[ad_1]
Honey may be better than conventional treatments for coughs, a stuffy nose and sore throat, researchers said. The substance is inexpensive, readily available, and has virtually no side effects.
Doctors may recommend it as a suitable alternative to antibiotics, which are often prescribed for such infections even if they are not effective, scientists at the University of Oxford said.
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) affect the nose, throat, voice box, and the large air passages (bronchi) that lead from the trachea to the lungs.
There is some evidence that honey is used in children, and it has long been used as a home remedy to treat coughs and colds. But the evidence for its effectiveness for a range of upper respiratory symptoms in adults has not been systematically reviewed.
To solve this problem, scientists looked at research databases for relevant studies comparing honey and preparations that included it as an ingredient with usual care – mainly antihistamines, expectorants, cough suppressants and pain relievers. They found 14 suitable clinical trials, involving 1761 participants of different ages.
Analysis of the data from the studies indicated that honey was more effective than usual care in improving symptoms, especially the frequency and severity of coughing. Two of the studies found that symptoms lasted one to two days less in people treated with honey.
However, researchers Hibatullah Abuelgasim of the University of Oxford School of Medicine and Charlotte Albury and Joseph Lee of Nuffield’s Department of Primary Care Health Sciences noted that honey is a complex substance. and not a uniform product. They also pointed out that only two of the studies involved a placebo, indicating that more such studies needed to be done before any definitive conclusions could be drawn.
In the journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine, the authors stated, “Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common reason for prescribing antibiotics. As the majority of URTIs are viral, prescribing antibiotics is both ineffective and inappropriate. “
The researchers suggest that honey could therefore be an alternative when doctors want to prescribe something to safely treat upper respiratory symptoms.
They conclude: “Honey is a secular remedy that is frequently used and well known to patients. It is also inexpensive, easy to access, and comes with limited risk. When clinicians wish to prescribe URTI, we recommend honey as an alternative to antibiotics.
“Honey is more effective and less harmful than usual health care alternatives and avoids causing harm through antimicrobial resistance.”
[ad_2]
Source link