Headlines so seldom give a balanced view of what is being announced. Below are the portions I found most relevant, whcih confirm my current practice in dealing with colds and coughs.
.... new guidelines, issued jointly by the Canadian Thoracic Society and the American College of Chest Physicians, are published in today's edition of the medical journal Chest. There are more than 200 recommendations for diagnosing and managing cough.
The recommendations, prepared by a panel of respiratory experts from around the world, single out the newer generation of non-sedating antihistamines (sold under brand names like non-drowsy Claritin and Allegra) as ineffective against cough and say they should not be used by cold sufferers.
Dr. Louis-Philippe Boulet, a pulmonologist at Hôpital Laval in Quebec City and a member of the guidelines committee, said cold sufferers are better off drinking plenty of fluids, eating chicken soup, getting some rest and taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain.
The guidelines state that some non-prescription drugs can work moderately well for some people with a persistent cough, but they should take only older-generation drugs that combine antihistamines and decongestants, such as Benadryl DM and Contac.
The older generation of cough medications that provide some relief include a combination of an expectorant, which clears the respiratory tract of phlegm and makes breathing easier; plus an antihistamine, designed to reduce swelling in the respiratory tract. Adult consumers can look on the label for active ingredients such as brompheniramine and pseudoephedrine.
A number of studies have shown, however, that hydration is key to relieving coughs. So, sipping a glass of water works as well as taking an expensive syrup or tablet.
I REALLY take exception to that last sentence-- whose assumption is that one line, exactly? My experience is that hydration WITH the expectorant has worked really well.