Problems with the bronchi when living in an urban environment are not uncommon. The environmental situation plays a certain role in the formation of various pathologies, but a city street is less dangerous for the respiratory system compared to disturbances in the microclimate of apartments, the wrong attitude of parents towards their children, and leading an unhealthy lifestyle.

How to remove phlegm

Combating dry air

The heating system of apartments is a benefit for living in harsh conditions, but it leads to the problem of excessive dry air. Children and adults who are constantly in such a room without ventilation and walks are more likely to suffer from respiratory diseases. Indoor plants are a must. You can place a wet cloth on the radiator, place open containers of water, or purchase a humidifier. Optimal humidity is 50-60%; in apartments in winter it drops to 25-30%. Dry air is especially dangerous for asthmatics and infants (they can be kept in such conditions for a maximum of a week without consequences), but it allows them to better tolerate the heat.

Maintaining sputum functions

Sputum is produced by the human bronchial mucosa, so its formation in a child should please parents. This is a signal that the body is fighting infectious agents or foreign objects that interfere with the lungs (dust particles, in particular). Dry air disrupts the formation of sputum, as a result, microorganisms, dust, and pollen penetrate more into the lungs, and a chronic runny nose may occur.

The tasks of sputum include:

1. Maintaining the elasticity of the walls of the respiratory system.
2. Prevents dust penetration.
3. Detrimental effect of antimicrobial components on infectious pathogens.

Tracheobronchial secretion is constantly produced in any person. This is mucus that prevents foreign objects from entering the lungs. Without noticing this, the person swallows it all the time. When infection and a large number of irritants penetrate, the composition of the secretion changes depending on the type of pathological process, and the nasal glands begin to secrete mucus. Sputum is produced, which is coughed up.

In medicine there is such a thing as sputum rheology. This is a set of its physical and chemical parameters (density, ratio of viscosity to fluidity, etc.). Often, ignorant people, through their wrong actions, cause a violation of these norms in themselves and their children. As a result, the above functions are poorly performed, the bronchial tubes are clogged with thick mucus, ventilation is impaired, and microbes penetrate. In the worst case, this range of problems leads to pneumonia (inflammation of the lung tissue).

It is always very important to recognize bronchitis and begin treatment promptly. In the absence of treatment and the presence of accompanying diseases, such as asthma, reduced immunity, hormonal disorders, etc., a person runs the risk of acquiring a chronic form of bronchitis. If you have allergies, then bronchitis against the background of asthma can be an insidious and quite dangerous disease. Young children are at risk of obstructive bronchitis, when the infection causes swelling of the tracheal mucosa, and the child may suffer from a lack of oxygen.

How to get rid of phlegm?

Excessive wrapping in clothing causes overheating. In winter, the main problem is a bus with its heaters on. The child should be dressed in breathable fabrics and outerwear (down jacket, jacket) should be easily unbuttoned, and the hat should be removed. The fact is that good sputum rheology is achieved with correct blood rheology.

Lack of fluid or loss of fluid, for example due to overheating and sweating, leads to abnormal performance. One of the reasons for the appearance of an acute respiratory disease in a child is the removal of excessive clothing in any room when he is already sweating. In this case, he catches a cold at the slightest draft.

Although room ventilation is necessary to maintain a healthy microclimate, it has a positive effect if a number of other rules are observed, including maintaining the correct temperature of the child’s body. When entering a warm room, including a heated bus, it is advisable to remove your hat.

Sputum color

The color of sputum plays a particularly important role. Normal mucus looks transparent and has a viscous consistency. With bronchitis, acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections, pus often forms in the bronchi. The patient may cough up sputum with pus during particularly severe coughing attacks. With prolonged bronchitis, the patient may taste metal when coughing.

Cough with phlegm

Wet and dry cough

A wet cough, as well as a dry one, are always signs of irritation of the throat and bronchi. However, why can sometimes there be a cough with sputum, and sometimes it is dry, but the urge to cough happens all the time?

Everyone knows the two main types of cough: dry and wet. If the former is present, it should not be suppressed with medications; it is necessary to speed up the process of sputum formation. It is coughing with phlegm that helps a patient with bronchitis recover faster, because it helps to cough up bronchial mucus.

The cause of dry cough attacks may not be a respiratory infection, but also other factors (allergies, dry air, excess dust). A dry cough may not always be a sign of incipient bronchitis. If it is a viral infection, then the dry cough soon changes to a wet one. The use of cough medicine will subsequently interfere with sputum production.

How to remove phlegm

Experts say that sputum is eliminated in one way: through coughing. However, the cough is not always correct. Doctors say that it is necessary to achieve a productive cough to release mucus from the bronchi. A cough with expectoration of sputum is called productive. To achieve it as quickly as possible, the following conditions must be met:

1. Cool (18ºС) air with a minimum content of dust, most often concentrated in upholstered furniture, with periodic ventilation of the room.

2. The patient should be warmly dressed and/or covered, using fabrics that absorb sweat well.

3. During treatment, there is no need to specifically humidify the air; it is useful for a healthy person. The patient often breathes through the mouth, and with high humidity, microorganisms can penetrate the lung more quickly.

4. Lack of working electric heaters that dry out the air.

5. The surfaces of the room should not be treated with bleach and other chlorine-containing compounds, as their smell irritates the respiratory tract.

6. The fight against high temperature, depending on its level, is carried out not only with the use of antipyretic drugs (at 38 ° C or more), but also with plenty of fluids and cold compresses. It is better not to immediately lower the temperature if the patient’s condition does not cause concern, since the body fights infection in a similar way.

7. Taking expectorants. For children, this can be a special syrup that thins mucus and removes it from the bronchi.

To quickly cure cough, bronchitis, pneumonia and strengthen the immune system, you just need...

Sputum in the bronchi or lungs is produced even in a healthy body and is not always a symptom of the disease. Its presence in moderate quantities helps cleanse the respiratory system from the effects of external factors. Located in the lungs, it is a secretion of the trachea and bronchi, which is accompanied by some diseases.

In people suffering from bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, phlegm occurs in the bronchi; how to get rid of this pathology is a common question that interests many who have had this problem.

When is lung cleansing required?

Sputum in the bronchi is constantly produced, thus the lungs and bronchi protect themselves from the penetration of microorganisms and dust.

The mucus contains antibodies; These are immune cells that protect the body from various infections and diseases. The inside of the bronchi is covered with cilia, through which mucus is spontaneously and imperceptibly removed from the respiratory tract.

However, if the disease continues to develop, the bronchi are clogged with mucus, much more of it is produced, it changes color, becomes thick and is difficult to cough up.

Wheezing that appears in the bronchi indicates the presence of phlegm: excess fluid in the lungs or bronchi prevents the natural release of air and causes a “wet cough” and “shaking the air.” Before removing sputum, it is necessary to distinguish between its properties and nature, since the treatment method and the effectiveness of cleansing the bronchi depend on this.

There are sputum:

Some diseases can cause the formation and subsequent removal of sputum from the bronchi, such as:

• ARVI, acute respiratory infections;
• Bronchitis;
• Bronchial asthma, as well as pathologies accompanied by a severe cough.

Based on the color of sputum, you can quickly determine the causes of the disease and select medications that remove mucus.

Greenish-yellow sputum, often streaked with blood, is a sign of bronchitis or flu, and the presence of rust-colored mucus indicates pneumonia. If the sputum is bright yellow, bronchial asthma can be assumed; if the sputum is dark, pneumoconiosis can be assumed.

Basic rules of treatment

To cure a cough and cleanse the bronchi of phlegm, you need to determine where the disease comes from.

To do this, you need to consult a specialist who will prescribe a comprehensive examination, including: fluorography, bronchoscopy, microscopic and histological examination, ultrasound, biochemical and clinical blood tests.

The results of the examination will help to establish the reasons for the increased accumulation of secretions in the respiratory tract.

As a rule, they can be:

• ARVI;
• Flu;
• Bronchitis;
• Pharyngitis;
• Laryngitis;
• Bronchial asthma;
• Pneumonia;
• Tuberculosis;
• Various allergic reactions;
• Fungal infection;
• Malignant neoplasms in the lungs;
• Acute and chronic heart failure;
• Long-term smoking.

These diseases are characterized by inflammation of the airways, changes in the structure of the bronchial mucosa and their swelling.

There are different ways to cleanse the bronchi and get rid of phlegm, including folk remedies.

This must be done, since sputum is removed not only to relieve the patient from a severe cough, but also to avoid complications in the pulmonary, cardiovascular and circulatory systems.

Removing fluid from the bronchi significantly improves the patient's condition. If you neglect their treatment, you can suffocate from a large amount of mucus and associated complications.

You can remove phlegm from the lungs if you liquefy it. To do this, the doctor prescribes a traditional medicine that effectively thins the mucus, and only then can folk remedies be used.

Anyone can use them at home and will help quickly get rid of mucus in the respiratory tract of both children and adults.

Products for removing mucus from natural ingredients are quite effective and, together with medications, help get rid of the disease in a short time.

What helps remove mucus

All about steam inhalations

Steam inhalation is one of the effective means of helping to remove mucus from the bronchi. Its use allows you to eliminate not only the symptoms of the disease, but also the factors of its development.

The use of inhalations is autonomous and allows the simultaneous use of some folk remedies and special preparations. Steam activates the flow of blood and lymph in the respiratory tract and allows you to remove existing mucus.

For steam inhalation, products are used that can be purchased at every pharmacy:

Decoction of oats and milk

A decoction with the addition of oats and milk will help remove excess fluid from the respiratory tract. Combine a glass (200 ml) of oat grains with 0.5 liters of milk and boil until one glass of broth remains. The resulting pulp should be consumed before meals three times a day.

Banana mixture

A mixture of banana and sweet water has also long been known for its healing properties. Finely crush 2 bananas and add sugar water (1 tablespoon of granulated sugar per glass of water), put on low heat and bring to a boil. This mixture should be taken at one time, after cooling a little.

Young onion

Mix honey and the head of a young onion in equal proportions, passing through a blender, the onion should release all the juice. Take 1-2 s. spoons 2 times a day for 7 days.

Elderberry decoction

2 tbsp. Place spoons of berries for 5 minutes in a glass of boiling water (200 ml of water), then boil over medium heat for a few more minutes. Place the resulting decoction in a bottle, cover, and leave to infuse for one day in a dark place. Take two cups per day warm until symptoms disappear completely. A small amount of sugar is allowed.

Radish juice

This remedy has the strongest effect on the bronchi. Black radish is crushed in a blender or juicer. You need to add 100 g of honey to the resulting juice and leave for a day in a dark place. Take the mixture 1 tbsp. l. three times a day.

Expectorant herbs

Excellent results can be achieved by taking a mixture of coltsfoot, orris grass and licorice root. These ingredients are mixed and poured with boiling water in the proportion: 1 tbsp. spoon of composition per glass (200 ml). Leave for 30 minutes, strain.

Take the decoction several times a day for one week.

Another effective way that can cause cleansing of the bronchi is a mixture of pine buds, licorice root and sage in equal proportions. The collection is brewed with boiling water in a ratio of two glasses of water to 1 tbsp. a spoonful of herbs. Leave for three hours, strain and take 2 tbsp every three hours throughout the day. spoons.

This mixture can be used not only internally, but also for inhalation.

Exercise to help remove mucus

To remove congestive symptoms in the respiratory system, it is recommended to perform a special set of exercises consisting of intense alternation of inhalations, exhalations and breath holding.

Experts offer the simplest ones that both adults and children can do:

• Having drawn in a lot of air, strongly draw in your abdominal muscles, then exhale sharply, sticking out your stomach;
• Alternately take a uniform long breath, then a long fractional exhale;
• Perform this exercise by imagining that you are blowing large soap bubbles.

Each breathing exercise should be done 5-7 times, three times a day.

There is also an effective method that helps cause the removal of mucus in the respiratory system. A specially trained massage therapist will help you perform it.

Approximate steps using a set of products that eliminate phlegm and breathing exercises:

• Medications that thin mucous membranes, remove phlegm, or various folk remedies are taken;
• A specialist performs a massage with tapping, sound exercises and vibration;
• Inhalation or breathing through a special breathing device;
• Coughing in jerks, removing phlegm.

The use of special medications and performing breathing exercises in combination significantly enhance the therapeutic effect. If all the mucus is removed, the bronchial area is cleared quite easily and we can confidently speak of a complete recovery.

Video

Inflammatory disease of the bronchi - bronchitis - requires complex treatment, the scheme of which largely depends on the form of bronchitis and the causes that caused it. The doctor may recommend antibiotics and antiviral drugs to eliminate the cause, antipyretics and corticosteroids for complications, and immunostimulants. But the main treatment of bronchitis comes down to reducing inflammation, improving airway patency (bronchi dilatation), relieving cough and improving sputum discharge, including by thinning it.

In the early stages, while the cough is dry and unproductive, antitussive drugs are prescribed to relieve the painful cough. When sputum begins to actively form, it is impossible to suppress the cough with antitussive drugs, otherwise the sputum will not come out. Find out which ones are most effective. How to get rid of phlegm in the bronchi?

How and for what purpose is sputum removed from the bronchi?

In healthy bronchi, mucus is formed that traps microorganisms and dust, protecting the respiratory organs from them. It is regularly pushed out by the cilia of the bronchi without any problems and is swallowed by a person without causing harm to health. Most forms of bronchitis are accompanied by the formation of sputum, consisting of the same mucus containing dust, microorganisms, particles of dying cells and their decay products, components of the immune system and blood. When you cough up, this mucus combines with saliva in your mouth and mucus particles from your nose.

The color of sputum may vary depending on the form of bronchitis and the presence of concomitant diseases and complications.

With bronchitis, the volume of production of this secretion increases significantly, it becomes more viscous and viscous, and the bronchi themselves cannot cope with its removal in such quantities. And with sputum, pathogenic bacteria and sometimes pus accumulate in the bronchi, which leads to intoxication of the body. Due to stagnation of phlegm in the bronchi, airway patency worsens and breathing becomes difficult.

The main goals of removing mucus from the bronchi are:

• detoxification of the body;
• improving airway patency.

How can you remove phlegm from the bronchi? The main methods of activating the liquefaction and removal of mucus from the bronchi are aimed at stimulating the bronchial glands responsible for pushing out mucus. Among the measures aimed at removing sputum are the following:

• drinking plenty of fluids and humidifying the air help thin the mucus;
• steam inhalations - improve blood and lymph circulation and stimulate self-cleaning of the respiratory system. Read about which inhaler is best to buy;
• special gymnastics complex - postural drainage;
• taking mucolytic agents that dilute difficult-to-separate mucus, accelerate its elimination and suppress excess mucus production;
• taking expectorant medications to help get rid of mucus in the bronchi.

Types of means for cleansing the bronchi from mucus

Expectorants are the most effective in removing sputum; they are usually combined with mucolytics of one group or another. All expectorant drugs are divided into 2 large groups, differing in their principle of action:

• reflex– irritation of the gastric mucosa and activation of the vomiting center, resulting in increased mucus production;
• direct– impact directly on the bronchial mucosa.

Both drugs are taken orally and act after absorption by the digestive system. Reflex agents irritate not only the gastric mucosa, but also the epithelium lining the bronchi and stimulate the peristalsis of the bronchioles. These are mainly herbal-based preparations. Both chemical preparations and a number of medicinal herbs and essential oils have a direct effect on the bronchial mucosa. Mucolytics, which accelerate the elimination of sputum, can also be classified as direct-acting expectorants.

Many drugs have a combined effect - mucolytic and expectorant, as well as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.

A variety of expectorants and drugs for bronchitis

The expectorant effect is exerted by both pharmacological preparations in the form of syrups, lozenges (lozenges), effervescent tablets and powders, as well as herbal preparations used in the form of infusions, as well as a number of products prepared according to traditional medicine recipes, mainly from herbal ingredients and food products. .

Finished medicinal products

The following expectorant medications are available for bronchitis:

• Marshmallow preparations that stimulate the peristalsis of bronchioles and thin the viscous secretion - Mukaltin tablets, syrup Alteyka;
• Preparations of thermopsis herb, rich in alkaloids that stimulate the respiratory and vomiting centers - Thermopsol in tablets, Codelac Broncho in tablets and in the form of an elixir (in addition to thermopsis extract, they contain ambroxol and other chemicals with expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects);
• Syrup Gerbion with plantain;
• Syrup Stoptussin phyto– a preparation based on plantain and thyme extracts, which also has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• Syrup Coldrex broncho or Tussin– a combination of a number of herbal and chemical components with mucolytic and expectorant effects;
• Preparations with thyme extract (thyme herb), which have expectorant, antimicrobial and analgesic effects - lozenges Bronchicum, syrup Pertusin, syrup or drops Tussamag;
• Capsules Gelomirtol– plant-based preparation;
• Syrup Amtersol– a combination of chemical and herbal preparations, a direct action agent;
• Bromhexine, Bronchosan, Solvin- mucolytics with an expectorant and mild antitussive effect;
• Ambroxol with analogues ( Flavomed, Lazolvan) is a mucolytic and expectorant drug.

This is a list of medications that thin and remove mucus from the bronchi. Let's look at herbs used for similar purposes.

Medicinal herbs and herbal preparations

How to clear phlegm from the bronchi using herbs? A number of medicinal plants are recommended as expectorants and mucolytics by official medicine; their infusions can be prepared from raw materials sold in pharmacies in accordance with the instructions. Expectorant herbs for bronchitis are:

• plantain leaf;
• marshmallow roots;
• coltsfoot;
• thyme herb;
• wild rosemary (herb).

Along with individual herbs, breast infusions based on medicinal herbs are used in the treatment of bronchitis:

1. coltsfoot, oregano;
2. plantain, coltsfoot, licorice root;
3. marshmallow, anise, sage, pine buds;
4. wild rosemary, chamomile, violet, calendula, licorice root.

Expectorant folk remedies for the treatment of bronchitis

Traditional medicine also uses other plants as medicines; infusions are prepared from the following collections:

• Birch leaves and wild rosemary (4 parts each), birch buds and nettle leaves (1 part each), oregano (2 parts). Bring half a liter of water with a tablespoon of the mixture to a boil over low heat and leave for 40 minutes. Drink 70 ml three times a day.
• Equal parts of chamomile and coltsfoot, a little oregano, a few tablespoons of the mixture for half a liter of water, boil, leave, drink 2-3 times a day, half a glass.

To soften coughs and have an expectorant effect, various homemade syrups and drinks are used.

• A good remedy for phlegm in the bronchi is a mixture of black radish juice with honey, you can squeeze the juice out of grated radish or pour honey into a root vegetable with the core cut out, use 2 tbsp. l. before meals and bedtime
• A mixture of butter and honey (100 g each) with aloe juice (15 g), take a teaspoon twice a day;
• Warm milk with the addition of butter, honey, cognac and soda is recommended to drink before bed;
• Brazilian broth - dilute the pulp of mashed ripe bananas with water, add sugar, bring to a boil;
• Oat decoction - boil oat grains in a large amount of water or a mixture of water and milk until completely boiled, you can add honey. Drink warm, in small sips, 6 times a day.

The most effective and potent remedies

Most drugs with a pronounced expectorant and mucolytic effect must be used with caution, since they have a number of contraindications, and their use may be accompanied by side effects. The most effective expectorants for bronchitis:

• Bromhexine– indicated for chronic respiratory diseases, including tracheobronchitis, spastic bronchitis, bronchiectasis. Contraindicated for pregnant women in the first trimester and children under 3 years of age; for gastrointestinal ulcers, it requires careful use. May cause dyspeptic symptoms.
• Ambroxol– indicated for acute and chronic bronchitis and other diseases accompanied by the formation of viscous sputum. Contraindications – first trimester of pregnancy, chronic liver and kidney diseases. Restrictions (use with caution) – pregnancy (II and III trimesters). May cause dyspeptic and allergic reactions.
• Drugs Acetylcysteine(ACC and analogues) is an effective mucolytic agent that thins viscous sputum. Indicated for obstructive and acute bronchitis and other respiratory diseases. Contraindications: pregnancy, age under 2 years, pulmonary bleeding. Limitations – diseases of the adrenal glands, kidney and liver failure, bronchial asthma. May cause a decrease in blood pressure, tachycardia, tinnitus, headache, urticaria and rash, vomiting and heartburn, provoke bronchospasm and pulmonary hemorrhage.

How to choose a strong expectorant for bronchitis? The most potent are combination drugs, which can be used only for strict indications, on the recommendation of a doctor. These are drugs that contain bromhexine, guaifenesin and salbutamol. Their commercial names Joseth and Cashnol(syrups), as well as Ascoril(pills). They are indicated for chronic bronchitis, tracheobronchitis, pneumonia, as well as such serious diseases as tuberculosis, emphysema, COPD, bronchial asthma. They should not be washed down with an alkaline drink and taken simultaneously with a number of medications, in particular antitussives.

These drugs have many contraindications, causing a variety of side effects. They should not be prescribed to children under 3 years of age, pregnant or lactating women. Contraindications also include:

• diseases of the digestive and excretory system, stomach and duodenal ulcers, renal and liver failure;
• cardiovascular disorders - tachyarrhythmia, myocarditis, aortic stenosis;
• endocrine disorders – diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis;
• glaucoma.

How to perform an expectorant drainage massage on a baby, see the video below.

Expectorants are very important in the treatment of bronchitis; their forms are varied; herbs and herbal preparations, ready-made pharmacological preparations and folk remedies are used for this purpose. Treatment with herbs and folk remedies is not always effective enough, and only a doctor can choose the right drug, taking into account the form and stage of the disease, the patient’s condition and associated disorders. Potent drugs with multiple side effects require special caution.

The process of removing mucus from the body can be quite lengthy. It depends on the general health of the child or adult, what the symptoms are, the causes, what remedies were used before. In order for the cleansing to be maximum, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules and then how to get rid of phlegm in the bronchi will not be an unresolved problem. The most popular tips for those who do not know how to further clear mucus from the bronchi.

To successfully start draining fluid from the bronchial area (especially if it is viscous), you need to contact your family doctor or a specialized specialist. He will help confirm a specific diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment, medications and additional drugs - depending on what the symptoms of this process are in a child or adult.

It is important to remember that cleansing will be complete if:

1. Drink more fluid. It is necessary to liquefy the mucus in the bronchi. Water is a universal medicine that stops the formation of many
   diseases. It is water that affects the causes and symptoms, making negative manifestations less active.
2. The drink will be exceptionally warm. Its alkaline component is important. So, we are talking about warm milk with the addition of soda or simple mineral water. Treatment will also be successful with the use of herbal infusions, which can thin the mucus in the bronchi.
3. Humidification of the air in the room will be ensured. This is important not only for the child, but also for the adult. Humidifiers can be used to stop mucus formation. Patients use one more method: hanging wet towels or just clothes on heating radiators.

Special exercises

In order to get rid of fluid in the bronchi area, you can perform special exercises. Such treatment will not be complete if you do not use thinning drugs, as well as other agents and medications. However, the set of measures presented guarantees 100% output characteristics.

The technique recommended by otorhinolaryngologists is called postural drainage. Sputum in the bronchi, when used, disappears after 5-6 sessions. It is recommended to perform at least 2 exercises daily in order for the treatment and medications to be effective:

All about steam inhalations

Treatment of pathology using steam inhalation is another effective remedy. Its advantage is that it eliminates not only the symptoms, but also the factors in the development of the disease. Also, the use of inhalations is autonomous and can completely eliminate the need to use folk remedies or use special medications.

Steam allows you to activate the outflow of blood and lymph in the area of ​​the respiratory organs, which allows you to get rid of phlegm. The following inhalation agents and medications can be used at home:

What you should know about expectorants

Expectorants help thin mucus and speed up its removal from the respiratory tract. The presented products are associated with different principles of influence, despite the fact that they provide 100% treatment. We are talking about a reflex effect, that is, on the gastric region, bronchial glands. The latter makes it possible to increase the rate of mucus secretion.

Reflex components include the root part of marshmallow and licorice, thermopsis herb and thyme. If we talk about the direct effect, then it is characterized by an effect on the sputum itself and the bronchi, which provides treatment and alleviates all symptoms. This group includes mucolytics, essential oils and other drugs.

Such remedies are prescribed for diseases that are accompanied by a wet cough, as well as the production of thick sputum. This is true even for a child with acute and chronic types of bronchitis, asthma and other similar diseases. At home, plants such as:

• black radish (juice mixed with natural honey);
• coltsfoot;
• St. John's wort;
• ivy;
• root part of marshmallow;
• sea ​​buckthorn berries.

If you quickly remove all the mucus, the bronchial area is very easily cleared and we can talk about recovery.

Therefore, in order to know how to remove phlegm from the bronchi, it will be enough to remember simple rules and recommendations. Strict adherence to them and periodic consultations with a doctor are important. This is what will help achieve a quick recovery without the likelihood of relapses and complications.

They require complex treatment, including antibacterial or antiviral therapy, antipyretics and antihistamines, immunostimulants and immunomodulators. Pathogenetic treatment is aimed at reducing signs of inflammation, bronchodilation, restoring the patency of the respiratory tract, as well as liquefying and removing sputum. For this purpose, patients are prescribed expectorants. This is a group of drugs that ensure the removal of bronchial secretions from the respiratory tract.

Healthy people constantly produce a mucous secretion designed to moisturize and cleanse the epithelium of the respiratory tract. With infection and inflammation of the respiratory tract, the activity of the cilia of epithelial cells decreases and sputum production increases. It becomes viscous and difficult to separate. To cope with this problem and eliminate a productive cough, medications that help thin and expectorate sputum will help. They restore the functioning of the ciliated epithelium and accelerate the movement of tracheobronchial secretions.

Drugs in this group are divided into 2 large subgroups:

• Secretomotor means, directly stimulating expectoration.
• Mucolytics or secretolytics, thinning sputum.

Expectorants are intended for the treatment of productive cough with viscous and thick discharge, which occurs when the bronchi, bronchioles, lungs, trachea are affected, as well as other diseases.

Mucolytic and expectorant drugs are auxiliary drugs that make the patient’s life easier, but do not eliminate the cause of cough. They should be used only in combination with etiotropic antimicrobial therapy.

Mucolytics thin the thick bronchial secretions, have a mild anti-inflammatory effect and prevent mucus from sticking to the walls of the respiratory tract.

Mechanism of action

– a reflex act that protects the body from foreign substances by removing them from the respiratory system. This is the most important sign of bronchopulmonary diseases. The cough reflex occurs when the receptors of the mucous membrane of the bronchi and trachea are irritated, which becomes inflamed and swollen. It intensively produces thick mucus, which does not come out, but continues to stimulate cough receptors.

Cough also happens. In the first case, it is necessary to use drugs that improve the removal of sputum, but do not suppress the cough - mucolytic and expectorant drugs. They dilute mucus and promote its movement from the lower parts of the respiratory tract to the upper ones. Despite the fact that this group includes a large number of drugs, they all differ in their main pharmacological action.

Medicines

Medicinal herbs, herbal infusions, pharmacological preparations and folk remedies have an expectorant effect.

Only a doctor must select one or another cough medicine, taking into account the form and stage of the disease, the patient’s condition, the nature of the sputum and the presence of concomitant pathologies. Herbal medicines and folk remedies are safe, but often ineffective. Potent synthetic drugs that have a number of contraindications and side effects deserve special attention. Most of them have a symptomatic effect, and some drugs have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

Synthetic secretolytics are used to eliminate cough, which is a symptom of inflammation of the bronchi, lungs, and trachea. They are prescribed to premature babies and young children who have reduced synthesis of surfactant, a substance that stabilizes the pulmonary alveoli.

• "Bromhexine"- an effective mucolytic, which is prescribed to persons with spastic bronchitis, bronchiectasis. Bromhexine is a synthetic analogue of the active plant substance vasicin, which can thin and remove mucus. In the human body, bromhexine is absorbed into the blood and, as a result of a number of metabolic reactions, is converted into ambroxol. The drug is produced in tablet form, syrup and drops for inhalation. The effect of the drug begins one day after the start of treatment: the viscosity of sputum decreases, the work of the ciliated epithelium increases, the volume of sputum and its excretion increases. Bromhexine ensures stability of the alveoli during breathing through the production of pulmonary surfactant. Side effects are dyspepsia and allergies. Currently, bromhexine is considered an outdated drug, and doctors recommend it less and less.
• "Ambroxol"– a medicine that protects the mucous membrane of the respiratory system from external influences, including infection. This drug is considered vital and is widely used in medical practice. Thanks to the effect of the drug, the mobility of the villi of the ciliated epithelium is activated, mucociliary transport is restored, resulting in the formation of a less viscous discharge. Increased production of surfactant protects cells and tissues from the invasion of pathogenic microbes. Ambroxol is a metabolite of bromhexine and has identical properties. It has a pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. The drug is used for prophylactic purposes before and after operations. Ambroxol is used in tablet form to treat wet cough in adults. Children under one year old are given delicious syrup in an age-appropriate dosage.
• 
  Acetylcysteine is the main active ingredient of the drug "ACC" and its analogues. This is an effective mucolytic that can dilute viscous bronchial secretions and remove it from the body. "ACC" is prescribed to persons with infectious pathology of the respiratory system, accompanied by the formation of thick mucus: bronchitis, tracheitis, as well as. Acetylcysteine ​​is used to treat colds and is included in the complex therapy of serious diseases such as cystic fibrosis, lung disease and others. Acetylcysteine ​​is an important medicine that is available in the form of powder and effervescent tablets. Side effects include allergic reactions, shortness of breath, and bronchospasm.
• Carbocysteine- a mucolytic agent with a bronchosecretolytic effect. It thins, breaks down and dissolves difficult to expectorate viscous mucus, and also slows down the process of its formation. “Carbocisteine”, “Libexin Muko”, “Mukosol” and other analogues normalize the condition of the mucous membranes and promote their regeneration. These medications do not provoke bronchospasm and are safer than ACC. The very next day after the start of treatment, the discharge of sputum and mucus from the respiratory tract improves, which makes breathing easier and reduces coughing.
• 

  Combined expectorants are potent drugs used according to strict indications and doctor’s recommendations. The most common representative of this group is Ascoril. Despite their high efficiency and rapid onset of therapeutic effect, drugs in this group have many contraindications and cause a variety of side effects. Codelac Broncho is available in different dosage forms: tablets, syrup, elixir. The syrup is prescribed mainly to children in a dosage appropriate to their age. It reduces the viscosity of mucus, promotes its removal, weakens the cough reflex and reduces the inflammatory process in the respiratory tract.

  “Bromhexine” and “Ambroxol” promote the penetration of antibiotics from the group of penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones into the sputum. In this regard, expectorants based on these drugs are prescribed together with antimicrobial agents.

  In case of chronic obstructive inflammation of the bronchi, a good therapeutic effect is achieved by the combined use of mucolytics, bronchodilators, antispasmodics - “Salbutamol”, “Eufillin”. During the treatment process, the work of the ciliated epithelium is enhanced, inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane is reduced, and sputum production is facilitated.

  Phytotherapy

  Some medicinal herbs have an expectorant effect and clear the bronchi of mucus. Official medicine allows the use of these herbs for wet coughs. You can purchase them at the pharmacy chain and use them strictly according to the instructions.

  Expectorant herbs include:

  • Plantain,
  • Altey,
  • Coltsfoot
  • Thyme,
  • Licorice,
  • Sage,
  • Calendula,
  • Chamomile,
  • Thermopsis,
  • Oregano.

  These herbs irritate the gastric mucosa and brain centers, and then reflexively activate the mucous glands in the bronchi and the contractility of the bronchial muscles. Thanks to this, sputum becomes liquid and abundant, it moves faster through the respiratory tract and leaves the body.

  

  Breast mixtures are prepared from medicinal herbs or brewed separately. Decoctions, infusions, syrups, herbal teas and drinks provide a good therapeutic effect. Most people suffering from productive cough choose natural remedies and confirm their high effectiveness. Modern pharmaceuticals produce a huge number of herbal medicines based on medicinal herbs.

  
  

  Folk remedies

  Traditional cough medicine, actively used at home, is quite effective and accessible to everyone. This mild expectorant therapy gives good results, the main thing is to stock up on the necessary ingredients and patience. Before proceeding to self-medication, you should consult a specialist.

  

  To cleanse the bronchi from unwanted and excessive mucus, you need to drink as much liquid as possible and do herbal and essential inhalations.

  

  Video: cough and expectorants, Dr. Komarovsky