From the Guidelines
Honey can be effective for persistent coughing, especially for coughs related to upper respiratory infections or irritation, as it may offer more relief for cough symptoms than no treatment, diphenhydramine, or placebo, although it is not better than dextromethorphan, as suggested by the Chest guideline and expert panel report 1. For adults and children over one year of age, taking 1-2 teaspoons of honey as needed can help soothe the throat and reduce cough frequency. It can be taken directly or mixed with warm water or tea. For best results, take honey before bedtime to help with nighttime coughing. Some key points to consider when using honey for cough relief include:
- Honey works by coating the throat, which reduces irritation that triggers coughing, and it also has antimicrobial properties that may help fight infections.
- Its thick consistency helps form a protective barrier in the throat, and its natural sweetness can trigger saliva production, which helps thin mucus.
- However, never give honey to infants under 12 months due to the risk of botulism.
- If your cough persists beyond two weeks, is accompanied by fever, or produces discolored phlegm, you should consult a healthcare provider as these may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical treatment. It's also important to note that smoking is a common cause of persistent cough, and quitting smoking can help alleviate cough symptoms, as stated in the Thorax guidelines 1. Additionally, other underlying conditions such as lung cancer or chronic bronchitis may require different treatment approaches, as discussed in the Chest guidelines 1.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Honey for Persistent Coughing
- Honey has been studied as a potential treatment for persistent post-infectious cough (PPC) in adults 2.
- A randomized controlled trial compared the therapeutic effects of honey plus coffee, systemic steroid, and guaifenesin in 97 adults with PPC 2.
- The results showed that honey plus coffee was the most effective treatment modality for PPC, with a significant reduction in cough frequency after one week of treatment 2.
- The study suggests that a combination of honey and coffee can be used as an alternative medicine in the treatment of PPC 2.
Comparison with Other Treatments
- Guaifenesin, a mucoactive drug, is used for relief of wet cough and chest congestion due to the common cold, and has a secondary indication for use in stable chronic bronchitis 3.
- A study on guaifenesin found that it has a well-established and favorable safety and tolerability profile in adult and pediatric populations, and is considered a safe and effective expectorant for the treatment of mucus-related symptoms in acute upper respiratory tract infections and stable chronic bronchitis 3.
- However, the study on honey plus coffee found that it was more effective than guaifenesin in reducing cough frequency in adults with PPC 2.
Chronic Cough Evaluation and Management
- Chronic cough in adults can be caused by many etiologies, but four conditions account for most cases: upper airway cough syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease/laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, asthma, and nonasthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis 4.
- Patients with chronic cough should be evaluated clinically, and empiric treatment should be initiated based on the suspected underlying cause 4.
- Honey plus coffee may be considered as an alternative treatment option for adults with PPC, but further evaluation and management should be guided by a healthcare professional 2, 4.