Doctor urges all Brits to avoid taking cough syrups this winter
Doctor Sami is a GP who recently urged Brits to stop taking cough syrups. According to him, there's a key reason why people should stay away from them during the winter months
As much as we may not like it, coughs and colds are doing the rounds, and it's getting to the time of year when people try all sorts of remedies to rid their coughs as quickly as possible. However, if you're somone who uses cough syrups to try and ease your symptoms, you may want to stop, as a doctor has warned against it.
Doctor Sami, who's known for sharing health advice with his followers on TikTok, recently urged Brits to stop using the common remedies, and there's a key reason why. According to expert advice, you're better off without them, and there are said to be better ways to try and ease your symptoms.
It comes after many tips have been shared with people ahead of the winter months. In fact, one doctor claimed taking a simple pill daily can even work to boost your recovery.
Doctor Sami said: "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."
In the clip, the expert said menthol can also work well to reduce symptoms. Warm fluids and steam can also work to ease matters too, according to the doctor.
He said this is because heat works to soothe the throat, and thins the mucus out. This, in turn, makes it a lot easier to cough up.
You may not realise, but there is little scientific evidence to show that over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrups are effective, as they are often considered no better than a placebo. Various experts don't recommend them, especially when it comes to children under six.
Instead, they recommend simpler remedies like honey and lemon, as they are safer and likely just as effective. Honey, for example, can aid with cough symptoms, especially one from an upper respiratory infection, as it aids in soothing the throat.
It works by coating the throat and reduces both cough frequency and severity. However, honey shouldn't be given to children under one.
What should you do when you have a cough?
The NHS says: "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."
When it comes to treating a cough, the NHS states you could try taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain, as well as using honey and lemon (babies under one should not do this). However, there's limited evidence to show these methods can work rapidly.
If you're worried about a cough, you may want to see your GP for further advice. You should always contact them if you have any concerns but, generally, you are advised 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