefit when rubbed on the chest beyond the psychological benefit of feeling like breathing has eased or for aromatherapy.
Risks
In a study reported in the January 2009 issue of Chest by lead author Dr. Bruce Rubin of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Vicks increased rather than decreased mucus production, probably because the drugs contained in the preparation irritate the airway. Although the packaging says that Vicks should not be used by children under age 2 and should be rubbed only on the chest, not in, on or near the nose, some parents misuse the product, which can cause worsening respiratory symptoms when incorrectly used, Rubin says.
Considerations
Many parents grew up with their parents using Vicks VapoRub for their colds, so using the medication seems harmless. Since the preparation isn't ingested, parents may have difficulty understanding that it can cause harm to an infant. Infants have narrower airways than older children or adults and may be more likely to develop respiratory distress after exposure to the preparation.
