Discussion on winter colds and coughs, immune response to respiratory viruses, different approaches to cold and flu remedies, throat lozenges, effectiveness of honey as a remedy, and the relieving effects of menthol on congestion.
Over-the-counter cold and flu remedies have limited effectiveness and often provide only temporary relief, with mild benefits and short durations.
Different cough mixtures and throat lozenges serve distinct purposes in soothing and suppressing different types of coughs and easing throat discomfort.
Deep dives
Understanding the Body's Response to Respiratory Viral Infections
When infected with a respiratory virus, our immune system produces symptoms such as mucus production, congestion, fever, and aches. These symptoms are a result of the body's immune response to fight the infection. However, most common winter illnesses are low-level and generally not life-threatening. People often have to continue their daily activities despite feeling unwell, leading them to reach for the medicine cabinet. It's important to understand that the immune system itself plays a significant role in how we feel during a viral infection.
Effectiveness and Limitations of Cold and Flu Remedies
There is limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of over-the-counter cold and flu remedies. While some may provide temporary relief, the vast majority of these remedies have mild benefits with short durations. Many people experience a placebo effect, perceiving an improvement simply by taking a medication. It's crucial to acknowledge that our bodies generally recover from minor illnesses naturally, regardless of medication. Additionally, the risks and side effects associated with some medications, like the now-withdrawn fulcothymidine, highlight the need to carefully consider the value of these remedies.
Understanding Cough Mixtures and Throat Lozenges
Cough mixtures and throat lozenges have distinct purposes. Glycerol-based syrups can soothe dry and tickly coughs, while some mixtures with ingredients like dexamethasone can help suppress persistent coughs, especially at night. Chesty cough mixtures containing guaifenesin can help break up sticky mucus, making it easier to clear the lungs. Throat lozenges, although containing sugar or glucose, often have active ingredients to ease discomfort, but their efficacy is comparable to non-medicated sweets. It's important to consider the evidence and consult with a pharmacist to choose the most appropriate remedy.
As the nights draw in and the spluttering sounds of coughs and colds seem to be all around us, presenter James Gallagher is getting ahead this year and stocking up his medicine cabinet. He gets some help from Inside Health’s resident GP Margaret McCartney and virologist Lindsay Broadbent from the University of Surrey to take look at a few of the nation’s best-loved remedies and find out what they will actually do to help him when he, inevitably, gets ill.
Presenter: James Gallagher
Speakers:
Dr Margaret McCartney, GP and expert in evidence-based medicine
Dr Lindsay Broadbent, Lecturer in Virology at the University of Surrey
Reshma Malde, Superintendent Pharmacist, John Bell & Croyden
Producer: Tom Bonnett
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