Rekomendacje postępowania diagnostyczno-terapeutycznego w kaszlu u dzieci dla lekarzy POZ

Cough is the most common symptom of respiratory tract diseases and the cough reflex is one of the basic physiological mechanisms, facilitating the airway clearance. The criterion for the duration of cough allows to distinguish acute and chronic cough. Based on the nature of cough, it is divided into dry cough and productive (wet) cough. In this paper the authors analyzed the diagnostic procedure in children with acute and chronic cough, taking into account differences in medical history, physical examination and additional tests. Indications the for use of antitussives have been defined, pointing at efficacy and a favorable safety profile of drugs with peripheral mode of action (laevodropropizine), as well as the problem of side effects and the risk of excessive use of centrally acting drugs. In the treatment of productive cough, in the group of expectorants erdosteine shows a beneficial in therapy, multidirectional spectrum of activity. Attention was paid to the limited use of herbal formulations, due to the lack of clear evidence of their efficacy. The authors have also identified a method of treatment in case of cough associated with an acute respiratory infections in children under two years of age.