Question
My child is over three years old and the cough medication is not showing significant results. I would like to ask if it’s okay to give the child some hydrating and thirst-quenching tea? Can the child drink tea when not coughing?
Answer
It is not recommended to give the child tea while they are taking medication. However, giving the child a small amount of light tea water generally poses no major issues. But if the child frequently drinks tea, especially strong tea, it may have adverse effects on their health. The caffeine in tea can stimulate the central nervous system, leading to reduced sleep, excessive energy, and increased physical exhaustion, which may interfere with the child’s growth and development. Additionally, the tannins in tea may contract the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, affecting the absorption of nutrients.