Normally, about 100 ml of secretion is produced in the respiratory tract per day, most of which is swallowed. In diseases of the respiratory system, the activity of the cells lining the respiratory tract decreases - ciliated epithelium, and sputum secretion, on the contrary, increases, and its viscosity increases. Thin mucus becomes more difficult to cough up. In addition, despite the independent protective effect of sputum, its excessive amount or increased viscosity complicate gas exchange and create conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. That's why during inflammation respiratory tract, even with a productive cough, and even more so with difficulty coughing, it is necessary to use substances that stimulate expectoration or dilute sputum. These drugs restore and improve the movement of mucus through the ciliated epithelium and accelerate its elimination.

Based on their mechanism of action, there are two groups of expectorants:

1) stimulating expectoration (secretomotor agents);

2) sputum thinners (secretolytic or mucolytic agents).

Medicines that stimulate expectoration (drugs of coltsfoot, violet, licorice, oregano, elecampane, thermopsis, istod, marshmallow and others medicinal plants, terpin hydrate, lycorine, essential oils), promote the movement of mucus through the respiratory tract. They have a slight irritating effect on the cells of the gastric mucosa, which is a reflex (through the vomiting center medulla oblongata) increases the activity of the bronchial glands and enhances contractions of the bronchial muscles. The sputum becomes more abundant, thinner and easier to cough up.

Coltsfoot is one of the most ancient medicinal plants. It is part of the chest and sweatshop collections of almost all countries of the world. Its medicinal value is emphasized by the Latin name “tussilago”, from the word “tussis” - cough. This is a plant with large basal leaves, which on the one hand are glossy and cold (this feeling is compared to a stepmother), and on the other - tender, soft, warm (like the hands of a mother).

Many legends are associated with the flowers of the tricolor violet, which is also called pansies. In the Christian world this flower is called the flower of the Holy Trinity. Medieval Christians saw the triangular dark center of the flower all seeing eye, and in the stains surrounding it there is a radiance. The triangle personified the faces of the Holy Trinity, originating from all seeing eye God the Father. In England, these violets are called “heart comfort” and are sent to lovers on Valentine's Day.

Licorice ranks first in terms of medicinal qualities among other medicinal plants (by the way, ginseng is in fifteenth place in this classification). It was and is especially valued in China. In Tibetan medicine, licorice is included in 98% of all herbs. The Greeks bought licorice from the Scythians and it was called “Scythian root”.

About oregano, Avicenna wrote: “Oregano removes all kinds of fluids from the chest and lungs.” And he recommended elecampane in the form of a “medicine for licking with honey” to improve expectoration. In Rus', elecampane was called nine-strong, implying that it could cure nine serious ailments.

[Trade name(composition or characteristics) pharmacological action dosage forms firm]

Ambrohexal(ambroxol) Hexal AG(Germany)

Ambrosan(ambroxol) expectorant, mucolytic, secretomotor, antitussive table PRO.MED.CS Praha a.s.(Czech Republic)

Anise oil Dr. Theiss(anise oil) expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial caps. Dr. Theiss Naturwaren(Germany)

Acetylcysteine ​​SEDICO effervescent instant(acetylcysteine) mucolytic, expectorant, detoxifying gran.dose.spike.fast-dissolving SEDICO(Egypt)

ACC(acetylcysteine) gran.d/r-ra for oral administration Hexal AG(Germany)

ACC 100(acetylcysteine) mucolytic, expectorant table spike Hexal AG(Germany)

ACC 200(acetylcysteine) mucolytic, expectorant table spike Hexal AG(Germany)

ACC injection(acetylcysteine) mucolytic, expectorant solution d/in. Hexal AG(Germany)

ACC long(acetylcysteine) mucolytic, expectorant table spike Hexal AG(Germany)

Bromhexine 8-drops(bromhexine) drops for oral administration Krewel Meuselbach(Germany)

Bromhexine-Ferein(bromhexine) mucolytic, expectorant, antitussive syrup Bryntsalov-A(Russia)

Bromhexine-Egis(bromhexine) mucolytic, expectorant, antitussive solution d/in.; solution for oral administration; table Egis(Hungary)

Bronkatar(carbocysteine) expectorant syrup Sanofi-Synthelabo(France)

Bronchosan(bromhexine) mucolytic, expectorant, antitussive drops for oral administration and d/inhalation. Slovakofarma(Slovakia)

Vero-bromhexine(bromhexine) mucolytic, expectorant, antitussive table Veropharm(Russia), manufactured by: Veropharm (Belgorod branch) (Russia)

Gedelix expectorant, mucolytic, antispasmodic drops for oral administration; syrup Krewel Meuselbach(Germany)

Gelomirtol(means plant origin) caps. solution/intestinal Pohl-Boskamp(Germany)

Gelomirtol forte(herbal product) secretolytic, secretomotor, mucolytic caps. solution/intestinal Pohl-Boskamp(Germany)

Dr. MOM(herbal product) syrup Unique(India)

Doctor IOM herbal cough lozenges(herbal product) local irritant, distracting, anti-inflammatory, expectorant lozenges Unique(India)

Dr. Theiss cough syrup with plantain(herbal product) expectorant, antimicrobial syrup Dr. Theiss Naturwaren(Germany)

Codelac(herbal product) antitussive, expectorant table ICN Pharmaceuticals(USA), produced by: ICN Tomskhimpharm (Russia)

Lazolvan(ambroxol) mucolytic, expectorant, increases surfactant production solution for oral administration and inhalation; syrup; table Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma(Austria)

As a rule, illness strikes when a person is absolutely not ready to face it. The most common in modern society are considered viral infections, as well as diseases associated with damage to the respiratory system. The cough that accompanies such diseases can be dry or wet, but in any case it is necessary to help the body by removing mucus from the bronchi. Doctors included complex therapy For respiratory diseases, mucolytics are prescribed to help thin mucus, or expectorants to help remove it.

Mucus thinners

In case of illness accompanied by a dry, debilitating cough, it is important to clear the bronchi of accumulated mucus. The body tries to do this by coughing, however, if the phlegm is too thick, then it is not so easy to remove it. Doctors, after listening to the patient’s complaints about a dry, “barking” cough, as a rule, prescribe mucolytic drugs that help thin the sputum. Experts divide mucolytics into two groups: direct and non-direct. direct action. Both stimulate the functioning of the bronchial glands due to reflex irritation of the mucous membrane and, ultimately, contribute to the dilution of sputum. The question of what remedy to prescribe to the patient is decided by the doctor, having studied the nature of the disease and the picture of the course of the pathological process. That is why self-medication is not recommended, since the cough medicine that will help one person may be absolutely useless for another. Direct-acting mucolytic drugs include cysteine, acetylcysteine, and trypsin. Bromhexine and ambroxol have an indirect effect.

Main groups of mucolytics

Experts traditionally divide mucolytic agents into three types:

Helps reduce mucus thickness

Promoting sputum removal

Helps reduce the amount of mucus.

Medicines of the first group are prescribed to those patients whose cough is too dry, not accompanied by sputum production. They strengthen secretory function bronchi, dilute mucus, thereby facilitating its removal. In the event that sputum is excreted, but its amount is insignificant, and the secreted mucus is too thick and viscous, a mucolytic cough remedy of the second type is prescribed. Medicines belonging to the third type of mucolytics are used by doctors to treat coughs accompanied by significant secretion of thick mucus.

Mucolytics of plant origin I

Application of plants in medicinal purposes came to us from our Slavic ancestors. Many herbs and flowers are known to be beautiful and effective means against coughs and colds, while practically not causing unwanted effects. Typically used in pharmacology herbal teas, extracts, dry mixtures that have an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to reduce swelling of the mucous membrane. Medicines based on thyme affect the upper respiratory tract, reducing inflammation in the throat. Such drugs include "Bronchicum". A cough medicine containing ivy leaf extract and marshmallow root has a pronounced mucolytic effect and creates conditions for easy removal of phlegm. Remedies that combine thyme extract and plantain effectively cure tracheitis and bronchitis, accompanied by difficult sputum discharge. These medications include cough tablets "Mukaltin" and syrup "Linkas".

Products for children

To treat cough in children, as a rule, drugs for plant based. They are prescribed for diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract in children, more protracted illnesses lungs and bronchi. One of these medicines is "Mukaltin". Tablets, the instructions for use of which allow their use in pediatrics, are actively prescribed as a medicine for the treatment of severe cough in young patients. An equally popular remedy for children is Alteyka syrup, as well as Pertussin, Stoptussin, and Bronchicum. All these drugs are safe to use due to their plant origin. They reduce the density of sputum and improve the excretory function of the bronchi. Mucolytic drugs for children, as a rule, do not pose any harm to the baby, but before use you should definitely consult with your pediatrician, and treatment should be carried out under the supervision of doctors.

Medicines for adults

The modern pharmacy chain offers a fairly wide range of mucolytic drugs. Some are intended to treat only adult patients; the main contraindication to the use of such drugs is childhood up to 12 years old. The most common mucolytics for adults are:

- "Gerbion" "syrup").

- "Gedelix".

- "Lazolvan" in syrup.

- "Bronholitin" (potion).

- "Prospan" (potion).

Primrose syrup.

Licorice root syrup.

- "Ambroxol" in tablet form;

- "Bromhexine" (in tablets and mixture).

These drugs are the most common antitussives. Some of them are plant-based, others, in turn, are synthetic. But both are equally effective for diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Children's drugs

Pharmacies also have a fairly wide range of drugs for treatment. children's cough. For the most part, these are also mucolytic agents. The list of the most common children's cough medications is: as follows:

- "Gedelix" in drops.

- "Doctor MOM" in syrup.

- "Mukaltin" (tablets).

Licorice root syrup.

Dry children's cough medicine.

Syrup "Pertussin".

Considering that these preparations contain herbal components, one should take into account the absence or presence allergic reaction on drug components.

Action of expectorants

Expectorants are designed to remove mucus from the bronchi, while effectively clearing the airways. As a rule, sputum production gradually decreases significantly, and the cough gradually goes away. The first group of expectorants has a pronounced irritant effect on the gastrointestinal tract, stimulating the gag reflex. But it doesn’t come to the point of vomiting, the production of mucus in the respiratory tract simply increases, thus the bronchi are cleansed and gradually healed. The second group of expectorant drugs acts directly on the bronchial mucosa, thereby stimulating their secretion. The effect of such expectorants is somewhat similar to that produced by mucolytic drugs.

Cough expectorants

Expectorants in modern times pharmacy assortment are also presented in the form herbal preparations and synthetic drugs. The decision to prescribe a particular drug is made by the doctor, taking into account the presence or absence of a cough, accompanied by the release of viscous and difficult to remove sputum. The most popular among patients are Lazolvan, Prospan, ACC 200, ACC Long, Sinekod, Bronchostop, Amrobene and other drugs.

Use of expectorants in children

Treatment of cough in children using expectorants is quite common. Despite the availability of a group of these drugs in the pharmacy chain and their free over-the-counter sales, doctors warn parents that self-medication with such drugs is dangerous for children. When looking for what can be defined as a good expectorant, parents should contact their pediatrician. The doctor will be able to correctly determine the nature of the pathological process in the child and select optimal treatment. Some expectorants for children may have double action: mucolytic and expectorant (for example, "Mukaltin"). Tablets, the instructions for use of which specify its sputum-thinning properties, also help remove it from the bronchi. If the baby has a wet cough, liquid sputum under the influence of mucaltin will liquefy even more and intensively accumulate, closing the lumen of the bronchi from the inside. This threatens the child with bronchial obstruction, and this will be caused by incorrectly selected treatment.

Expectorants for children

Many expectorants contain thermopsis herb. These are medications such as "Thermopsol" in tablet form, "Cough tablets", "Codelac Broncho" in tablet form and in syrup. The use of these drugs for the complex treatment of diseases in children should be approached with caution, since even with a slight overdose the baby may vomit. Moreover, the components of these drugs stimulate respiratory function, giving way to oppression. Therefore, parents should use such expectorants strictly as prescribed by the doctor, and follow the dosage prescribed by the doctor. You should know that the drug "Codelac" belongs to the group "Expectorants and mucolytics", so the issue of using this drug for the treatment of children is decided in mandatory specialist.

Herbal remedies for babies

Marshmallow-based products are also effective medications for the treatment of cough in children. Most parents speak positively about treating coughs in their children with expectorants such as Mukaltin and Alteyka syrup. These drugs belong to the herbal group, and therefore are considered to be somewhat safe. However, you should know that side effects when using these medications also occur, and there are contraindications that should be taken into account. First of all, these are allergic reactions to the components of the drug, the baby’s history of other somatic disorders, for example gastrointestinal tract. The question of the advisability of using herbal preparations to treat children is also decided by a certified physician.

Treatment of cough in adult patients

Most people think that a good cough expectorant is an expensive and overhyped medicine. Often this opinion turns out to be erroneous, since the drug that helps eliminate a specific pathological condition. The cost of a drug does not depend on its effectiveness and efficiency, but is determined by policy pharmaceutical company and the manufacturer. A cough in which there is no sputum is considered dry. Most often, doctors recommend cough suppressants: Sinekod, Codeine, Cofex.

If sputum discharge is poor, completely different drugs will be effective - not those that suppress the cough, but those that help thin the sputum. The most popular are "Gedelix", "Lazolvan", "Prospan". A wet cough, as a rule, is accompanied by a copious accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract, which is why doctors recommend expectorants that do not have a pronounced mucolytic property: Ambroxol, Bromhexine, Erespal. Correctly selected medication is the key to quick and full recovery Therefore, doctors do not recommend self-medication for either children or adults.

Treatment of cough in children

Coughing in babies, as a rule, causes many unpleasant moments for parents and the child himself. Many groups of mucolytic drugs are prohibited for children under one year of age, since their use by children is harmful infancy significantly exceeds the benefit. Pediatricians say that expectorant thinners for babies are selected with extreme caution, since uncontrolled self-medication can lead to severe complications in the respiratory tract. Among the expectorant drugs allowed for children up to one year old, we can highlight “Gedelix”, licorice root syrup, “Pertussin”. From six months onwards, babies can also be treated with dry cough syrup. At severe forms diseases of the pulmonary system in children effective means is "Lazolvan", syrup "Bromhexine", "Ambrobene".

Rules for determining an effective medicine for children

Only a pediatrician should select a drug to treat a child’s cough, otherwise there is a high risk of harming the child’s health. Many mucolytic drugs are allowed only from the age of two, so parents need to take a responsible approach to treatment and strictly follow the recommendations of children's doctors. Before you start choosing and purchasing a medicine for your baby, you need to show your child to the doctor and listen to his recommendations.

Every person has taken expectorants and mucolytics at least once in their life. However, not everyone knows what it is.

Expectorants are drugs that enhance the removal of mucus from the bronchi and lungs.

Mucolytics are medications that reduce the viscosity of sputum in the lungs and bronchi without increasing its quantity.

They also facilitate the process of removing mucus. The main advantage of mucolytics is that thanks to them nonproductive cough becomes productive, which significantly speeds up the healing process. As a rule, mucolytics and expectorants are available in the form of tablets or syrups. Mucolytics can also be purchased in inhalation form.

There is the following classification of mucolytics:

• preparations with proteolytic enzymes;
• medications with active substances synthesized artificially.

The mechanism of action of these drugs can be direct or indirect.

Expectorants can be divided into groups according to their mechanism of action into:

• reflex;
• resorptive.

Expectorants can be either herbal or artificial origin. Expectorants and mucolytics have completely different mechanisms of action. Proteolytic enzymes included in mucolytics, when taken orally, disrupt the peptide bonds between sputum molecules and thus lead to depolymerization of nucleic acid, as a result of which the mucus accumulated in the respiratory organs becomes much thinner.

There is no negative effect on healthy tissue. As a rule, such drugs are injected into the trachea or bronchi for a short period of time. Mucolytics of synthetic origin cause depolymerization of mucoproteins and produce a liquefying effect. Some drugs have the same effect on mucopolysaccharide fibers of mucus.

Expectorant medications act on the human body somewhat differently. The action of expectorants is to irritate the gastric mucosa and irritate the vomiting and cough center in the brain. Increased activity of these centers leads to an increase in mucus secretion in the respiratory organs and an improvement in the cough reflex. The effect of these drugs is relatively short.

When using expectorant medications, you need to be extremely careful, since exceeding the recommended dosage can lead to vomiting.

Resorptive drugs increase mucus secretion respiratory organs, make it more liquid and thus facilitate the process of mucus discharge.

The difference between direct and direct medications indirect action is that the first ones provide therapeutic effect after the drug enters the gastrointestinal tract and is absorbed, while the latter have a therapeutic effect only when it enters the affected area pathological process region. Mucolytics and expectorants are prescribed to patients suffering from acute or chronic inflammation respiratory organs (cystic fibrosis, bronchial asthma, tracheobronchitis, pneumoconiosis, COPD, bronchiectasis).

Thus, specialists improve the patient’s physical condition and reduce the manifestations of a prolonged, exhausting non-productive cough. At the moment when the sputum becomes sufficiently liquid form, and the cough becomes wet, the mucolytic effect is unnecessary. Then expectorant medications are prescribed to help remove previously liquefied mucus from the body. It is not recommended to combine expectorants and mucolytics.

What is the difference between mucolytics and expectorants?

How do mucolytics differ from expectorants? This question has been asked at least once in life by every person who has encountered inflammation of the respiratory system.

The function of mucolytics is only to destroy the bonds between the molecules of sputum accumulated in the lungs and bronchi and dilute it.

Expectorant (secretomotor) medications activate the reflex cough center in the brain and increase bronchial contractions, thus helping to expel liquid sputum. Bromhexine has remained the most popular mucolytic for many years. It is produced in tablet form. Included in the list of essential medicines since 2012.

This remedy is used for serious illnesses respiratory organs, which are accompanied by various complications. The product can be used to sanitize affected tissues. It thins mucus and at the same time has a mild antitussive effect. The first results of taking medications can be seen after 24-48 hours. A lasting, noticeable effect appears 2-5 days from the start of therapy.

In most cases, the medicine is well tolerated and does not cause any side effects. If you are intolerant to certain components of the medication, allergic reactions may occur. When using the product for longer than 1 month, digestive disorders may occur. After discontinuation of the medication, these effects will soon disappear on their own. Another effective and popular mucolytic agent is ACC containing acetylcysteine.

This medicine not only thins mucus in the respiratory system, but also has an anti-inflammatory effect and removes toxins from the body. Unfortunately, the drug is powerless if the patient has sputum mixed with pus. ACC is available in the form of syrup, as well as effervescent tablets or powder that must be dissolved in liquid. Thanks to this, the drug is easily absorbed and begins to act as soon as possible. short terms.

This product does not have a toxic effect on the body. ACC can be combined with antibacterial drugs. The medicine is strictly prohibited for patients with ulcerative lesions of the digestive system, as well as bleeding of the lungs. The medicine is prescribed with extreme caution to patients with severe kidney and liver diseases, as well as varicose veins veins

To popular expectorants for wet cough include Codelac Broncho, which is available in the form of syrup and also in tablet form. When taken simultaneously with antimicrobial drugs, it is important to take into account that Codelac Broncho increases their effectiveness. The drug is not combined with antitussive medications.

Codelac Broncho is not recommended for use by pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding, or children under 12 years of age. In case of an overdose of the drug, the patient experiences disruptions in the functioning of the digestive organs. In this case, you need to stop the drug and perform gastric lavage. If after this the unpleasant symptoms do not go away within 2 days, the patient is given symptomatic therapy.

Doctors often also prescribe Thermopsol to improve expectoration of sputum. This product contains a huge amount of plant alkaloids, which effectively stimulate the cough and vomiting center.

At the same time, sodium carbonate enhances the production of secretions by the bronchi. The medicine is contraindicated in patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or individual intolerance to the components of the drug. Other patients should not use Thermopsol for more than 5-7 days to avoid side effects. With the simultaneous use of antimicrobial drugs, it increases their concentration in sputum.

If desired medications can be supplemented with medications made independently at home. However, one should not treat folk medicine frivolously. In this case, you need to know the difference between expectorants and mucolytics. To thin sputum, a decoction of plantain, motherwort, thermopsis, as well as thyme, licorice root and marshmallow is most often used.

To prepare the product, you need to take one of the above herbs in the amount of 2.5 tbsp. l., put them in a container and pour 1 liter of boiling water. Infuse the product for 2 hours. You need to take the medicine 1 glass 3 times a day half an hour before meals. You can also use onion and garlic to thin the mucus. To do this, you need to grind 100 g of onion and 50 g of garlic in a meat grinder and mix everything with 200 g of honey. The medicine is taken 1 tsp. 3 times a day after meals.

To expectorate phlegm, you can prepare a remedy from bananas. For this you need 2 tbsp. l. sugar, pour 150 ml of water and bring to a boil. Boil the syrup for 10-15 minutes over low heat. After this, the prepared liquid is poured into 2 medium-sized bananas, previously ground into a paste. Ready product Use 2 tbsp. l. 3 times a day half an hour before meals. A radish-based remedy is also effective for expectoration. For cooking of this medicine You can only use black radish.

The top is cut out from the fruit, and then the pulp itself (about 1/3). The resulting space is filled with honey. In order for the radish to release juice better, it needs to be placed in a warm place. After 3-4 days, the medicine can be consumed 1 tsp. 3 times a day half an hour before meals. Despite the huge amount of advertising, it is strictly not recommended to select medications on your own. Only a doctor knows how expectorants differ from mucolytics and how to select them in each specific case.

Mucolytics and expectorants for children

Mucolytics and expectorants for children are the main drugs for treating cough.

Important

Mucolytics for children under 2 years of age should be used very carefully. Often, drinking plenty of fluids and humidifying the air in the room will thin the mucus in children in the shortest possible time without any risk.

IN advanced cases and only if a child over 2 years old is allowed to use Ambroxol in the form of syrup. This remedy not only thins thick mucus, but also suppresses severe cough. The therapeutic effect becomes visible within half an hour after using the product.

It is important to say that Ambroxol enhances the effect of antibiotics and promotes their accumulation in the lungs. TO side effects remedies can be attributed to allergic reactions. Period complete removal means is 10 hours. It is not recommended to use Ambroxol for more than 1 week, as this may lead to ulcerative lesions gastrointestinal organs. Expectorants and mucolytics for children also cannot be taken at the same time, even despite their safe composition.

Expectorant drugs for children include Ambrobene. You can do it with it therapeutic inhalations or just take the syrup. When consumed this tool you need to increase your fluid intake. Among expectorants for children, one can highlight Doctor MOM syrup based on medicinal herbs. The product has an anti-inflammatory effect and can be combined with antibiotics.

Dr. MOM has pleasant taste, so it can easily be given to even the youngest children. The drug is contraindicated in diabetes mellitus and severe diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Shake the syrup thoroughly before use. The method of use and dosage of each mucolytic and expectorant for children should be indicated by a doctor.

As a rule, this information is also included in the instructions for the drugs, however, the instructions may vary somewhat depending on the patient’s age, height, weight, accompanying pathologies and many other factors. Typically, Ambroxol is prescribed ¼-1/2 of a tablet 2-3 times a day, regardless of meals, Ambrobene 2-3 ml 1-2 times a day 10-15 minutes before meals, Doctor IOM 2.5-5 ml 3 times a day immediately after meals.

Today there are many options for treating cough various means. Some drugs are made from natural ingredients, while others use synthetic additives. Expectorant medications are the most popular among patients and doctors.

Their use is necessary for productive coughs with viscous or thin sputum. Do not forget that any cough expectorant must be prescribed by a doctor, and the drugs should be used strictly according to the instructions. Remember, for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, these medications will be useless.

Expectorants are prescribed only if we are dealing with damage to the lower respiratory tract and the discharge of sputum from the bronchi and lungs is difficult for some reason. Normally, the respiratory system produces about 100 ml of secretion within 24 hours. Most of it is swallowed and excreted through the intestines.

Colds, infections, exposure foreign object and allergies provoke copious discharge mucus, it becomes more viscous. With the help of sputum, the body tries to get rid of the irritant, but its retention in the respiratory tract contributes to the additional spread of infection.

Therefore, it is so important to start taking expectorants in time for a wet cough. All drugs differ in their principle of action, composition and features of use. It is customary for doctors to divide medications as follows.

Secretomotor means

They help strengthen the cough reflex, with the help of which the formed mucus is eliminated naturally. These medications do not eliminate the cough; on the contrary, they provoke it. The use of such compositions is advisable when thin mucus is formed, but the cough reflex is absent or its manifestation is weak. Secretomotor drugs are divided into:

1. reflex-stimulating(affect the gastric mucosa, provoking a cough reflex);
2. resorptive action(act on bronchial mucus, making it more liquid and voluminous).

Expectorant drugs of this subgroup include: licorice, thermopsis, various essential oils, potassium iodide, ammonium chloride. On the pharmacological market, drugs have individual trade names.

Thinners

These drugs in medicine can be called mucolytic or secretolytic. They are designed to make bronchial mucus thinner so that it is freely excreted from the body. These expectorants are used for wet coughs with thick and difficult to separate sputum. Drugs in this subgroup can be divided into:

• proteolytic(affect glycoprotein complexes, destroying peptide bonds, due to which the mucus becomes less viscous);
• cysteine ​​(cleave protein disulfide bonds, which gives quick effect liquefaction bronchial secretion);
• mucoregulating(increase the release of surfactant, balance the mucous and aqueous parts of sputum, thereby facilitating its removal).

Thinning medications include drugs made on the basis of bromhexine, ambroxol, carbocysteine, acetylcysteine, trypsin, and ribonuclease.

List of medications and their pharmacy names

You should ask your doctor which cough medicines to use in your case. For adults, medicine is prescribed after examination, questioning, and medical history. The doctor listens to breathing with a fanendoscope, after which he can tell about the nature of the cough.

Expectorants for wet coughs may have different names, but act the same or be made from the same component.

Ambroxol preparations- expectorant mucolytics. Available in the form of tablets and suspensions for oral administration. Trade names such drugs: Ambrobene, Halikasol, Lazolvan, AmbroHexal, Bronchorus, Flavamed.

It is recommended to use these products during meals with a small amount of water. The standard dosage for adult patients is 30 mg ambroxol 2-3 times a day. You can use the drug for 5 days, after which you need to consult a doctor.

Medicines containing bromhexine– expectorants that help thin viscous sputum. They are used for various kinds lesions of the respiratory system, accompanied by difficult sputum discharge.

Preparations with carbocisteine: Bronchobos, Fluditek, Libexin, Mucodin. They affect the motor function of the respiratory system, enhancing it. These medications are prescribed at 750 mg three times a day. Self-therapy should not last more than 10 days.

Medicines based on acetylcysteine: ACC, Fluimucil, Vicks Active, Mukonex. They are used by adults at 200 mg 2-3 times a day. The drugs have a mucus-thinning effect and also stimulate the respiratory system. A special feature of acetylcysteine ​​is that it is able to suppress free radicals and also relieve inflammation.

Preparations with proteolytic effect: Trypsin, Chymopsin, Ribonuclease. They are able to liquefy all thick secretions: gastric, purulent, sputum.

These medications are used less often than others to treat cough. Also indicated for diseases of the blood, digestive tract, visual organs or other pathologies.

Medicines with resorptive effects after administration, they are quickly absorbed by the gastric mucosa, after which they are excreted by the bronchi. The volumetric part of the liquefied secretion is easily removed by coughing.

These medications include: Potassium iodide (1 spoon up to 6 times a day, with milk), Sodium iodide (intravenously up to 10 ml per day), Pertussin (2 spoons up to 5 times a day), Anise infusion (2 spoons 6 times a day).

Drugs that enhance the cough reflex and have an irritating effect, are often made based on natural ingredients. These include: Alteika syrup, Mukaltin, Thermopsol, Codelac Broncho, 4 types of breast mixtures, Herbion, Plantain, Coltsfoot and Stoptussin.

The method of using medications is determined individually during a consultation with a specialist. The dose of the drug and the duration of its use depend on the person’s condition or the strength of the cough.

Inhalation drugs: method of use

A cough expectorant at home can be taken not only orally. Drugs taken orally inevitably pass through the digestive tract and are filtered by the liver.

Sometimes this path is not welcomed, since the patient needs urgent Care or he cannot use the medication due to personal circumstances. In this case, preference is given to drugs intended for inhalation administration.

• Lazolvan or Ambrobene (drops).

These drugs contain the same active ingredient: ambroxol. Medicines belong to the group of new expectorants for wet coughs. They help increase the volume of sputum, due to which it becomes liquid and easily removed.

Lazolvan and Ambrobene are identical medications; they can be used in children and adult patients. Before use, the drops must be diluted with sodium chloride solution. Adults are recommended to breathe 2-3 ml of drops diluted 1 to 1 with saline solution. Inhalations are carried out twice a day.

• ACC Inject, Fluimucil – cysteine ​​derivatives.

These drugs, directly entering the respiratory tract, help to liquefy thick bronchial secretions. They can also be used for a runny nose and nasopharyngitis.

Medicines are incompatible with antibiotics and also reduce the effectiveness of Paracetamol. Adult patients are recommended to take 3 ml of solution per inhalation. Repeat twice a day.

It is also used for inhalation administration. First, 1 ml of Sinupret is diluted with the same amount of sodium chloride solution.

Inhalation should be repeated three times a day. The medicine has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, expectorant effect.

• Borjomi, Narzan and other alkaline waters.

These products can be used without prior dilution. They envelop the airways and settle on their walls, so that mucus is quickly expelled when coughing.

Mineral waters have no effect on respiratory center, can be used 3-4 ml per inhalation. It is permissible to repeat the procedure up to 5 times a day.

Inhalations should be carried out one and a half hours before meals or one hour after. The manipulation is carried out calmly with even breathing. Read more about the inhalation technique and the choice of drug.

If several drugs are prescribed, it is necessary to follow the order:

1. bronchodilators, bronchoconstrictor drugs;
2. expectorants, drugs to thin thick sputum;
3. antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory.

Folk recipes that promote sputum discharge

The effectiveness of expectorants compared with drinking plenty of fluids not proven by medicine.

Most patients refuse to use synthetic drugs, choosing a folk cough expectorant. This position is explained by the fact that proven recipes are safer.

However, this statement is erroneous. The undoubted advantage of synthetic expectorant drugs is that they are prescribed by a doctor, and such drugs act very quickly.

The patient chooses folk recipes for himself. In some cases they may simply be ineffective.

Their danger also lies in the risk of an allergic reaction and the likelihood of the disease becoming chronic. Think several times before self-medicating and using a folk cough expectorant.

• Radish with honey

An effective remedy for respiratory diseases accompanied by a cough. It will help you if your cough is just starting, is dry, and the sputum is very difficult to clear. For cooking of this product you will need one radish with the core cut out and honey. Pour the beekeeping product so that it covers halfway internal cavity radishes, wait 4-6 hours. When the juice is released, you need to mix the preparation and take it three times a day, a tablespoon. This method is contraindicated for allergy sufferers, as well as people with gastrointestinal ulcers.

• Soda with milk

Proven cough remedy. The expectorant effect helps to remove purulent sputum and relieve coughing attacks. To prepare, you will need a teaspoon of soda and 200 ml of cold milk. Mix the ingredients, drink the medicine. A noticeable improvement will occur in the first minutes: the annoying cough will go away.

• Dairy dishes

They also help remove mucus from the respiratory tract. It has long been customary to give a coughing person mashed potatoes with milk or oatmeal. Such daily diet will speed up recovery due to its expectorant effect.

• Vitamin fruit drinks

Lingonberry, raspberry, viburnum based. They will have not only an expectorant effect, but also an antiseptic effect. Drinks should be prepared from fresh or frozen berries, after crushing them and releasing the juice. The vitamin mass, separated from the juice, must be brought to a boil, and after cooling, mixed with it. You can consume the fortified drink in unlimited quantities if you do not have allergies.

• Mustard powder and mustard plasters

It will have an expectorant, distracting effect. This product should not be used when elevated temperature or individual intolerance to a natural medicine.

Mustard powder should be poured into paper bags or purchased ready-made mustard plasters. Soak them in warm water, then apply it to the bronchi area. The compress should be kept for no more than 15 minutes.

About how to correctly install mustard plasters when various types cough

Contraindications and precautions

Synthetic expectorants and natural remedies should not be taken in the evening. A cough that gets worse at night will prevent you from getting enough sleep.

Despite the effectiveness and positive reviews, which have cough suppressants described, adults at home should be careful when using them.

Be sure to read the instructions before use. Each drug has features of use, limitations and individual contraindications. If you feel worse during therapy, you need to stop taking the medication and consult a doctor..

Expectorants for wet coughs and antitussive medications should not be used together, as their effect will be antagonistic. Some drugs are not combined with those often prescribed for bacterial origin of the symptom. Please note drug interactions the pharmaceutical product used.

If you do not feel better within 3-5 days of self-medication, you should still consult a doctor to avoid complications. Cough accompanied by hemoptysis, foam and high temperature, cannot be treated without a preliminary medical examination.

Doctor Komarovsky about cough and expectorants

For wet cough, bronchial inflammation, ARVI, patients are prescribed antitussive medications. They are used in case of poor separation of thick sputum. To thin it out, the doctor prescribes mucolytics, and to facilitate the removal of mucus, expectorants for dry coughs. To avoid side effects Before using the medicine, it is recommended to study the instructions for its use.

Classification of antitussives

A cough expectorant reduces the viscosity of mucus in the bronchi. When the airways become inflamed, secretions accumulate. The mucus stagnates and becomes difficult to remove. Impaired breathing is accompanied by irritation of the respiratory tract. The body’s reaction in this case is a cough against a background of thick and viscous sputum.

In order to avoid the development of serious pathologies (bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.), it is important to consult a specialist in a timely manner. The doctor will listen to complaints, check the lungs, the condition of the throat and nose, and refer you for tests. To reduce the density and viscosity of mucus, the patient will be prescribed an expectorant. Do not self-medicate! Incorrectly selected medications can lead to aggravation of the situation.

IN medical practice All cough remedies for adults and children are prescribed depending on the nature of the cough symptom. In accordance with this, medications are classified into several main groups:

1. Antitussive medications. They are used if the cough is unproductive and dry. The symptom is accompanied by sleep and appetite disorders.
2. Expectorants. Prescribed to adults and children to stimulate the process of sputum discharge and make the cough productive. After using syrup or tablets of this group, the disease enters the stage of producing mucus that is not too viscous and thick.
3. Mucolytics. Indication for use is a productive cough with a large number viscous and thick mucus. Medicines are prescribed for its better release from the bronchi.

Cough expectorants are divided into secretomotor and secretolytic drugs. Their differentiation is based on the principle of action of medications.

Secretomotor drugs

They have a reflex action. It consists of irritating the nerve endings (cough center) located in the brain. It is also activated as a result of reflex action. As a result, there is increased production of mucus in the bronchi. It is difficult for people who cough heavily to suppress the paroxysmal symptom. The use of a secretomotor drug often causes gag reflex. This is due to the fact that the cough and vomiting centers are located in close proximity to each other (medulla oblongata).

Medicines in this group include herbal products. Licorice root extracts have an expectorant effect, essential oils(for example, eucalyptus), wild rosemary, thyme. You can prepare syrup for expectoration for dry and wet coughs yourself. If this is not possible, the age-appropriate medication is purchased at the pharmacy in accordance with the recommendations of the therapist or pediatrician.

Secretolytic drugs

They have a direct resorptive effect. It consists in increasing the secretion of mucus after irritation of the bronchial membranes. Active substances The medication is absorbed by the gastric mucosa, and then spreads throughout the body and affects the respiratory system.

Effective cough compresses at home for adults and children

A good, effective expectorant is selected individually according to the recommendations of a specialist. In this case, the form and nature of the disease are taken into account.

Children and pregnant women should take expectorant medications with extreme caution. When using medications, it is common to experience associated symptoms- watery eyes and runny nose.

To avoid the allergic component, as well as relieve swelling, the patient is prescribed antihistamines. Also prescribed:

• nasal drops (for inflammation of the paranasal sinuses);
• antipyretics (in case of increased body temperature);
• immunostimulants (the patient’s body is exhausted, so a drug is taken that increases the production of interferons);
• antibacterial or antiviral compounds(for infectious lesions of the upper and lower respiratory tract);
• physiotherapy (inhalation with saline solution). They are indicated for asthma and pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis. With the help of a nebulizer it is possible to alleviate the patient's condition. The procedures allow the mucus to swell and be released from the bronchi.

Cough medicines in this group are represented by drugs based on ammonium chloride, potassium, sodium iodide, sodium bicarbonate. They are taken at the stage of sputum production, when they are not completely viscous and thick.

Expectorants for dry cough

A non-productive dry cough accompanies the disease initial stage. The symptom leads to a narrowing of the airway, the appearance of wheezing and whistling in the bronchi.

The causes of dry cough are acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, asthma, inflammation of the lungs and bronchi.

Doctors are faced with the task of converting a non-productive symptom into a productive cough, and then getting rid of it with the help of mucolytics and expectorants.

The following medications help with dry cough:

1. Bronholitin syrup. It has a pronounced antitussive effect, as well as a bronchodilator effect.
2. Sinekod drops. An effective antitussive drug.
3. Gerbion syrup. Natural remedy based on plantain to relieve dry cough.
4. Codelac Broncho tablets. Synthetic medication with mucolytic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects.
5. Stoptussin tablets. Combined antitussive drug.
6. Linkas syrup based on herbal ingredients. It contains extracts of licorice, pepper, fragrant violet, etc.

Antitussive compounds are indicated in case of debilitating symptoms. However, doctors do not recommend their use along with mucolytic drugs.

Choosing the best expectorant for dry cough is not easy. One suits someone medicinal composition, for some people another product becomes effective. Each of them is selected individually.

Expectorants for adults

At various diseases respiratory system, accompanying symptom for which cough is present, antitussive drugs of various spectrums of action are prescribed.

For acute and chronic form for bronchitis, pneumonia, cough expectorants are prescribed in combination with other groups of medications (antibiotics, antiviral medications, immunomodulators). Expectorant medications are used to:

• reduction inflammatory process mucous membranes of the larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs;
• relief of the patient's condition with a non-productive cough;
• diluting produced mucus;
• stimulating the release of mucus from the bronchi.

I can’t cough up mucus, what should I do? What remedy for cough symptoms effectively fights bronchitis and other pathologies of the respiratory organs? The following mucolytic drugs are most effective:

1. Ambroxol (cough expectorant tablets or syrup). In case of transmission of infection from a child to children and the occurrence of bronchitis, doctors prescribe Ambrovix cough syrup to young patients. The drugs are indicated for diseases with acute inflammation of the bronchi, lungs and other respiratory organs.
2. Lazolvan is the best expectorant imported production. Its analogues: Ambrosan, Ambrobene, Flavamed.
3. ACC (Acetylcysteine). Has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic effects. In the case of an allergic nature of the origin of the cough, ACC drug taken with extreme caution.
4. Solvin (Bronchosan, Bromhexine). Has a slight antitussive effect. Has pronounced expectorant properties.

How to quickly cure a cough at home

For bronchitis, mucolytic drugs of the reflex group are also prescribed. These include Mukaltin, Alteyka, Thermopsol. They promote increased production of viscous and thick mucus.

Folk expectorants

Traditional cough expectorants are effective, easy to prepare and affordable. Along with drug treatment It’s good to resort to using homemade decoctions, syrups and infusions.

It is not difficult to prepare remedies at home to eliminate the symptom. To thin sputum, expectorant folk remedies for coughs are used for adults:

1. Recipe 1. Milk with butter. An old proven method. Helps relieve irritation in the bronchi, soften cough and improve mucus removal. The mixture is recommended for use by adults and children. It is prepared by heating milk, to which 5-10 grams are added. butter. Despite the popularity of the recipe, some pediatricians do not recommend using it because increased load on the child's pancreas.
2. Recipe 2. Warm milk with honey and fat. K 250 ml. dairy product fat and honey are added. Everything is mixed and drunk. The method helps to liquefy mucus and speed up its removal from the bronchi. If you have an allergic component to your cough, you should use the milk and honey mixture with extreme caution.
3. Recipe 3. Honey in radish. Juice is prepared based on the ingredients. This cocktail has an expectorant effect. It affects the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. An expectorant for dry cough is prepared as follows: a hole is made in the radish, where 2 teaspoons of honey are added. When the fruit releases juice, the product is drunk in several doses throughout the day.
4. Recipe 4. Milk-fat mixture of fat (badger), milk, aloe, honey. The composition is considered one of the best expectorants for bronchitis, tracheitis, pharyngitis, and pneumonia.

Inhalations and fees

Carrying out home inhalations with the addition of herbs for coughs with sputum can effectively thin mucus and accelerate its elimination. The procedure replaces the use of syrups and infusions. The most effective are chamomile, oregano, string, sage, calendula, etc.

Cough expectorant recipes are also presented medicinal fees. Folk remedies cough medicine for adults and children is prepared by preparing decoctions based on herbal formulations and tea. Their natural ingredients have healing properties, while helping to combat various pathologies respiratory system.

The expectorant collection is purchased at the pharmacy. It consists of specially selected medicinal herbs. Decoctions help thin mucus and improve its removal from the bronchi. Infusions based on plantain, oregano, thyme, sage, marshmallow and licorice help with dry cough.