NHS issue cough advice as expert warns Brits to avoid doing one thing in winter
There are three remedies said to be able to help with your cough, and one of them is something you probably already have at home
It's that time of year when coughs and colds are spreading rapidly, and lots of people are resorting to various treatments to help them feel better as swiftly as they can. But if you're someone who reaches for cough syrups to try and relieve your symptoms, you might want to think twice, as a GP has issued a warning about them.
Doctor Sami, who regularly posts health guidance to his TikTok followers, has recently advised Britons to avoid using these popular remedies, and there's an important reason behind it. Based on professional guidance, you're actually better off steering clear of them, and there are reportedly more effective methods to try and soothe your symptoms.
This follows numerous tips that have been circulated ahead of the winter period. In fact, one medic suggested taking a simple tablet each day can actually help speed up 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 they 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 night time 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 explained that menthol could also prove effective in alleviating symptoms, reports the Mirror. Warm drinks and steam may help ease discomfort too, the doctor added.
He explained this is down to heat soothing the throat and thinning out mucus. This, as a result, makes it considerably easier to cough up.
You might be surprised to learn there's limited scientific evidence demonstrating that over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines actually work, as they're often regarded as no more effective than a placebo. Many experts advise against them, particularly for youngsters under six.
Instead, they suggest straightforward remedies such as honey and lemon, as these are safer and probably equally effective. Honey, for instance, can help with cough symptoms, particularly those stemming from an upper respiratory infection, as it helps to soothe the throat.
It functions by coating the throat and decreases both how often you cough and how severe it is. However, honey must not be given to infants under one year old.
What should you do when you have a cough?
The NHS advises: "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."
For managing a cough, the NHS suggests taking paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief, along with honey and lemon remedies (not suitable for infants under 12 months). That said, there's little proof these approaches provide quick results.
Those concerned about a persistent cough should consider consulting their GP for professional guidance. While you should always reach out if worried, medical advice is generally recommended 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