As the season of coughs and colds approaches, many people find themselves reaching for remedies to quickly get rid of their symptoms. However, if you typically rely on cough syrups for relief, you might want to reconsider. A medical professional has recently advised against their use.

Dr. Sami, who is known for sharing health advice on TikTok, has urged people in the UK to stop using these common treatments, and there’s a significant reason for this recommendation. He suggests that avoiding cough syrups might be more beneficial and highlights alternative ways to ease your symptoms more effectively.

This advice is part of a series of health recommendations being shared with the public as winter approaches. Dr. Amir Khan has also noted that there are specific “red flag” symptoms that individuals should be aware of during this season.

Dr. Sami explained, “Cough syrups are ineffective, but there are other solutions that are both cheaper and more effective. Let me share three affordable and straightforward remedies for coughs.”

“Most coughs, especially those caused by colds or viruses, result from airway inflammation or irritation. Cough syrups, which are mainly sugar, water, and sedatives, fail to address the root cause. A comprehensive review of cough syrups revealed no solid evidence that they can consistently alleviate cough symptoms,” he added.

“On the other hand, honey has shown promising results in reducing cough symptoms, outperforming both placebos and cough syrups, particularly for nighttime coughs. This is likely because honey coats the throat, minimizing irritation, and possesses mild, natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties,” Dr. Sami concluded.

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