An article published in Lung discussed that 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.

The authors reported that US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved over-the-counter (OTC) oral antitussives and expectorants are dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, chlophedianol and guaifenesin, is absent for URI-associated pediatric cough. Alternatively, honey and topically applied vapor rubs may also act as effective antitussives.

Source: Lung. 2012 Feb;190(1):41-4. doi: 10.1007/s00408-011-9319-y. Epub 2011 Sep 4.