Which respiratory medication is used to suppress coughing?

• A. Bronchodilators
• B. Cough/cold preparations
• C. Decongestants
• D. Cough suppressants

Answer: (D)

Cough suppressants are antitussives—the medicines designed to quiet the cough. They work by acting on the brain’s cough center to dull the cough reflex, which lowers how often and how forcefully you cough. This makes them the best choice when the goal is to stop a dry, nonproductive cough or to help someone rest. They aren’t used for a productive cough, because coughing helps clear mucus from the airways.

Other options serve different roles: bronchodilators widen the airways to ease breathing in conditions like asthma or COPD; decongestants reduce nasal stuffiness; and cough/cold preparations may mix several ingredients for multiple symptoms and may not always include a suppressant. When a dry cough is the issue, a cough suppressant such as dextromethorphan (or sometimes other agents like codeine in certain formulations) is appropriate, though it’s important to watch for drowsiness and interactions.