Evidence-Based Practice in the Workplace

EBP Summary: Oral Honey versus Diphenhydramine for Treating Acute Cough in Children Source:

• Titel: Honey for acute cough in children
• Authors: Houghton J, Houghton S.
• Published: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jul 18;(3):CD001805. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001805.pub2.

Summary: This Cochrane Review aimed to assess the effectiveness of honey compared to a placebo or no treatment for acute cough in children. Researchers included 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 1,761 children between 1 and 18 years old. The studies compared honey to diphenhydramine (Benadryl), placebo, or no treatment. Results:

• Honey may be more effective than no treatment or placebo for improving cough symptoms in children.
• The evidence suggests that honey might be as effective as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for cough frequency at night, but the quality of evidence is low.
• Honey was generally well-tolerated with fewer side effects compared to diphenhydramine, which can cause drowsiness.

Limitations:

• Most studies included small sample sizes.
• There was a high risk of bias in some studies.
• The optimal dose, duration, and type of honey for cough treatment remain unclear.

EBP and My Nursing Practice: This research supports my practice as a med-surge nurse by providing evidence for a potentially safe and effective alternative for cough treatment in children. Cough suppressants like diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, a particular concern in a hospital setting. Honey offers a natural remedy with potentially fewer side effects, although further research is needed to determine optimal dosage and types. Addressing Practice Differences: If a physician prescribes diphenhydramine for cough in a child, it's important to communicate the findings of this research. I can highlight the potential benefits of honey, such as improved cough symptoms and fewer side effects, while acknowledging the limitations of the current evidence base. Ultimately, the treatment decision would be made by the physician in consultation with the parents. However, this EBP article empowers me to participate in informed discussions about treatment options for my pediatric patients.  

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