Copyright birminghammail
As much as we may not fancy being ill, coughs and colds are spreading about, and it's reaching that time of year when people try all manner of remedies to banish their coughs as swiftly as possible . However, if you're someone who relies on cough syrups to attempt to relieve your symptoms, you might want to think twice, as a doctor has cautioned against it. Doctor Sami, who's recognised for sharing health guidance with his followers on TikTok , recently urged Brits to ditch the common remedies, and there's a crucial reason why. According to expert guidance, you're better off without them, and there are reportedly superior ways to attempt to soothe your symptoms. It follows after numerous tips have been shared with people ahead of the winter months. In fact, Dr Amir Khan said there are various cough symptoms you need to keep an eye on. 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 the 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 video, the expert mentioned that menthol can also be effective in reducing symptoms. Warm fluids and steam can also help to alleviate the situation, according to the doctor. He explained that this is due to heat soothing the throat and thinning out the mucus, making it much easier to cough up. You might not be aware, but there's scant scientific proof to suggest that over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrups are effective, as they're often deemed no better than a placebo. A number of experts don't endorse them, particularly for children under six. Instead, they advocate for simpler remedies like honey and lemon, as they're safer and likely just as effective. Honey, for instance, can assist with cough symptoms, particularly those from an upper respiratory infection, as it aids in soothing the throat. It operates by coating the throat and reducing both the frequency and severity of coughs. However, honey shouldn't be given to children under one. 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 could attempt taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to address any discomfort, alongside using honey and lemon (infants under one should not do this). Nevertheless, there's limited evidence to demonstrate these approaches can work quickly. If you're concerned 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
