As much as we may dislike it, coughs and colds are circulating, and it’s approaching the season when individuals attempt various treatments to eliminate their coughs as swiftly as possible. Nevertheless, if you’re someone who relies on cough syrups to attempt alleviating your symptoms, you might wish to cease, as a doctor has cautioned against it.
Doctor Sami, who’s recognised for dispensing health guidance to his followers on TikTok, recently implored Brits to discontinue using the widespread treatments, and there’s a crucial reason why. According to professional guidance, you’re better off avoiding them, and there are reportedly superior methods to attempt soothing your symptoms.
It follows after numerous suggestions have been distributed to Brits ahead of the winter period. Indeed, Dr Amir Khan said there are “red flag” symptoms you need to look out for too.
Doctor Sami stated: “Cough syrups do not work, but there is something that does, which is much cheaper. So I’ll tell you three of these cheap and easy cough remedies.
“Now most coughs, especially from colds or viruses, are caused [by] inflammation or irritation of the airways, and cough syrups, which are basically sugar, water and sedatives, don’t really address this. In fact, a major review of cough syrups found no good evidence that thay can reliably reduce cough symptoms.
“Honey, on other hand, does show good evidence to reduce cough symptoms – better than placebo and cough syrups, especially for nighttime coughs. We think that’s because honey coats the throat, which reduces irritation, and it also has mild, natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.”
During the video, the specialist revealed menthol can also prove effective in alleviating symptoms. Heated liquids and steam may likewise help to provide relief, the medic explained.
He noted this occurs because warmth serves to comfort the throat, whilst also thinning mucus. This subsequently makes expelling it through coughing considerably easier.
You might be surprised to learn there’s scant scientific proof demonstrating over-the-counter cough medicines actually work, as they’re frequently deemed no more beneficial than a placebo. Numerous specialists advise against their use, particularly for youngsters under six years old.
Rather, they suggest straightforward treatments such as honey and lemon, given they’re safer and probably equally beneficial. Honey, for instance, can assist with cough symptoms, particularly those stemming from upper respiratory infections, as it helps calm the throat.
It functions by forming a protective layer over the throat and diminishes both how often you cough and its intensity. Nevertheless, honey must not be administered to infants under 12 months old.
What should you do when experiencing a cough?
The NHS states: “A cough will usually clear up on its own within three to four weeks. There’s usually no need to see a GP if you have a cough.
“You should rest, drink plenty of fluids [and] try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.”
Regarding cough treatment, the NHS advises you might consider taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to alleviate any discomfort, alongside using honey and lemon (infants under one year should avoid this). Nevertheless, there’s limited evidence demonstrating these approaches can provide swift relief.
Should you have concerns about a cough, you may wish to consult your GP for additional guidance. You should always contact them if you have any worries but, typically, you are recommended to see them if:
- You’ve had a cough for more than three weeks (persistent cough)
- You’re losing weight for no reason
- You have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or diabetes