What is the action of an anti-tussive medication?

An anti-tussive medication functions primarily to relieve coughing. This type of medication works by suppressing the cough reflex, which is often triggered by irritation or inflammation in the throat or lungs. By reducing the urge to cough, anti-tussives can help alleviate discomfort, improve sleep, and allow for better rest, especially in cases of non-productive coughs that do not help clear mucus or phlegm.

Consideration of the other answer options helps frame the understanding of the important role of anti-tussives. Promoting a cough would be contrary to the intended action of an anti-tussive, as such medications are specifically designed to provide relief from coughing. Desensitizing pain receptors relates to analgesics rather than cough relief, as anti-tussives do not have an impact on pain sensation. Reducing anxiety is not a function of anti-tussives; instead, it aligns more closely with the role of anxiolytics or sedative medications, which serve a different purpose entirely.

Thus, the focus of anti-tussive medications is satisfactorily captured by their action of relieving cough, making it the appropriate answer.