Q: My wife is 24 weeks pregnant with twins. She is facing a problem of dry cough for over a month. She has tried a tablet given by her gynaecologist, but without any result. Now she is taking a mixture of warm honey & black pepper, which has controlled the situation a bit but not fully. What should we do to cure the problem?

A:Except for folic acid, which is absolutely essential, other medicines should be avoided during pregnancy. In addition to honey and black pepper, I suggest your wife should do steam inhalation twice daily. This will soothe her respiratory system.