When to get treatment for coughing: A choice of treatment

Acute respiratory infections remain one of the leading causes of pediatric department visits, which places a substantial financial burden on healthcare system and generates high socioeconomic costs. Cough, one of the most common symptoms of acute respiratory infections in children, is a complex pathophysiological reflex intended to maintain airway clearance and patency by removing secretions and foreign objects. Respiratory tract infections in children often give rise to bronchial hyperresponsiveness characterized by bronchial smooth muscle contraction, edema of the bronchial mucosa, and mucus hypersecretion, which may be a manifestation of broncho-obstructive syndrome. Effective treatment of cough depends largely on the accurate and timely diagnosis of the underlying condition. Cough medicines fall into two main categories: cough suppressants (antitussive agents) and cough clearance promoters (mucoactive agents). This article discusses the physiological aspects of cough occurrence in respiratory diseases, and presents the causes of bronchial hyperresponsiveness as a key factor requiring a sensitive attention to choose treatment strategy. Special attention has been given to the modern approaches to the treatment of cough in children due to acute respiratory infections, including the use of combination mucoactive drugs and herbal medications. These agents have a multi-target effect: they may augment mucociliary clearance, supress cough intensity, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms. The use of such medications helps reduce polypharmacy, mitigate the risk of side effects, enhance medication adherence, and avoid unnecessary antibiotic therapy. These drugs have been shown to be highly effective and safe in children with infectious diseases associated with coughing.

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