Comparison of effect of honey with cough syrups containing dextromethorphan and codeine on cough associated with upper respiratory tract infection in adults: a randomized trial

INTERVENTION: There were two treatment groups in the study. One group received honey 30 ml per day in three divided doses for 3 days (10 ml three times a day)per oral with the measured spoon given with the intervention Pure bee honey (langnese) was used. To ensure patient adherence to medicines, a reminder phone call at day 2 of treatment was given to the patients by study coordinator. a card was also given to patient to record their daily doses. CONDITION: Cough associated with Upper respiratory tract infections PRIMARY OUTCOME: Improvement in the bothersome nature of cough ; assessed by a 7 point likert scale by patients improvement in the frequency of cough ; assessed by a 7 point likert scale by patients Improvement in the severity of cough ; assessed by a 7 point likert scale by patients SECONDARY OUTCOME: combined score by adding all four variables night sleep quality ; assessed by a 7 point likert scale by patients INCLUSION CRITERIA: We included all patients 18‐65 years of age presenting within 7 days history of cough due to URI visiting Community health center, Aga khan university hospital, not requiring antibiotics.