Therapeutic Options for Acute Cough Due to Upper Respiratory Infections in Children

Overview

Journal Lung

Specialty Pulmonary Medicine

Date 2011 Sep 6

PMID 21892785

Citations 12

Authors

Ian M Paul

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Cough due to upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) is one of the most frequent complaints encountered by pediatric health-care providers, and one of the most disruptive symptoms for children and families. Despite the frequency of URIs, there is limited evidence to support the few therapeutic agents currently available in the United States (US) to treat acute cough due to URI. Published, well-designed, contemporary research supporting the efficacy of narcotics (codeine, hydrocodone) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved over-the-counter (OTC) oral antitussives and expectorants (dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, chlophedianol, and guaifenesin) is absent for URI-associated pediatric cough. Alternatively, honey and topically applied vapor rubs may be effective antitussives.

Citing Articles

Clinical Toxicology of OTC Cough and Cold Pediatric Medications: A Narrative Review.

Diantini A, Alfaqeeh M, Permatasari L, Nurfitriani M, Durotulailah L, Wulandari W Pediatric Health Med Ther. 2024; 15:243-255.

PMID: 39011322 PMC: 11249067. DOI: 10.2147/PHMT.S468314.

Looking Back to Move Forward: The Current State of Research on the Clinical Applications of Camphor- and Menthol-Containing Agents.

Hoang D, Wong A, Olympia R Cureus. 2023; 15(7):e41426.

PMID: 37546095 PMC: 10403385. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41426.

The treatment of mild upper respiratory tract infections - a position paper with recommendations for best practice.

Smith A, Kardos P, Pfaar O, Randerath W, Estrada Riolobos G, Braido F Drugs Context. 2023; 12.

PMID: 37521107 PMC: 10379023. DOI: 10.7573/dic.2023-4-2.

Physical Activity and Natural Products and Minerals in the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An Update.

Saeidi A, Tayebi S, To-Aj O, Karimi N, Kamankesh S, Niazi S Ann Appl Sport Sci. 2022; 9(1).

PMID: 35237740 PMC: 8887880. DOI: 10.29252/aassjournal.976.

A Benefit Risk Review of Pediatric Use of Hydrocodone/Chlorpheniramine, a Prescription Opioid Antitussive Agent for the Treatment of Cough.

Sloan V, Jones A, Maduka C, Bentz J Drugs Real World Outcomes. 2019; 6(2):47-57.

PMID: 31073977 PMC: 6520422. DOI: 10.1007/s40801-019-0152-6.

References

Paul I, Beiler J, McMonagle A, Shaffer M, Duda L, Berlin Jr C . Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007; 161(12):1140-6. DOI: 10.1001/archpedi.161.12.1140. View

Vernacchio L, Kelly J, Kaufman D, Mitchell A . Cough and cold medication use by US children, 1999-2006: results from the slone survey. Pediatrics. 2008; 122(2):e323-9. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2008-0498. View

Chang A, Glomb W . Guidelines for evaluating chronic cough in pediatrics: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2006; 129(1 Suppl):260S-283S. DOI: 10.1378/chest.129.1_suppl.260S. View

Paul I, Beiler J, King T, Clapp E, Vallati J, Berlin Jr C . Vapor rub, petrolatum, and no treatment for children with nocturnal cough and cold symptoms. Pediatrics. 2010; 126(6):1092-9. PMC: 3600823. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-1601. View

Shields M, Bush A, Everard M, McKenzie S, Primhak R . BTS guidelines: Recommendations for the assessment and management of cough in children. Thorax. 2007; 63 Suppl 3:iii1-iii15. DOI: 10.1136/thx.2007.077370. View

Rodriguez W, Selen A, Avant D, Chaurasia C, Crescenzi T, Gieser G . Improving pediatric dosing through pediatric initiatives: what we have learned. Pediatrics. 2008; 121(3):530-9. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2007-1529. View

Shadkam M, Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Mozayan M . A comparison of the effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine on nightly cough and sleep quality in children and their parents. J Altern Complement Med. 2010; 16(7):787-93. DOI: 10.1089/acm.2009.0311. View

Rece C, Cherry Jr A, Reece A, Hatcher T, Diehl A . Tape recorder for evaluation of coughs in children. Am J Dis Child. 1966; 112(2):124-8. DOI: 10.1001/archpedi.1966.02090110068005. View

Schroeder K, Fahey T . Should we advise parents to administer over the counter cough medicines for acute cough? Systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Arch Dis Child. 2002; 86(3):170-5. PMC: 1719114. DOI: 10.1136/adc.86.3.170. View

10.

Paul I, Yoder K, Crowell K, Shaffer M, McMillan H, Carlson L . Effect of dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and placebo on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Pediatrics. 2004; 114(1):e85-90. DOI: 10.1542/peds.114.1.e85. View

11.

Smith S, Schroeder K, Fahey T . Over-the-counter medications for acute cough in children and adults in ambulatory settings. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008; (1):CD001831. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001831.pub3. View

12.

. Use of codeine- and dextromethorphan-containing cough remedies in children. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Drugs. Pediatrics. 1997; 99(6):918-20. DOI: 10.1542/peds.99.6.918. View

13.

Cass L, FREDERIK W . Evaluation of a new antitussive agent. N Engl J Med. 1953; 249(4):132-6. DOI: 10.1056/NEJM195307232490402. View

14.

Unuvar E, Yildiz I, Kilic A, Toprak S, Aslan S, Aydin S . Is acetaminophen as effective as an antihistamine-decongestant-acetaminophen combination in relieving symptoms of acute nasopharyngitis in children? A randomised, controlled trial. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2007; 71(8):1277-85. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2007.05.002. View

15.

Korppi M, Laurikainen K, Pietikainen M, Silvasti M . Antitussives in the treatment of acute transient cough in children. Acta Paediatr Scand. 1991; 80(10):969-71. DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.1991.tb11764.x. View

16.

Taylor J, Novack A, Almquist J, Rogers J . Efficacy of cough suppressants in children. J Pediatr. 1993; 122(5 Pt 1):799-802. DOI: 10.1016/s0022-3476(06)80031-4. View