With the first cold, many people start coughing - at home, in the office, on transport. Many immediately reach for syrup, but does it really help? Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester, Jackie Smith, debunks common myths.
Most coughs are caused by the common cold, which goes away on its own. Cough suppressants do not cure a virus, but they can help relieve an itchy throat and reduce coughing attacks. For dry coughs, sweet syrups or glycerin-based balms are good - they soften the throat and relieve the feeling of dryness. An expensive brand does not guarantee a better effect, and cheaper analogues work just as well.
You should pay attention to the sugar content, because most syrups contain a lot of it. Dextromethorphan and other active substances have a weak effect and require compliance with the dosage to avoid addiction. Levomenthol in syrups for wet cough creates only a pleasant feeling of coolness.
If the cough is wet and accompanied by phlegm or a feeling of pressure in the chest, this may indicate bronchitis or mucus congestion. Guaifenesin is said to thin phlegm, but there is little conclusive evidence for this. Antihistamines help you sleep, but they do not cure the cough itself. The best strategy is to drink plenty of water, suck on lozenges, and give your body time.
Home remedies, such as honey and lemon, can be just as effective as over-the-counter cough syrups for dry coughs, especially for children over one year old. Coughing is the body’s natural defense mechanism that helps clear mucus. The only cause for concern is dark brown phlegm or blood. If a cough lasts for more than three weeks, you should see a doctor.
