USA Today reports on new guidelines published by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP). Interestingly, the ACCP concludes that over-the-counter (non-prescription) cough syrup purchased at your local pharmacy may be ineffective at doing its job: suppressing your cough. The success some people have experienced from these medications may be from a placebo effect or from natural recovery. Note to self: save money and buy Ricola candy instead. If symptoms persist, definitely consult a physician.

This is a similar phenomenon to antibiotics and viral illnesses. Antibiotics that target bacteria are simply ineffective against illnesses caused by viruses, yet many still view antibiotics as a panacea against disease. Unfortunately, in our medicine-driven world, many patients are not satisfied unless they leave the doctor’s office with a prescription in hand.