People usually turn to cough medications especially during the cold and flu season.  To loosen mucus in the airways, over the counter (OTC) cough syrup is the first treatment that comes to mind, but a current research says, we may have to ditch the habit.  Cough medicines don't work and are actually virtually useless, doctors say.

The Best That Cough Medications Could Give Is A Good Night's Sleep From Drowsiness

Researchers from the American Chemical Society claim that the best that cough expectorants can do is give you a good night's sleep from drowsiness, Daily Mail reported.  OTC cough medications work a little better than a placebo.  This is what experts concluded during a review of studies on cough medicine.  They found that in 15 of 19 cases, it either had no benefit or the results were conflicting.

According to Medical Daily, coughing is a natural reflex that clears our airways.  Antitussives, like dextromethorphan or DXM, are meant to block the cough reflex, and they can also cause drowsiness.

Try Honey And Lemon To Soothe Your Throat And Drink Lots Of Fluids, Too

Cough drops, however, were proven to work.  To soothe your throat due to coughing, experts recommend honey and lemon.  Also, drinking lots of fluid and using a humidifier are some recommended cough remedies. 

Meanwhile, in Florida, children under 18 are now banned from purchasing OTC cough syrup that contains the active ingredient dextromethorphan.  Senate bill 938, which went into effect on January 1, also requires those who look 25 years old or younger to show identification to purchase cough suppressants containing DXM. 

It has been reported that teens use OTC cough medicine to get high.  The new law is put in place to prevent DXM abuse. DXM misuses could cause feelings of intoxication, euphoria and hallucinations.