Medications and non-pharmacological measures to alleviate the symptoms of respiratory tract infections in the pediatric population

Abstract

In the pediatric population, acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the most common reason for seeking professional help from a physician or a pharmacist. Alleviation of symptoms is the only therapeutic measure in viral RTIs and is an adjunct to antibiotic therapy in bacterial RTIs. This article discusses pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options for treating nasal congestion, cough, fever and sore throat in RTIs and clinical evidence on their efficacy and safety in the pediatric population. In general, clinical studies conducted in children for most of these drug groups are few or nonexistent, making it difficult to create evidence-based recommendations. Nasal decongestants, cough suppressants, mucolytics, expectorants, antipyretics/analgesics and sore throat local preparations are available in suitable pharmaceutical forms and strengths for the certain age. As many of them are over-the-counter (OTC) preparations, it is necessary to strictly take into account the age of the child in whom they may be used and dose properly. Multicomponent preparations carry the risk of taking unnecessary medications and of their side effects. The use of multiple OTC medicines is associated with the risk of an overdose of a component that may be present in different preparations. Appropriate non-pharmacological measures (e.g. oral hydration, nasal saline application or irrigation, honey) may be helpful and should be used whenever possible due to their safety.

Evaluation of Symptomatic Treatment Approaches of Pediatricians for Pediatric Patients with Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Regarding to Rational Drug Use

“…The high number of drug groups used in the symptomatic treatment of URTI and the over-prescribing of these drugs by physicians increase the importance of determining the treatment in accordance with RDU principles. The most commonly used over the counter (OTC) drug were reported as cold medicines (5). According to the Turkish Pharmaceutical Industry 2021 report, cold medicines have been the 6 th best-selling medicine group per box, despite the appearance of diseases and the decrease in hospital access due to the effect of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic limitations (6).…”