Honey More Effective In Treating Cough In Children: Study

HoneyHoney is more effective in treating cough in children.

Researchers of Pennsylvania State University reported that honey was more effective than dextromethorphan at relieving the severity, frequency and bothersome nature of the cough.

In the study, they examined 130 children (age range 2 to 18) with cough and had a cough from colds for about days. Parents rated the severity of the kids’ cough symptoms, including frequency of coughing and effects on sleep.

Ian Paul, MD, and colleagues sent the parents home with one of three treatments:
- A dose of dextromethorphan, a drug used in many over-the-counter cough suppressants
- A dose of buckwheat honey
- No treatment

The parents gave the children their assigned treatment half an hour before bedtime and they rated their symptoms.

Honey ranked highest among others drugs.

The benefits of honey may be due to its antioxidants and microbe-fighting effects. They add that dark honeys, such as buckwheat honey, tend to be rich in antioxidants and that further studies are needed to check their findings.

Few kids had side effects from the treatments, though mild hyperactivity, nervousness, and insomnia were reported in five kids in the honey group, two children in the over-the-counter medicine group.

Children less than 12 months old should not be fed honey since it can cause botulism in infants.

Sheila Kelly, of the Proprietary Association of Great Britain, said, “Having access to safe and effective pediatric cough and cold remedies is essential. Those on the UK market have demonstrated their efficacy through decades of use and their acceptance by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency means parents can continue to rely on these over- the-counter cough and cold remedies.”

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