Fact Check: Can putting Onion On Chest Fix Coughs and Bronchitis?
An Instagram post claims that Onion On Chest Can Fix Coughs and Bronchitis. The claim by the user is FALSE.
Claim
In an Instagram post, it is claimed that onion on the chest can fix cough and bronchitis. In the reel, the user betterremedies claims that keeping onions on the chest covered with a Ziploc bag, can relieve persistent coughs and bronchitis. She further says, "I have been coughing since the end of August, I just seen an Amish person on here. This is how you fix those coughs and bronchitis that won't go away."
The reel, accessible here, has garnered 83.3k views, 1,070 comments, and 85.2k shares.
Fact Check
The claim by the Instagram user is FALSE. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus that topical application of onions on the chest can fix Coughs and Bronchitis.
What is Cough?
A cough is a natural reflex action that helps clear your throat and airways of irritants such as mucus, dust, or germs. It serves as an essential defense mechanism, protecting your respiratory system by expelling unwanted particles and maintaining the health of your lungs and airways. Coughing can occur voluntarily or spontaneously as a response to irritants, ensuring your airways remain open and functional.
What are the types of coughs?
Coughs are typically classified into acute and chronic types, based on their duration and severity. Acute coughs, which last for three weeks or less, are often temporary and can usually be cured, resolving on their own or with minimal treatment. Chronic coughs, on the other hand, persist for over eight weeks in adults and are often caused by underlying conditions such as asthma, GERD, or chronic bronchitis. Unlike acute coughs, chronic coughs cannot be completely cured and require ongoing medical management.
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is a condition where the bronchi, the large airways in the lungs, become inflamed. This inflammation often leads to severe coughing spells that may produce sputum (mucus or phlegm), accompanied by wheezing, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath. It can be acute, usually caused by infections, or chronic, often linked to long-term irritants like smoking or air pollution.
What are the types of Bronchitis?
Bronchitis can be classified into two types: acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis usually arises from a lung infection, such as a cold, and typically resolves within a week or two. In contrast, chronic bronchitis is a more serious, long-term condition that develops gradually over time and cannot be cured. While symptoms may improve or worsen, they never completely go away. Persistent inflammation in chronic bronchitis can lead to the buildup of sticky mucus in the airways, resulting in ongoing breathing difficulties.
What are the Nutritional Benefits of Onion?
Onions (Allium cepa) are widely consumed globally and known for their distinctive flavor and versatility in cooking. They are commonly eaten raw in salads, cooked in a variety of dishes, and used as a base for soups, sauces, and stews. Beyond their culinary uses, onions also offer numerous health benefits.
Onions add abundant flavor to a wide variety of food yet are low in calories. With only 45 calories per serving, onions are naturally fat and cholesterol-free. They are a source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and other key nutrients, including folate, calcium and iron. Onions contain a variety of other naturally occurring chemicals known as organosulfur compounds linked to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Among some of their best-known benefits, onions contain the flavonoid quercetin, which acts as an anti-inflammatory in the body, inhibits low-density lipoprotein oxidation (an important reaction in atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease), protects and regenerates vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant), and provides protection from many forms of cancer.
Can Onion On Chest Fix Coughs and Bronchitis?
Onions are a rich source of antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may offer mild relief for coughs and bronchitis. While these benefits could help alleviate symptoms of acute coughs and bronchitis, it is crucial to emphasize that chronic coughs require appropriate medical evaluation and treatment. However, no robust scientific evidence or medical consensus supports the claim that placing onions on the chest can directly treat coughs or bronchitis.
Onions, a rich source of bioactive compounds, have been widely recognized for their diverse pharmacological benefits, particularly in promoting respiratory and immune health. The study's findings by Sima Beigoli et. al. highlight onion's potential in managing conditions like bronchitis, obstructive respiratory diseases, lung infections, and allergies due to antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Onions are believed to have natural expectorant properties. A study published in the Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research highlighted that onions help liquefy phlegm and inhibit its further production. The study also noted that traditionally, onions have been used for centuries as a home remedy to manage conditions such as colds, coughs, bronchitis, and influenza.
Onions have been renowned for their medicinal properties since ancient times. A study by V. Venkatesh et. al. highlights their traditional use in managing various ailments, including coughs associated with bronchitis, asthma, and inflammatory disorders.
The claim that placing onions on the chest can treat coughs or bronchitis is not supported by scientific research. Onions may have health benefits when consumed, but topical application does not directly impact respiratory health.
The Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team spoke with Dr Kamal Kant Kohli, MBBS, DTCD, Chest Specialist, New Delhi and he said, "Placing onions on the chest as a remedy for coughs or bronchitis lacks scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. While onions possess mild anti-inflammatory properties, applying them to the skin does not alleviate respiratory symptoms. For managing coughs or bronchitis, rely on proven methods such as staying well-hydrated, inhaling steam, or following doctor-prescribed treatments. Though home remedies may offer some comfort, they should not replace proper medical care. If symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a doctor is essential to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent potential complications."
Dr. Mrigakshi Aggarwal, MBBS, DNB - Respiratory Diseases, Diploma in Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (DTCD), Pulmonologist, Sanjeevan Hospital, Delhi further explained, "While onions have certain properties that can provide relief for cough and bronchitis, there is no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in treating these conditions. Persistent coughs or bronchitis may indicate underlying respiratory problems that need proper medical evaluation and care. Relying on unproven methods can delay treatment and increase the risk of complications. It’s essential to prioritize evidence-based therapies and consult a doctor to ensure effective management and a quicker recovery."
Medical Dialogues Final Take
Onions are nutritionally beneficial and may provide mild relief for acute cough and bronchitis but they are not effective in treating chronic cough and bronchitis. Further, no scientific evidence or medical consensus supports the claim that placing onions on the chest can fix cough and bronchitis. Onions do not possess the ability to fix cough and bronchitis through topical application.
Thus, the claim by the user is FALSE.
