Acute Cough Management

Recommended Approaches

• Simple home remedies like honey and lemon are recommended as first-line treatment and are often as effective as pharmacological treatments, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and other guideline societies 1, 2, 3
• Voluntary cough suppression through central modulation may be sufficient to reduce cough frequency, as suggested by clinical guidelines from reputable organizations 1, 2

Pharmacological Options

• Dextromethorphan is the preferred antitussive agent due to its superior safety profile, with maximum cough suppression at 60 mg, as recommended by the American College of Chest Physicians and other medical societies 1, 2, 3
• Antitussive agents should only be offered for short-term symptomatic relief in acute bronchitis, with a Grade C recommendation from the American College of Chest Physicians 4

General Considerations

• Failing to consider that acute viral cough is typically self-limiting and often requires no medication, as noted by the American Academy of Family Physicians and other guideline societies 1