Key Takeaway
A single dose of honey before bed was more effective than dextromethorphan (cough medicine) for reducing nighttime cough and improving sleep in children.
Summary
This randomized controlled trial compared honey to a common cough suppressant for childhood cough.
Children receiving buckwheat honey before bed had greater reductions in cough frequency and severity, and better sleep quality, than those receiving dextromethorphan or no treatment.
Methods
- Randomized controlled trial
- 105 children with URI
- Honey vs DM vs no treatment
- Parent-reported outcomes
Key Results
- Superior cough reduction with honey
- Better sleep quality
- Outperformed OTC medicine
- Well-tolerated
Limitations
- Parent-reported outcomes
- Single night study
- Not for infants under 1 year