Postinfection cough. Mechanisms, diagnostic challenges and the role of levodropropizine Review article

Abstract

Post-infectious cough is defined as a persistent cough lasting from 3 to 8 weeks after a respiratory tract infection. It is emphasized that post-infectious cough poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge and can lead to chronic fatigue, insomnia, and many other ailments.

The article describes in detail the pathophysiology of post-infectious cough, focusing on the role of changes in the nervous system of the airways induced by viral infections and on the hyperreactivity of the airway nervous system. It also discusses the clinical presentation and differential diagnosis, which is crucial for excluding other causes of chronic cough, such as asthma, other allergic diseases, or gastroesophageal reflux.

Particular attention is paid to levodropropizine, a peripherally acting antitussive drug that inhibits the activity of C fibers responsible for the cough reflex. The results of a clinical trial from 2024 are cited, which demonstrated the effectiveness of levodropropizine in the treatment of acute post-viral cough in children. It is emphasized that the drug is well-tolerated and has few side effects. In summary, levodropropizine may be an effective and safe therapeutic option for the treatment of acute post-infectious cough, especially in children. However, it is noted that in the case of chronic cough, a thorough differential diagnosis is necessary.