Recently, a shocking case appeared in our clinic: a 14-year-old boy who had been secretly abusing cough drops at home for a long time caused his height to stop growing and shrink by 10 centimeters within a year. This is not just an isolated incident, but a wake-up call that we must be aware of the potential risks of common medications in our homes.
Cough drops, which may seem ordinary, are actually potentially dangerous. Some of these ingredients, such as codeine, have been found to be addictive and can seriously interfere with the physical and mental health of teens. When we take this drug lightly, we may actually be inadvertently contributing to a latent health crisis.
In this article, we'll delve into the issue of cough drops addiction, especially how it affects the growth and development of teenagers. We will uncover the possible side effects of long-term use of these drugs, including the causes and physiological mechanisms of height atrophy, and provide effective prevention and intervention. By knowing and recognizing, we can better protect ourselves and our families from the harm of ignorance and negligence.
Be on the lookout! The hidden danger behind the cough drops
Cough drops, commonly found in home medicine cabinets, are used to relieve cough symptoms. However, its addictive potential and potential side effects are often overlooked. This section aims to shed light on the addictive nature of common ingredients in cough drops and the side effects they can trigger.
Addictive ingredients: codeine and oxycodone
Codeine: A common antitussive ingredient that belongs to the opioid class. It reduces coughing by affecting the "pleasure center" in the brain, but it can also trigger dependence.
Oxycodone: Similar to codeine, it is a synthetic opioid used to treat persistent cough. It can likewise lead to addiction, especially when used for long periods of time or in excess.
How does it lead to addiction?
Adaptive changes in brain receptors: Opioids trigger changes in brain receptors that make the body dependent on drugs.
Psychological dependence formation: While relieving coughing, the comfort created may lead to an individual's psychological dependence on medications.
Side effects: Not to be ignored
Physical health effects: Long-term or excessive use may lead to respiratory depression, indigestion, altered mental status, etc.
Developmental problems: Particularly in adolescents, opioid abuse can interfere with normal growth and development, such as height loss.
Prevention and intervention
Use in moderation: Strictly follow your doctor's instructions and do not increase the dose or frequency of use on your own.
Seek professional advice: Consult a doctor if you have a persistent cough and not rely on cough drops for a long time.
When cough drops deprive the growth of height
Not only is the overuse of cough drops a potentially addictive behavior, it can also negatively affect height development in adolescents. The physiological mechanisms of this effect are multifaceted and involve the body's endocrine system and bone growth.
Interference of the endocrine system
Long-term use of cough drops containing addictive ingredients, such as those containing codeine, can lead to an imbalance in the endocrine system. These drugs interfere with the normal function of the pituitary gland, a key gland that controls growth hormone secretion. Growth hormone is essential for the physical development of adolescents, especially during puberty. When the secretion of growth hormone is disturbed, height growth may be limited.
Inhibition of skeletal development
Growth hormone not only promotes muscle development, but also directly affects the growth of bones. During puberty, bones grow rapidly, forming new bone tissue. However, certain ingredients in cough drops may inhibit this process, causing bone growth to slow down, which can affect height gain. Long-term exposure to these drugs, especially during critical periods of growth, can result in significantly lower heights than peers.
Disturbances in nutrient absorption
In addition to directly affecting the endocrine system and bone growth, the abuse of cough drops can also lead to digestive problems, which in turn can affect the absorption of nutrients. In order to support normal growth and development, the body needs a lot of nutrients, including protein, calcium, vitamin D, etc. Substance abuse can lead to indigestion, loss of appetite, which can reduce the intake and absorption of essential nutrients, and have indirect effects on physical development.
Be vigilant about the hidden dangers of cough drops and family intervention strategies
When discussing how to prevent and intervene in the inappropriate use of cough drops, we must first recognize that this is not only an individual responsibility, but also a shared responsibility of the family and society. Here are some practical and easy-to-implement suggestions:
Enhance drug education and awareness:
Parents and caregivers should be aware of the ingredients in cough drops, especially those that may cause dependence, such as codeine. Through health education campaigns, schools and communities can help adolescents understand the dangers of substance abuse.
Manage your home medicine cabinet properly:
Medications in the home should be properly managed, especially those that contain addictive ingredients. Check your medicine kit regularly to make sure all medications are within their expiration date and stored out of the reach of children.
Use cough drops wisely:
Before using cough drops, consider other non-pharmacological relief methods, such as increasing indoor humidity and drinking plenty of fluids. If cough drops must be used, they should be used strictly according to the instructions or as directed by a doctor.
Seek professional medical advice:
When you notice that your cough persists, you should seek medical attention in time rather than increasing the dose or frequency of your medication on your own. Communicate regularly with your GP, especially as your teen grows, to keep an eye on their health and medication use.
Focus on Mental Health:
Teens may abuse drugs because of stress, anxiety, or other psychological factors. Parents and teachers should be on the lookout for these signs and provide the necessary support and guidance. If necessary, you can seek professional help from a psychological counselor.
Through these measures, we can more effectively prevent the improper use of cough drops and potential addiction problems, while creating a safer environment for the healthy development of adolescents.