Coronavirus has caused a pandemic affecting both adults and children. Although mortality rates in adults are high, that in children has been low, with many children experiencing only mild disease. This article looks at the pathophysiologic mechanisms that may account for the differences observed in children, namely a strong immune response, a lower number of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, and a lower inflammatory response. Though children in general have mild disease, there is a hyperinflammatory condition known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome, which is likely a postinfectious immunologic response, which is seen mainly in children and adolescents and not adults.

Mucus production of the respiratory tract is our first defense against microbes and allergens. However, overproduction of the sputum and difficulty with airway clearance could lead to many respiratory tract diseases. Mucoactive agents are medications that either change the properties of the sputum or decrease its production. This article aims to provide an overview of common mucoactive agent.