Cough medicine for children – how to choose a remedy for the type of cough

A cough medicine for a child should be selected primarily based on the type of symptom and the age of the young patient. Cough medicine for a child works differently in the case of dry and wet coughs, so the choice of preparation depends on the mechanism of cough development. Clinical studies indicate that proper adjustment of symptomatic treatment can reduce the severity of coughing and improve the child’s comfort during infections.

• The type of cough in children determines the choice of the appropriate preparation.
• In dry cough, cough suppressants are used.
• In wet cough, medications that facilitate the removal of secretions from the respiratory tract are used.
• In the youngest patients, cough treatment should be consulted with a doctor.

See also: RSV in children – the course of infection and when it poses a threat?

How to recognize cough in children and why does its type matter?

Cough in children is a defensive symptom of the body, aimed at removing secretions and microorganisms from the respiratory tract.

The mechanism of coughing involves a sudden airflow through the respiratory tract, which allows for their cleansing from accumulated substances. In children, coughing most often accompanies viral infections of the upper respiratory tract.

In clinical practice, two basic types of cough are distinguished: dry cough and wet cough. They differ in their mechanism of development and treatment methods.

In the case of wet cough, there is secretion present in the respiratory tract that should be removed. On the other hand, dry cough is characterized by a lack of expectoration and is often associated with irritation of the throat or respiratory tract.

When is a cough syrup used for dry cough?

Cough syrup is primarily used in the treatment of dry cough when coughing fits are severe and are not accompanied by the expectoration of secretions.

Preparations of this type work by suppressing the cough reflex. Clinical studies have shown that some substances can reduce the frequency of coughing fits and improve sleep comfort in children.

Substances used in the treatment of dry cough include, among others:

• Butamirate found in preparations such as Sinecod or Atussan
• Levodropropizine present in medications such as Levopront or Levoprost

The mechanism of action of these substances involves limiting excessive cough reflex activity without affecting the central nervous system to the extent of older cough medications.

If coughing persists or additional symptoms appear, a medical consultation may be necessary to determine the cause of the ailment.

How do medications used for wet cough work?

Medications used for wet cough aim to facilitate the removal of secretions from the respiratory tract by changing their properties.

In productive cough, the most important thing is to thin the secretions and improve their transport in the respiratory tract. For this purpose, expectorants and mucolytic drugs are used.

Mucolytic drugs used in cough therapy include, among others, preparations such as Flegamina or Mucosolvan. The substances contained in these medications reduce the viscosity of secretions and facilitate their expectoration.

The most important effects of these preparations include:

• Reduction of secretion density in the respiratory tract
• Facilitation of its removal during coughing
• Improvement of respiratory tract cleansing

In the case of wet cough, the simultaneous use of cough suppressants is not recommended, as it may hinder the removal of secretions.

Can herbal syrups be used for cough in children?

Some herbal syrups can be used as part of symptomatic treatment for cough in children.

Preparations containing plant ingredients primarily work by coating the mucous membrane of the throat and reducing irritation of the cough receptors. Medical literature describes the effects of substances derived from plants such as marshmallow or Icelandic lichen.

Preparations used in cough therapy include, among others:

• Preparations containing marshmallow extract
• Syrups containing Icelandic lichen
• Preparations such as GrinTuss Pediatric
• Preparations such as Petit Drill

Plant substances can soothe throat irritation and reduce the severity of coughing, but their effectiveness depends on the cause of the symptom and the age of the child.

When is a medical consultation necessary for a child’s cough?

A medical consultation is necessary when the cough persists for a longer time or is accompanied by additional symptoms.

Particular caution should be exercised in the case of the youngest children. Infants require individual medical assessment before using most preparations used in cough treatment.

A visit to the doctor may also be necessary if the cough changes character or symptoms suggesting a more serious illness appear.

Situations requiring medical consultation include:

• Cough lasting several days despite treatment
• Worsening of symptoms during therapy
• Appearance of high fever or deterioration of general condition
• Suspected bacterial infection of the respiratory tract

Before using a preparation, always familiarize yourself with the…with the information contained in the medication leaflet, which specifies indications, dosage, and contraindications.

Questions and Answers Section

Which cough medicine should I choose for my child?
The choice of preparation depends on the type of cough. For a dry cough, cough suppressants are used, while for a wet cough, preparations that facilitate the removal of mucus are recommended.

Can I give my child a cough syrup for a wet cough?
It is not recommended to use cough suppressants in the presence of mucus, as this may hinder the clearing of the airways.

Are herbal syrups effective in treating cough in children?
Some herbal preparations may soothe throat irritation and reduce the severity of cough, but their effectiveness depends on the cause of the symptom.

When does a child’s cough require a doctor’s visit?
A medical consultation is advisable when the cough persists for several days, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms of illness.

Sources

1. Chang A.B., Glomb W.B. Guidelines for evaluating chronic cough in pediatrics. Chest.
2. Smith S.M., Schroeder K., Fahey T. Over-the-counter medications for acute cough in children and adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
3. Paul I.M. Therapeutic options for acute cough due to upper respiratory infections in children. Lung.
4. Oduwole O., Udoh E.E. Honey for acute cough in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
5. Kardos P., Dinh Q.T. Mechanisms and treatment of cough in children. European Respiratory Journal.