In comparison, a honey-flavored syrup containing a common over-the-counter cough suppressant, dextromethorphan, had just slightly more effect than no treatment at all, says Pennsylvania State researcher, Ian Paul, M.D.
The honey remedy is welcome news to parents who are anxious for alternative treatment since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviewed the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter cough medications earlier this year and determined they pose more risk than benefit to children under age 6.
The new research shows that when desperation sets in, it's reasonable to try a teaspoon of honey, said Michael Warren, M.D., a clinical fellow at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, in a companion paper tp the Penn State study in the December issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.
"Parents are often desperate for the 'magic bullet' that will make the symptoms go away. Supportive care like nasal saline sprays/drops, bulb suctioning, cool mist humidifiers, fever-reducing medications, fluids, and rest are the mainstays of therapy for children with cough and cold symptoms," Warren said.
