title: Honey in otorhinolaryngology: when, why and how?
abstract: In this review of the literature devoted to the use of honey, the authors analyse the composition, indications, benefits and adverse effects of this product in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery. Published data indicate that honey applied topically to skin and mucosal wounds and/or burns and administered orally as antitussive medication (after the first year of life) is highly effective with no adverse effects. The physiological action of honey is the result of various mechanisms (osmotic, detersion, bactericidal action). Various medicinal honeys are available worldwide, but only one has Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of wounds. After the first year of life, the use of food honey appears to be as effective as medicinal honey, while decreasing the overall cost of treatment.
authors.affiliation: Université Paris-Descartes, Service d'Oto-Rhinolaryngologie et de Chirurgie Cervicofaciale, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 20-40, rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Werner
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Laccourreye
mesh_terms: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001906:Botulism / Q000209:etiology; D006722:Honey / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D010036:Otolaryngology; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000628:therapy; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local