salt water and baking soda

[kidzcare]

I have been far too generous with my cough drops this year- I am almost out and we've barely started cold season!

So now I've started with gargling salt water and a return visit will get a cough drop.

I was wondering about baking soda for reflux? Sometimes I have kids come in complaining of reflux and I've thought about keeping baking soda in my office to alleviate this. But is that considered a medication? If I can do salt water for throats, why not baking soda? Thoughts?

[Farawyn]

They are gargling with the salt water and not actually ingesting it.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

Well, I couldn't do cough drops or salt water or baking soda, so I'm interested to see the responses here.

[SnowyJ, RN]

Honestly, I have some students who have reflux, and I keep peppermint gum for them. It prob doesn't do much, but it's something. I've also given peppermint tea.

I did have a student last year who kept contraband Tums in his backpack. (Shhhhh.....I know nothing.) He was such a challenge, I finally just gave in.

[Farawyn]

Honestly, I have some students who have reflux, and I keep peppermint gum for them. It prob doesn't do much, but it's something. I've also given peppermint tea.

I did have a student last year who kept contraband Tums in his backpack. (Shhhhh.....I know nothing.) He was such a challenge, I finally just gave in.

*gasps*

Snowy...no!!! NOT contraband TUMS???!

[kidzcare]

*gasps*

Snowy...no!!! NOT contraband TUMS???!

For shame!!!! What if he overdosed on calcium????????

[SnugglePuggle, MSN, RN]

If I had a student diagnosed with acid reflux/GERD I would probably talk with the parent about the prescribed treatment recommendations (i.e. acid blockers/reducers/neutralizers). If I had a student presenting with symptoms of acid reflux/GERD without a diagnosis, I might make a phone call to the parent if the student complaints become chronic, but I would not give baking soda. By doing so I would think that you are essentially "prescribing" a treatment for a specific condition that you diagnosed.

But, then again, I guess it depends on your district policy. In my district I cannot even give a cough drop without an MD order. On the other hand, my daughter goes to private school and the office secretary can give ibuprofen and Tums to a student without an MD order. However, she always places a phone call first to get parental ok.

[SnowyJ, RN]

*gasps*

Snowy...no!!! NOT contraband TUMS???!

LIVIN ON THE EDGE!!!!!

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

I have a student I suspect may have reflux (student waiting on an upcoming GI appointment), but sadly no tricks work. Student is miserable and Mom doesn't know what to do until the appointment (which she did get pushed up slightly - best she could do) and student is missing day after day unexcused. We have both had to push student to class and to stay in school.

I will say I haven't tried peppermint gum because gum is a no-no in my school. Has anyone had any luck with peppermint candies?

[Farawyn]

I have a student I suspect may have reflux (student waiting on an upcoming GI appointment), but sadly no tricks work. Student is miserable and Mom doesn't know what to do until the appointment (which she did get pushed up slightly - best she could do) and student is missing day after day unexcused. We have both had to push student to class and to stay in school.

I will say I haven't tried peppermint gum because gum is a no-no in my school. Has anyone had any luck with peppermint candies?

I have. Just make sure you get Brach's with real peppermint oil.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

I have. Just make sure you get Brach's with real peppermint oil.

Thanks, Farawyn! Happy to see the sugar-free variety also appears to have peppermint oil in it and student also happens to be a T1 diabetic...who isn't always compliant.

[zombieghoast]

I love the salt water trick but I kept peppermints in my office for stomach issues.... Lets just say I saw the same kids over and over for the mint.