Optimization of cough control in children with acute upper respiratory infections: results of an observational study

It is important to individualize therapy goals, including control of the cough reflex and inflammation suppression when treating cough in children with acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the drug Rengalin in children over 3 years old with ARVI in clinical practice, focusing on cough management capabilities, an observational non-interventional program was conducted. Methods. The study included 90 children with ARVI and cough, divided into three groups: monotherapy with Rengalin (Group 1, n = 31), combined treatment Rengalin and a Mucolytic (Group 2, n = 29), and monotherapy with a Mucolytic (Group 3, n = 30). Patients were monitored in a day hospital with follow-up visits on days 1.4 (±1), and 8 (±1). ARVI symptoms, cough severity was assessed using the specialized scales, therapy effectiveness was evaluated based on physicians' and parents' opinions, and adverse events were recorded. Results. At visit 2 by day 3 of therapy, a significant reduction in cough severity was observed in Groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.0001), whereas Group 3 showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.53). By day 7, at visit 3, the total cough score was significantly lower in patients receiving Rengalin: Group 1 — 0.6 ± 0.9, Group 2 — 1.2 ± 1.0, Group 3 — 2.8 ± 1.5; p1—3, 2—3 < 0.0001, and the proportion with a cough severity scale score of ≤1 point was significantly higher (93.5%, 75.9% and 23.3% in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p1—3, 2—3 < 0.0001). No adverse events were reported. Conclusions. Rengalin therapy, whether as monotherapy or combined with a mucolytic agent, provides better control of cough compared to mucolytic monotherapy and is well tolerated in children.