What is the difference between an expectorant and a mucolytic? Syrups, cough tablets, expectorants. Mucolytic drugs in the daily practice of a doctor

What does mucolytic mean?

Almost every one of us has had a cold, bronchitis or respiratory infections that were accompanied by coughing and sputum production. Mucolytic drugs have a secretolytic effect and help thin mucus, speed up its release and facilitate breathing. They are prescribed when thick mucus forms in diseases. These diseases include: pneumonia, bronchitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, ear inflammation. A feature of mucolytic agents is the improvement of the process of sputum discharge without increasing its volume.

Classification of mucolytic agents

Mucolytic drugs are divided into three main groups:

• affecting the viscosity of mucus;
• activating the release of sputum;
• reducing the amount of mucus.

Medicines that affect bronchial secretion can be of direct or indirect action. Drugs that destroy polymer mucous bonds act directly.

Indirect acting drugs include:

• changing the biochemical composition of mucus;
• changing the adhesion of the gel layer;
• affecting hydration;
• balms and volatile substances;
• drugs that stimulate the gag reflex;
• changing activity in the bronchial glands.

Mechanism of action of mucolytic agents

The effects of mucolytic drugs are aimed at facilitating the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract. In the process, the serous mucosal cells on the lining of the bronchi are stimulated, during which the disturbed ratio of the mucous and serous components is restored and hydrolase is activated. The action of the drugs is also aimed at breaking the disulfide bonds of sputum and inhibiting the formation of mucus.

Mucolytic drugs

Mucolytic drugs are used to treat a dry cough to turn it into a wet one. They are also used to treat nasal inflammation. For sinusitis, they mainly use Fludex and Mucodin. They contain carbocisteine, which helps remove mucus and restore breathing. At the same time, it helps fight sinusitis and rhinitis.

Mucolytic agents of plant origin

The use of plants as medicine comes to us from ancient times. This is due to the fact that they have noticeable advantages over synthetic drugs. First of all, these are minimal side effects. Traditionally, plant extracts, dry mixtures, oils, and herbal mixtures are used. They have anti-inflammatory properties, reduce swelling of the mucous membrane and significantly facilitate the discharge of sputum. Phytoncytes, found in many herbs, help fight bacteria and viruses. They have a pleasant taste that children and adults enjoy. In some cases, allergic reactions may occur. It is important to closely monitor the body's reaction.

Preparations based on thyme, in addition to their main effect, reduce soreness and hoarseness. Such a drug is Bronchicum. It is sold in the form of syrup, lozenges and elixir.

The content of ivy leaf extract in the preparations has an expectorant effect and reduces spasms in the bronchi. Sage has bactericidal properties and treats not only coughs, but also pharyngitis and laryngitis. Marshmallow root thins mucus and creates conditions for its easy removal. Medicines based on a combination of thyme and plantain extracts are used to treat tracheitis and bronchitis, when it is difficult to cough. Such medicines include Linkas, which also contains violet and hyssop.

Expectorants and mucolytics

Expectorants have reflex and resorptive action. The former contain saponin and alkaloids (infusions of thermopsis, marshmallow and istod). When taken, they irritate the stomach receptors, and this leads to stimulation of the vagus nerve in the brain. Further, the secretion of mucus in the bronchi increases and the bronchial muscles contract. Resorptive drugs (thyme, anise fruits) are absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract, released in the form of mucus and dilute sputum. Preparations containing iodine help break down sputum proteins. The mucolytic effect causes the sputum to become viscous and drain well. At the same time, the secretory function of the bronchial glands is normalized. The effect occurs within thirty minutes and lasts up to ten hours.

List of mucolytics

Mucolytics have several dosage forms and provide different modes of delivery. This can be oral, endobronchial or inhalation. This allows the use of mucolytic agents as a means of complex therapy in the treatment of acute and chronic stages of respiratory disease. This is also indicated for the treatment of ENT organs with the release of purulent secretion. These drugs are suitable even for treating infants.

Mucolytic agents for children

Preparations based on marshmallow are used to treat diseases in children. They are used for pneumonia, obstructive bronchitis, and pulmonary enphysema. Such medicines include: Mukaltin, Alteika syrup, marshmallow roots in the form of herbs.

Thermopsis preparations have a pronounced expectorant property. They reduce the viscosity of sputum and stimulate the secretory function of the bronchi. These include: Codelac Broncho with thyme, Stoptussin phyto syrup,

Doctors prescribe antitussive drugs to patients suffering from, or wet cough , in which thick sputum is poorly separated. Depending on the patient’s condition, he is prescribed either mucolytics (allowing you to dilute sputum), or expectorants (which can facilitate the discharge of sputum). These can be both synthetic drugs and plant-based drugs.

Despite the fact that most people prefer to take herbal medicines, you need to understand that all medicinal plants, regardless of whether they have positive properties, have certain contraindications and cause side effects, just like drugs of synthetic origin. In addition, most medications contain a number of other substances that cause negative effects.

It should also be taken into account that any medicine for phlegm in the lungs, including folk remedies for phlegm, can cause the manifestation of different types. Therefore, all drops, tablets, syrups and other medications can be taken only after approval by a doctor and according to the regimen that he has determined.

Classification of antitussives

There is the following division of antitussive drugs:

Expectorants that stimulate the expectoration process

Expectorants are used for wet coughs, since expectorant tablets, syrup and other medications stimulate the process of mucus discharge.

If you characterize the general list of expectorant drugs, you need to take into account that they are divided into two types.

Reflex medicines

They irritate the gastric mucosa, resulting in stimulation of the vomiting center. The production of mucus in the respiratory tract is activated. There is also increased peristalsis of the smooth muscles of the bronchi and the activity of the epithelium, which removes mucus into large bronchioles and into the trachea. As a result, such expectorants for wet coughs facilitate expectoration and removal of mucus.

Basically, these are preparations based on expectorant herbs for bronchitis, ARVI, etc.: wild rosemary, thermopsis, coltsfoot, thyme, etc. Expectorant folk remedies are also prepared on the basis of these herbs, but such folk recipes for patients who If you are worried about a strong cough, you should also discuss this with your doctor.

Direct resorptive agents

They provoke irritation of the bronchial mucosa after they are absorbed in the digestive tract. As a result, the secretion of liquid sputum increases.

It should be borne in mind that it will not be possible to choose a good and strong cough expectorant on your own, without a preliminary examination by a doctor, since it is necessary to take into account all the features of the course of the disease. The doctor also selects the optimal drug for smokers. Such drugs should be selected very carefully for pregnant women.

Any expectorant drugs, despite their composition, can be used only after approval by a doctor. Even herbal expectorants during pregnancy cannot be used uncontrolled, as allergies and negative effects on the woman and fetus are possible. If sputum does not clear well during pregnancy, you should immediately consult a doctor and follow his recommendations.

Each expectorant for children should be used only after prescription. Despite the fact that many drugs for children (tablets, syrups for children, herbs) are sold in pharmacies without a prescription, how to treat an expectorant cough in a child is determined by the pediatrician, taking into account all the features of the disease. Therefore, parents are not recommended to ask directly at the pharmacy about what good expectorants for children over 1 year of age the pharmacist will recommend to them.

Mucolytic drugs

It is necessary to take into account when using mucolytics , that this is a remedy that thins phlegm, which ultimately helps to remove it faster. Mucolytics are medications prescribed for bronchitis , pneumonia and other respiratory tract ailments. The list of mucolytic drugs is quite wide. It should be borne in mind that this mucolytic effect may be as follows:

• mucolytic drugs for children and adults that affect the viscosity and elasticity of mucus in the bronchi (and others);
• mucolytic agents for children and adults that activate the removal of sputum (,);
• Drugs that have a mucolytic effect are a reduction in mucus production ( glucocorticoids , anticholinergics , ).

When choosing any of the drugs with this effect, you need to take into account that such a mucolytic drug should only be prescribed by a doctor, since there are many important points that need to be taken into account.

Both adults and children should not be given such medications at the same time as antitussives; they are not prescribed if the cough is strong and wet.

The doctor prescribes all antitussive drugs for children and adults in the presence of certain symptoms and characteristics of the disease. Therefore, you can look for an effective, cheap and good medicine for cough and bronchitis in a pharmacy only after establishing a diagnosis.

Preparations Althea

Such cough remedies for children and adults are indicated for acute and chronic respiratory ailments - for bronchitis , obstructive bronchitis , emphysema .

These are effective cough remedies if the patient experiences the formation of sputum that is difficult to separate and has a strong viscosity.

How does it work?

Adult and pediatric medications based on marshmallow herbs produce an effect by stimulating the peristalsis of bronchioles. There is also an anti-inflammatory effect; the product dilutes bronchial secretions.

Contraindications

High sensitivity to the drug, peptic ulcer . The syrup should be used with caution in case of fructose intolerance and.

Use with caution during pregnancy, also in children under 3 years of age. Cough medicine for children over 3 years of age is used according to indications.

Side effects

Treatment may be accompanied by allergies, vomiting, nausea,

Mukaltin

The medicine is used as an expectorant for children 3 years of age and older. If there is a need to give cough tablets to children, then children over one year old can first dissolve one tablet in 100 g of water. Adults use 1-2 tablets. Mukaltin 4 r. per day, treatment can last from 1 to 2 weeks.

Reviews of cough tablets for children indicate that Mucaltin is an inexpensive and good remedy.

Price from 200 rub.

Shown

At cough with hard-to-clear sputum .

Contraindications

Not prescribed for children under 3 years of age, with high sensitivity, with peptic ulcer disease.

Side effects

How to drink?

Children - 5 ml every 3 hours, adults - 10 ml every 3 hours.

Thyme

Medicines based on this herb act as an expectorant and also produce an analgesic and antimicrobial effect. They have the same indications and contraindications as plantain.

Herb – from 50 rubles, essential oil – from 100 rubles.

How to drink?

To prepare the decoction, 1 tbsp. l. herbs pour 1 tbsp. water and boil for 15 minutes. After this, filter and bring the contents to 200 ml. Drink 1 tbsp. l. 3 r. per day for 2-3 weeks.

Syrup and lozenges are produced. Cough lozenges and syrup provide an expectorant and mucolytic effect. Lozenges, like syrup, are indicated for paroxysmal coughs and difficult to separate sputum.

From 150 rub.

How to drink?

Syrup can be given for treatment to a child from 6 months - half a tsp. twice a day. Children from 1 to 6 years old - 1 tsp. twice a day, children 6-12 years old - the same dose three times a day. Adults are advised to drink 2 tsp. three times a day.

Lozenges for children from 6 to 12 years old – 1 pc. three times a day. Adults - 1-2 lozenges three times a day.

What is better - syrup or lozenges - is determined by the doctor. It is important to take into account the patient’s age (for example, a 4-year-old child should not be prescribed lozenges), as well as what helps get rid of cough more effectively, taking into account the patient’s experience.

Bronchicum TP

It contains primrose and thyme.

How to drink?

Children from 1-4 years old - 0.5 tsp. three times a day (for a child 6 months and older - only under the strict supervision of a doctor). Children from 5 to 12 years old - 1 tsp. 4 rub. per day, adults - the same dose 6 r. in a day. It is important to apply Bronchicum at regular intervals.

Pertussin

Contraindications

Age up to 2 years, pregnancy, pulmonary hemorrhage. Take with caution for diseases of the adrenal glands, liver and kidney failure.

Side effects

Headaches, tinnitus, stomatitis , vomit , bronchospasm , pulmonary hemorrhage, skin rash.

How to drink?

It is better to take medications with such an active ingredient after meals. It should be taken into account that a stronger diluting effect is observed if a person drinks a lot of liquid at the same time.

Children 2-5 years old - 100 mg 2-3 times a day, 6-14 years old - 100 mg, adults - 200 mg three times a day. Treatment should not last more than 7 days, but in case of acute bronchitis, the doctor may extend the therapy.

How to take ACC in sachets depends on the disease. As a rule, ACC is recommended to be dissolved in half a glass of tea, water or juice and taken immediately after dilution.

This active substance contains the drug (cough medicine for children, tablets, drops for children), (in addition to bromhexine hydrochloride drops contain levomenthol, anise oil, eucalyptus, fennel, mint, oregano oils), Solvin (tablets, syrup).

An expectorant and antitussive effect is noted.

Contraindications

Age up to 6 years (mixture and syrup - up to 2 years), pregnancy (first trimester), breastfeeding, high sensitivity.

Side effects

Nausea, allergies, vomiting, dizziness, headaches.

A pronounced effect is observed after 2-5 days of treatment.

How to drink?

Children from 2 years old - 2 mg, children from 6 years old - 8 mg three times a day. For adults, 8-16 mg 4 times is recommended. in a day. It is possible to use these drugs in the form of inhalations, which are carried out twice a day. To do this, you need to dissolve the product with distilled water or saline solution. For children 2-10 years old, the dose is 2 mg, from 10 years old – 8 mg.

The use of this mixture for children under one year of age is not practiced. A list of medicines for infants can be obtained from your doctor.

Combination cough remedies

Such drugs include,. These medications can only be used if there are strict indications - they are prescribed for obstructive syndrome.

The price of Joset syrup is from 200 rubles, Ascoril – from 300 rubles, Cashnol (manufacturer India – from 150 rubles). The products are available in the form of tablets and syrup.

The composition includes guaifenesin, bromhexine, salbutamol.

Shown

At COPD , asthma , emphysema , tracheobronchitis , pneumonia , tuberculosis , chronic bronchitis .

Contraindications

Pregnancy and lactation, age up to 3 years, liver and kidney failure, myocarditis , diabetes , ulcer , tachyarrhythmia , aortic stenosis .

These cough syrups and tablets for children and adults are not used simultaneously with medications - non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blockers, antitussives, MAO inhibitors.

Expectorants are needed to release mucus from the tracheobronchial tree. How often can you hear from patients that potions, herbs or other cough remedies do not help.

This is due to the fact that cough treatment is carried out either by unfortunate doctors or by patients who themselves buy all the medicines in pharmacies.

The approach to therapeutic therapy, first of all, should be based on the cause of the disease, and it is also necessary to clearly determine what kind of cough we are dealing with - wet or dry. Only then will a specialist be able to select an effective cough remedy.

If the cough lasts more than 14 days, seek help from a pulmonologist, where you will be asked to undergo extensive diagnostics (X-ray, spirometry, sputum culture, body plethysmography, CT). Based on the results of the study, the pulmonologist will draw up a treatment regimen.

Are expectorants and mucolytics the same thing?

When coming to the pharmacy, many of us do not ask ourselves what pharmacological agent we are purchasing. Usually, patients at the pharmacy ask for something for their cough.

Expectorants (transporting secretions out) and mucolytics (thinning sputum) actually serve to treat cough. The task of mucolytics is to reduce the viscosity of mucus (sputum), while expectorants are to remove pathological secretions from the bronchi.

It should be noted that expectorants have direct and reflex action. Direct-acting drugs stimulate the process of producing liquid secretions by irritating the bronchial mucosa. Reflex agents stimulate the bronchial glands by irritating the walls of the stomach.

Are expectorants used in pediatrics?

There is a lot of debate on this issue. If the inflammatory process of the bronchi proceeds without complications, then some pediatricians believe that cough medicines should not be used, but that it is better to use gentler methods. There are also specialists who, from the first days of illness, introduce expectorant drugs into the treatment regimen, believing that the body needs to be helped and prevent the inflammatory process from spreading further.

Many parents listen to the opinion of Dr. Komarovsky. So, in this regard, the doctor recommends the following action plan:

• indoor air humidification;
• moisturizing the nasopharynx with saline solutions (no more than twice a day);
• walks in the fresh air (in the absence of high body temperature);
• strengthening the drinking regime (juices, water, fruit drinks);
• frequent ventilation of the room where the child is.

The creation of such conditions allows you to transform a dry cough into a productive (wet) one. Moisturizing perfectly thins thickened mucus and stimulates the production of liquid secretions.

If, for example, you still need a cough medicine for bronchitis, the pediatrician will primarily be guided by the following:

• the age and weight of the child;
• the nature of the cough;
• proneness to allergies;
• medical history (are there any other pathologies);
• the presence of accompanying symptoms at the moment.

Important! Remember, prescribing expectorants without medical supervision may harm your child's health.

Expectorants - what to choose?

Of course, patients are more interested in inexpensive drugs, but so that the effect is at the highest level. The incomes of citizens vary, so we will consider inexpensive drugs to be those whose price does not exceed 200 rubles. Now, let's take a closer look at the most popular expectorants for adults and children.

Pertussin

This drug has been produced for decades, and there is probably no person who has not heard of this medicine. Our compatriots remember the sweetness of pertussin from childhood.

Pertussin contains thyme (creeping thyme - an expectorant herb) and potassium bromide. The main components are supplemented with ethyl alcohol and sugar syrup. Due to its herbal composition, pertussin is widely used in pediatrics. The range of use of the drug is as follows:tracheitis, bronchitis, tracheobronchitis, whooping cough, pneumonia and other infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract.

1. Usually the syrup is used for about 7 days. According to the instructions, pertussin is recommended from the age of three, but in practice, it is often used from the age of one. Pediatricians recommend diluting the syrup with water for the youngest patients. This is explained by the presence of alcohol in the composition of pertussin.
2. As for side effects, they occur extremely rarely. This could be nausea, allergies, weakness. Such phenomena are possible only with prolonged use of the drug or its overdose.
3. For children under three years of age, pertussin is indicated in a dose of 1.25 ml at a time. Under the age of 6 years, the syrup is taken three times a day, 2.5 ml. For older children, the dose can be from 5 to 10 ml per dose, for adults up to 12.5 ml.

Pertussin is a cheap product; a bottle of syrup costs about 25 rubles on average.

Fluditek

The drug in question is a mucolytic with an expectorant effect, and that’s not all, the drug exhibits an immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory effect. The active substance of Fluditec is carbocysteine. While taking the drug, the viscosity of sputum decreases, the epithelium of the respiratory tract and the function of cleansing the bronchi are restored.

The drug is used for bronchopulmonary pathologies, including bronchial asthma and bronchiectasis. The product is also effective for diseases of the nasopharynx and ears: pharyngitis, otitis media, sinusitis.

• Fluditec is used in children's practice from the age of two. Usually the syrup is prescribed in a dose of 5 ml 2-3 times a day, or as the doctor decides. The dose of syrup depends on the age, weight and condition of the patient. There are practically no side effects.
• In extreme cases, diarrhea, nausea, rash, and malaise may occur. If the drug is not suitable for the patient, it is recommended to replace it with analogues: bronchobos, libexin muco or others.

Please note that carbocysten is contraindicated for gastric and duodenal ulcers, glomerulonephritis, and cystitis.

Fluditec syrup 20 mg/ml 125 ml costs about 320 rubles, so the product is not cheap.

Bronchipret

The syrup, tablets or drops contain two main active components - extracts of thyme herbs and ivy leaves. The drug is more popular in the form of a light brown syrup.Bronchipret belongs to the pharmacological group of expectorants of plant origin.

The drug has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator (relieves bronchospasm), secretolytic, and also dilutes phlegm. It is used for inflammation of the tracheobronchial tree, accompanied by cough. Bronchipret effectively removes mucus, which allows the patient to breathe easier.

• Bronchipret is well tolerated by patients and is approved for use from 3 months of age.
• The dosage of syrup is calculated according to the age category. For infants (up to one year) - 15 drops three times a day, and so adding 3 drops of bronchiprete for each year of life. For adults, it is recommended to use 5 ml of syrup three times a day.

The price of bronchipret ranges from 300 to 400 rubles for various forms of the drug.

Stoptussin

The drug is presented in tablets, drops and syrup. Active ingredients -butamirate dihydrogen citrate and guaifenesin. Stoptussin belongs to the non-opioid cough medicines, therefore, it does not depress the respiratory center.

The composition of stoptussin helps to liquefy viscous sputum and rapid evacuation of mucus. The drug is used for various types of cough, especially those of a paroxysmal nature.

Stoptussin is used in the form of drops even in infants whose weight is at least 7 kg.

Drops of 50 ml cost about 320 rubles, tablets (20 pieces) cost about 220 rubles, syrup (100 ml) - 240 rubles.

Expectorants at home

In addition to medicines, traditional methods of treatment also remain popular. They are cheaper, easy to prepare and do not harm health like synthetic drugs. It should be noted that plants, substances of animal or mineral origin cannot be called completely safe. Especially when it comes to treating a child, you should definitely take the advice of a pediatrician.

And now, we present to your attention time-tested recipes for removing mucus from the bronchi.

Milk with butter, honey, soda and sage

This remedy will help eliminate cough, relieve inflammation and get rid of mucus in the tracheobronchial tree.

Compound:

• milk (boiled, about 40 degrees) - 200 ml;
• May honey - 10 ml;
• butter and soda - on the tip of a knife;
• sage infusion - 10 ml.

Mix all the ingredients and drink before bed. If the patient is in bed rest, then this remedy is used several times a day.

Oatmeal broth

This decoction is suitable for everyone, even those people who have a history of allergic diseases. Oatmeal grains are poured with milk (200 ml) and boiled until tender. Strain the remaining liquid. Drink the decoction three times a day, one tablespoon at a time. For those who are not allergic, you can add a little honey to the broth. Only whole grains are suitable for preparing oatmeal broth with milk.

A wet cough and profuse sputum are indications for using the presented recipe.

Lemon juice + honey

Lemon juice and honey will help eliminate cough and remove phlegm. The lemon is thoroughly washed, the peel is cut off, and passed through a juicer. Add honey to the resulting juice (to taste). The resulting mixture can be added to tea or consumed separately, one teaspoon three times a day.

The medicine is not suitable for people suffering from gastritis and stomach ulcers, as well as allergy sufferers.

Honey with horseradish

Grate the peeled horseradish on a fine grater and mix with liquid honey in a 1:1 ratio. Take 10 ml 30 minutes before meals three times a day. This mixture thins thickened mucus, causes sweating, and the illness quickly recedes. The product is suitable for patients not prone to allergies.

Honey + butter

For the treatment of bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, the following recipe is suitable. Honey must be melted with fresh butter in a water bath until a homogeneous consistency is obtained. Proportions may vary, but usually take 1 part butter to 3 parts honey.

The resulting mixture is also useful to take during periods of epidemic instability. Such prevention will be associated with normal eating. Pour raspberry, currant or sea buckthorn tea, spread the honey-butter mixture on the bread, and enjoy.

Sea buckthorn infusion

Sea buckthorn exhibits anti-inflammatory and enveloping effects. As an expectorant, it is better to prepare sea buckthorn in advance, and it is very easy to do. For 1 kg of sea buckthorn berries you need to take 1.5 kg of sugar. Twist the berries and add sugar. After the sugar has completely dissolved, the mixture is placed in clean jars and covered with nylon lids. The resulting product should be stored in a cool place.

If a cough occurs, take a tablespoon of the mixture along with tea. It is better to make tea from chamomile, calendula, raspberry or currant leaves.

banana drink

Banana is not only a food product, but also a delicious healer. Its pulp regulates the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and is perfect for the treatment of bronchopulmonary pathologies.

As an expectorant, remember the following recipe. Place one ripe banana, 100 ml of milk and 5 ml of honey in a blender. All ingredients are mixed for 20 seconds. Drink the resulting drink in the morning and evening between meals. Tasty and healthy!

Expectorant herbal tea

Ingredients:

• plantain leaf;
• coltsfoot;
• liquorice root.

Take 5 grams of all plants and pour 300 ml of boiling water. After 30 minutes the infusion is ready. To improve the taste, it is recommended to add a spoonful of jam, jam or honey. This herbal mixture can be used in pediatrics, only reduce the dose of infusion according to age.

For example, 50 ml of infusion is enough for a five-year-old child, 100 ml for older children.

Milk + figs

The following mixture will help eliminate a cough and free the bronchi from phlegm: take 400 ml of milk for 5 large figs, crushed into pulp. Boil the mixture over low heat for about 10 minutes. Divide the resulting broth into 2-3 servings.

Be sure to warm until warm before use. Honey-type figs are best suited for this recipe; they are yellow in color and slightly flattened. Dark figs are more recommended for diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Milk with propolis

For 100 ml of milk we take 5-7 drops of 10% propolis tincture (purchase from beekeepers or at a pharmacy). Take the mixture twice daily between meals.

Propolis is a natural antibiotic. It not only fights cough, but also eliminates the cause of its occurrence. The effectiveness of propolis has been scientifically proven in the treatment of tuberculosis, when the nature of the cough varies.

Viburnum with honey

Viburnum is an excellent cold and antiviral remedy. While taking viburnum berries, patients note an improvement in their general condition, a decrease in body temperature, and a decrease in cough. The ground berries are mixed with honey, the amount of the latter is determined by taste. There are no special restrictions on taking this remedy; usually during illness it is recommended to use the proposed mixture with tea.

In addition to the fact that viburnum perfectly relieves cough, at the same time it will solve problems with blood thickness and high blood pressure.

Conclusion

Cure cough quickly and effectively is the desire of most patients. The first condition is to start treatment in a timely manner and not to progress the disease. The second condition is diagnosis. If the patient notices that the cough lasts a long time, and the usual antitussives do not help, contact a pulmonologist; do not delay the visit! Treatment of cough in children is the task of pediatricians. Even the most seemingly harmless remedy can harm a child, remember this.

At the beginning of the disease, and in consultation with your doctor, try using folk remedies - this is the key to strengthening the immune system. Never start therapy with strong antitussives, especially opiates. Trust your doctor and the cough will go away. Take care of your health!

Cough is an unpleasant symptom that occurs with diseases of the chest organs, most often the lungs. It can occur against the background of a viral or bacterial infection, cold or allergy. This phenomenon is based on the body’s natural desire to clear the respiratory tract of foreign matter: allergens, infectious agents, or mucus accumulated in the respiratory tract.

There are several types of cough, but they all require treatment.

There are two types of cough:

1. Unproductive or dry, in which there is no mucus in the respiratory tract.
2. Productive or wet, in which a specific secretion in the form of mucus accumulates in the bronchi.

If in the first case, to get rid of a cough, you need to soothe the irritated mucous membrane and stimulate the secretion of secretions, then in the second it is impossible to do without medications that dilute the mucus for better removal. In both cases, you need to resort to taking mucolytic cough medications of various types.

How do mucolytics work?

In the lungs of a healthy person, up to 100 ml of sputum is produced daily. It catches the smallest particles that enter the respiratory tract to prevent excessive clogging of the lungs. With various pathologies of the respiratory system, the process of sputum synthesis changes. It becomes more voluminous, thick and viscous. All this affects the patient’s condition: gas exchange in the lungs decreases, but even increased coughing does not help get rid of the obstruction. It is in such cases that doctors insist on taking mucolytic cough medications.

When a lot of thick sputum forms in the bronchi, coughing it up becomes difficult

Such drugs have the ability to activate the production of bronchial secretions without significantly increasing its normal volume or reduce its viscosity by breaking peptide bonds in mucopolysaccharide molecules (they are responsible for the degree of thickness and stickiness of sputum). In addition, mucolytic drugs ensure rapid removal of mucous secretions accumulated in the respiratory tract by activating the ciliated epithelium.

This combination of properties allows you to stop the pathological production of mucus. At the same time, the lungs remain protected from potentially dangerous elements entering them from the environment.

Since fluid will be required for the synthesis of less viscous sputum, additional portions of water must be taken during treatment with the agents described above. Experts also advise drinking more warm drinks - fruit drinks, tea, warmed milk with honey. They will help the body more actively resist infections, which will speed up recovery.

When to use mucolytics

Mucolytic drugs are used for many diseases of the upper and lower respiratory system. The main indications for their use are wet coughs, in which there are difficulties with expectoration due to too high viscosity of the mucus. This occurs not only with a cold, but also with systemic pathologies, which often remain with a person for life. An example of this is bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, better known as smoker's cough.

Often, a productive cough with thick sputum is observed when the upper respiratory tract is affected - the trachea, vocal cords, throat or nasopharynx. In addition to a wet cough, the patient is worried about loss of voice and hoarseness.

As a rule, mucolytics are used in cases where expectoration during cough is difficult

Mucolytics are also prescribed for dry paroxysmal cough to stimulate sputum production. Medicines of this group cope well with the symptoms of ENT diseases, expressed by the release of large amounts of serous-purulent secretion.

It is not recommended to prescribe mucolytic agents on your own. It is better to entrust this to a specialist.

Types and groups of mucolytic drugs

There are several types and groups of drugs with mucolytic effects. They differ not only in composition, but also in the type of influence on the process of liquefying sputum. First of all, experts divide mucolytics into two groups, which can be examined in detail further in the table.

In addition, drugs with a mucolytic effect are divided into synthetic, organic and those containing combined substances (both synthetics and herbal ingredients). They all have advantages and disadvantages:

Remember that cough medicines should only be prescribed by a doctor.

All types of medications, including herbal preparations, must be selected in accordance with the type of cough and taking into account existing underlying and concomitant diseases.

List of mucolytic drugs

In pharmacies you can find almost any medicine that theoretically can help relieve a productive or unproductive cough. The most popular of them are shown in the table below:

The use of the listed funds should be carried out only as prescribed by a doctor, especially if cough is observed in children, pregnant women, allergy sufferers, asthmatics and people suffering from pathologies of the nervous, digestive, and urinary systems.

When choosing an organic drug, you need to make sure that the plant included in the drug does not cause allergies, and that the synthetic components will not interact undesirably with other drugs.

Bromhexine is one of the most popular drugs for cough relief.

It is strictly forbidden to use mucolytic agents together with antitussive drugs!

Currently, in most Russian pharmacies you can purchase cough relief products without a prescription. They are relatively inexpensive if you give preference to classic herbal preparations. However, medications with a mucolytic effect alone will not completely get rid of the debilitating symptom. These drugs are more likely to be symptomatic, but many also have anti-inflammatory and sometimes immunostimulating effects.
You will learn more about medications that relieve expectoration in this video:

Expectorants are widely used to remove sputum from the pulmonary tract in various pathological processes.

The mechanism of their action is based on the removal of secretions from the respiratory tract by reducing its viscosity with increasing volume, and also increasing the secretion of mucus due to reflex irritation of the glands of the bronchial mucosa.

Mucolytic agents

Mucolytic agents (from lat. mucus – mucus) have a direct effect on the bronchial mucosa and secretions, contribute to the dilution of sputum and its easier separation (they reduce the viscosity of sputum and improve its sliding along the respiratory tract). These drugs are used in the complex treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases and bronchial obstruction syndrome.

Acetylcysteine(ACC, mucosolvin, vaden, acetsex) is a cysteine ​​derivative. Promotes depolymerization of protein components of sputum, dilutes and increases its volume, has an anti-inflammatory effect. The drug also liquefies pus. Acetylcysteine ​​is used for diseases of the respiratory system, accompanied by increased viscosity of sputum with the addition of a purulent infection, often in pediatric practice, as well as for bronchial asthma. Drugs are administered in the form of inhalation and intratracheally, in pediatric practice - into the muscle, as well as in the form of syrups and granules for oral administration. Acetylcysteine ​​is usually well tolerated. Caution should be observed in persons prone to bronchospasm (at the same time it is advisable to prescribe bronchodilators).

Of the cysteine ​​derivatives, it is widely used Carbocisteine(mucosol, fluditek),N-acetylcysteine(fluimucil). They have an effect similar to acetylcysteine.

Bromhexine(phlegamine, bisolvon, solvin, bronchohex) – synthetic drugs. It has a mucolytic (destroys mucopolysaccharide fibers of mucus) and expectorant (activates the ciliated epithelium) effect. Promotes the secretion of pulmonary surfactant. Used orally, parenterally and by inhalation for adults and children for acute and chronic bronchitis of various etiologies, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, etc. The effect of the drug usually appears 24-48 hours after the start of treatment. The drug is well tolerated. In some cases, allergic reactions and dyspeptic disorders are possible. Included in the combined drugs “Mucodex”, “Bronchosan”, etc.

Ambroxol(lazolvan, chalixol, anavix, flavamed, ambrosan) is a metabolite of bromhexine, similar in structure and mechanism of action to bromhexine. Prescribed to adults and children in syrups, tablets, inhalations, parenterally.

Contraindications: pregnancy, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, convulsions, hypersensitivity.

For surfactant deficiency in newborns, medications are used surfactants–Exosurf,Kurosurf. They are obtained from the lungs of pigs. Prescribed intratracheally for neonatal distress syndrome.

Direct acting expectorants

Direct-acting expectorants, absorbed in the intestines, are actively excreted through the respiratory tract, increase the secretion of the bronchial glands and thereby thin the mucus. These are plants containing essential oils and drugs from them: elecampane, pine, common thyme, common anise, oregano, etc. They are prescribed orally in the form of infusions, extracts, mixtures and inhalations. They have an expectorant and antiseptic effect.

Plant mucus-forming agents polysaccharides are absorbed into the blood, partially secreted by the bronchial glands and have an enveloping, emollient and anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes. They contain plants such as marshmallow, plantain, coltsfoot, tablets Mukaltin from marshmallow grass.

For prolonged chronic bronchitis with viscous, difficult to expectorate sputum, you can use Potassium iodide. It lasts longer than other expectorants. However, it requires the use of large doses, so it is used in pediatric practice to a limited extent. Long-term administration of iodides can lead to irritation of the mucous membranes at the sites of their secretion (sweat glands, nasal mucosa).

Reflex expectorants

Drugs of this group irritate the receptors of the gastric mucosa and reflexively (via the vagus nerve) there is an increase in secretion in the respiratory tract, increased bronchial peristalsis and flickering of the cilia, which ensures the discharge of sputum. In large doses, these drugs can cause vomiting.

Such drugs are alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids plants that have an expectorant effect: licorice, violet, blue cyanosis, lanceolate thermopsis, black elderberry, ivy, etc. Synthetic drugs of this group are Terpinhydrate,Guafenesin(tussin).

To enhance the expectorant effect when taking these drugs, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids before 1.5 l per day.

Expectorants are contraindicated in open forms of tuberculosis, pulmonary hemorrhages, organic diseases of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, and gastric ulcers.

Combined drugs with antitussive and expectorant effects are widely used: "Bronholitin""Bronchocin""Stoptussin", "Solutan","Hexapneumin""Dr. MOM""Glycodin", "Bronchosan", "Linkas"", "Gwaitussin-plus) etc. They are mainly prescribed to adults and children over 3 years of age.