Question

One of the preferred pharmacologic options of persistent cough in an otherwise well 25-year-old woman with acute uncomplicated bronchitis would most likely include:

a) Antibiotic therapy to cover atypical pathogens.
b) An inhaled short-acting muscarinic antagonist.
c) An inhaled corticosteroid.
d) A dextromethorphan-based cough suppressant.

Answer 1

The preferred pharmacologic option for persistent cough in an otherwise well 25-year-old woman with acute uncomplicated bronchitis is an inhaled short-acting muscarinic antagonist.

Step-by-step explanation:

The preferred pharmacologic option for treating persistent cough in an otherwise well 25-year-old woman with acute uncomplicated bronchitis would most likely include an inhaled short-acting muscarinic antagonist (option b). Inhaled short-acting muscarinic antagonists like ipratropium bromide help to relax and widen the airways, reducing coughing and improving breathing.

Antibiotic therapy (option a) is generally not recommended for acute uncomplicated bronchitis, as it is usually caused by a viral infection. Inhaled corticosteroids (option c) are primarily used for managing chronic bronchitis and asthma, not for acute bronchitis. A dextromethorphan-based cough suppressant (option d) may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying cause of the cough.