Q. My husband is getting over a nasty cold, but he is still coughing non-stop. The cough syrup we had on hand isn’t working.
What can you suggest? We are desperate for advice.
A. Readers sometimes report disappointment with dextromethorphan-based cough medicines.
Although approved by the FDA for OTC use against coughs, this compound is no better than placebo for children (Pediatrics, July 1, 2004). Perhaps some adults don’t get great results either.
We are partial to thyme in tea or chicken soup against a nagging cough.
The Guide to Colds, Coughs and the Flu that we are sending you contains details on how to make thyme and ginger tea as well as use natural products for coughs and colds.
For children over a year old, there is evidence that honey works better than placebo to calm a nighttime cough that is keeping the entire family awake.
