4.2. The medication history of children with chronic cough
We collected the medication history of children in the course. The present study shows most children (67.1%) had a history of using antimicrobials. Studies showed using appropriate antibiotics improves cough resolution, especially for the chronic wet cough [9-12].
175 children (41.7%) had taken Azitromycin in the course. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is extensively regarded as major cause for CVA in clinics [13]. Hodgson David [14] et al found that Antimicrobial may have a place in the treatment of chronic cough associated with asthma. Martin Matthew J [15] et al found that those chronic cough patients, who were similar to the paediatric condition protracted bacterial bronchitis, had a good symptoms’ response to low-dose azithromycin. What’s more, Azithromycin has a well-described anti-inflammatory properties which can be attributed to the interactions with cPLA₂, causing inadequate translocation of the enzyme or disturbing physical interactions with its substrates[16]; or attributed to the inhibition of the STAT1 and NF-κB signaling pathways through the drug’s effect on p65 nuclear translocation and IKKβ[17]. Thus, Many pediatrician chose azithromycin to treat chronic cough.
206 children (49.0%) had a history of using cough medications. 136 children (32.4%) had a history of using Montelukast. Miwa Nanako [18] et al found that leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) was useful in improving cough in patients with CVA. Tamaoki Jun [19] et al found that LTRA was more effective than the salmeterol in the treatment of CVA. Whereas it was not effective in non-productive cough in AC[20].
185 children (44.1%) had taken Chinese patent drug. This showed that Chinese pediatrician prefer to use Chinese patent drug to relieve cough symptoms. 62.9% children had taken Chinese herbal medicine. There was a great variety of Chinese patent drug, and Chinese herbal medicine were mostly compound. Although they had certain curative effect in clinic, the mechanism was not clear.