It is always tough when kids are sick. So KD I am sorry your nephew is
struggling today.

I'd like to suggest that you (and other caregivers here) avoid Motrin for kids
unless absolutely necessary.

There was a study done in 1999 that showed that NSAIDs block cox-2
enzymes in lining of the GI tract. These cox-2s work as a barrier to toxins, and allergens in the foods we consume. When they are blocked by NSAIDs then
it is thought that allergens can damage the lining and/or leak into the body
to cause mayhem--autoimmune reactions.

This is a fairly technical situation, and most doctors have no clue. It certainly is not advertised with Children's Motrin on commercials.

I always advise to hold off on Motrin unless fevers become 104 and do not
go down quickly --Motrin can be rotated with liq. Tylenol every 2 hrs for these higher fevers.

Most other fevers can be handled with Children's Tylenol adequately. (unless the child has liver disease or doctors do not want you to use Tylenol, you should then follow your doctor's instructions).
http://www.crohns.net/Miva/education/nsaids.shtml

The increase in GI problems in this country seems to parallel the use of OTC
NSAIDs. And in children, I think this is very important.
IBS did not exist 15 yrs ago as it does today. Over the years we have seen the rise in behavior disorders in children, that is very alarming. Gluten intolerance is more common than ever. So I think it is a good idea to withhold NSAIDs (like Children's Motrin) unless an extreme situation warrants their use.

As an aside, many kids may be glutamine deficient. If they were not breastfed, glutamine levels would be lower than breastfed children.
Human breast milk has 10 times the glutamine content of cow's milk. Glutamine is mainly used by the GI mucosa for maintenance and health. So there may be an interrelationship between glutamine status in the GI tract and potential injury from NSAIDs. Only time will show further links.

That is just my impression of the data today.