What categorizes cough medications as antitussives?

Cough medications are classified as antitussives primarily because they suppress the cough reflex. The cough reflex is a mechanism the body utilizes to clear irritants from the respiratory tract. Antitussives work by acting on the brain's cough center or by numbing the throat and airways, reducing the urge to cough. This can be particularly useful in situations where a cough is nonproductive or causes discomfort, allowing for better rest and recovery.

The other options refer to different actions in the body; for instance, increasing respiratory fluid production relates to expectorants, which help clear mucus, while bronchial dilation pertains to bronchodilators that ease breathing in conditions like asthma. Vasoconstrictors are medications that narrow blood vessels, often used to treat nasal congestion, but do not play a role in cough suppression. Understanding the specific action of antitussives is essential for effective treatment of cough-related conditions.