Which drug class would you expect to use for someone experiencing severe coughing?

The correct choice is the anti-tussive drug class, which is specifically designed to suppress or relieve coughing. Anti-tussives work by acting on the cough center in the brain or by anesthetizing the throat and lungs, making them effective for individuals dealing with a persistent or severe cough.

In contrast, narcotics are typically used to manage pain and may have a cough-suppressing effect; however, they are not primarily categorized for cough relief and can have significant side effects, including sedation and dependency. Cathartics are agents that induce bowel movements and are not related to cough management. Diuretics are medications that promote diuresis, or increased urine production, and are used in conditions such as hypertension or fluid retention but have no role in treating a cough.

Therefore, when considering the appropriate medication for severe coughing, anti-tussives are the most fitting option because they are directly aimed at alleviating that specific symptom.