How to cure cough
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Effective Treatments for Cough: A Comprehensive Review
Cough is a common symptom that can significantly impact quality of life. Various treatments, ranging from traditional herbal remedies to over-the-counter (OTC) medications, have been studied for their effectiveness in alleviating cough. This article synthesizes the findings from multiple research studies to provide an overview of effective treatments for cough.
Traditional Herbal Remedies for Cough
Maekmoondong-tang (MMDT)
Maekmoondong-tang (MMDT) is a traditional herbal medication used in Korea, Japan, and China. It consists of six herbs: Ophiopogonis Tuber, Pinelliae Tuber, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Zizyphi Fructus, Ginseng Radix, and Oryzae Semen. A systematic review and meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2,453 participants found that MMDT reduced the severity of cough by 74% compared to conventional antitussive medications. However, the evidence was inconsistent for conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer surgery, and asthma, and adverse events were rarely reported.
Other Herbal Medicines
A systematic review of 34 RCTs involving 7,083 participants assessed various herbal medicines for cough. The review found strong evidence for Andrographis paniculata and ivy/primrose/thyme-based preparations, and moderate evidence for Pelargonium sidoides in treating cough. Echinacea showed limited evidence of effectiveness. These herbal treatments were significantly superior to placebo in alleviating cough symptoms.
Honey as a Treatment for Acute Cough
Honey has been traditionally used to alleviate cough symptoms, especially in children. Multiple studies have evaluated its effectiveness:
- Effectiveness in Children: Several RCTs have shown that honey is more effective than no treatment, diphenhydramine, and placebo in reducing the frequency and severity of cough in children. However, honey was not significantly better than dextromethorphan .
- Adverse Events: Mild adverse events such as nervousness, insomnia, and hyperactivity were reported, but these were not significantly different from those experienced with dextromethorphan or placebo .
Capsaicin for Chronic Cough
Capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers, has been studied for its potential to desensitize the cough reflex. A study involving 24 patients with chronic unexplained cough found that oral intake of capsaicin significantly increased the thresholds for cough reflex sensitivity and improved cough symptoms. This suggests that capsaicin may help in reducing cough sensitivity and symptoms.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
OTC medications, including mucolytics and cough suppressants, are commonly used to manage cough:
- Mucolytics: Studies on mucolytics like bromhexine, ambroxol, and neltenexine have shown mixed results. While they may reduce the severity of cough, there is insufficient evidence to recommend them as an adjunctive treatment for acute pneumonia .
- Cough Suppressants: The use of cough suppressants in patients with pneumonia is controversial, as they might impede airway clearance. The evidence is insufficient to determine their overall benefit .
Conclusion
Various treatments are available for managing cough, each with its own set of benefits and limitations. Traditional herbal remedies like MMDT and Andrographis paniculata show promise, especially for specific conditions. Honey is effective for acute cough in children, while capsaicin may help with chronic cough. OTC medications have mixed results, and their use should be carefully considered. Further high-quality, placebo-controlled trials are needed to establish the most effective treatments for cough.
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