Avoid prescribing mucolytics in children with bronchial asthma.

Avoid prescribing mucolytics in children with bronchial asthma.

Type of practice

Drugs

Age

Pediatric

Topic Area

Allergology

Inflammation, mucosal edema and mucus hypersecretion increase the narrowing of the bronchial lumen with the formation of mucus plugs that worsen bronchial obstruction in patients with asthma. Studies conducted on the effectiveness of mucolytics to treat asthma and its exacerbations have demonstrated their poor effectiveness and the possibility of dangerous side effects. The most important International guidelines (GINA, ATS, BTS) don’t include mucolytics in the “management” of children with bronchial asthma. Mucolytics agents are also contraindicated under two years of age due to the risk of a substantial deterioration of respiratory function for a difficult bronchial drainage

Sources

1. Yuta A, Baraniuk JN: Therapeutic approaches to mucus hypersecretion. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2005 May; 5(3): 243-51.
2. Balsamo R, Lanata L, Egan CG: Mucoactive drugs. Eur Respir Rev. 2010 Jun; 19(116): 127-33.
3. Aliyali M, Poorhasan Amiri A, Sharifpoor A, Zalli F: Effects of N-acetylcysteine on asthma exacerbation. Iran J Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2010 Jun; 9(2): 103-9.
4. Linee Guida GINA italiane 2013 http://www.ginasma.it.

Attention. Please note that these items are provided only for information and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a clinician. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their clinician.