E-DRUG: Need for cough mixtures (contd.)
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1. Cough mixtures such as Simple Linctus and others containing
soothing ingredients are, in essence, not really placebos as they
have a soothing effect on dry mucous membranes.
Agreed--to the extent that one is providing something that at
least has the potential of benefit.
2. The power of the placebo is well documented....
Better this than the alternative i.e. meeting
their expectations with a pharmacological agent that might
suppress a productive cough, an antibiotic that would be of no > value, an antihistamine that would dry secretions etc.
Agreed again, particularly with the point about education,
which should at least be done at the time a decision is made
to try something. Many OTC products available here would
probably do more harm than good. At least patients could
be directed to something that (1) won't aggravate the problem
(2) disguise the problem and (3) have the potential for benefit.
Increased fluid intake could work as well.
Surely we would hope that a
persistent cough would re-present for further investigation.
Education again--which could begin with the initial presentation.
And reinforce the message that the problem *is* important and
is deserving of attention and followup.