For a wet cough, what should an adult drink?

What are expectorants used for? How do they work?

A wet cough is a common symptom for most pathologies of the respiratory tract.

It is a reflex reaction in response to inflammation and irritation of the bronchial mucosa, as well as due to the accumulation of a certain amount of mucus.

When mucolytics and mucokinetics are used:

1

For acute infectious pathology accompanied by inflammation of the lower parts of the bronchial tree (acute simple and obstructive bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiolitis).

2

As an adjuvant therapy for chronic lung diseases, when a wet cough is accompanied by the formation of thick and difficult to separate sputum (chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, bronchial asthma, etc.).

3

When an expectorant cough clogs the lumens of the medium and small bronchi, bronchioles due to a congenital anomaly of the airways (bronchiectasis, lobar emphysema, Kartagener's syndrome, etc.).

4

To cleanse and improve bronchial patency before a diagnostic instrumental procedure (bronchography or bronchoscopy).

First of all, expectorant drugs help remove sputum from the structures of the bronchial tree, since it not only disrupts the ventilation function, but is also an additional source of bacterial infection.

Under the influence of mucolytics, the functioning of mucociliary clearance improves - the bronchial glands are activated and the structure of the ciliated epithelium is restored.

Thus

A significant amount of liquid secretion is released into the lumen of the bronchi, which helps remove thick, difficult-to-discharge sputum.

Mucolytic drugs also destroy disulfide bridges between the molecules of inflammatory mucus, making its structure more liquid.

Mucokinetics enhance the contraction of smooth muscles of the respiratory tract, thereby physically helping to remove accumulated mucus. Next, we will analyze which drugs are preferable in more detail.

Expectorants for wet cough: types

The modern classification of medications with an expectorant effect is structured as follows:

1

Exclusively mucolytic agents. Their therapeutic effect is to dilute bronchial secretions, in some cases - to improve the biosynthesis of surfactant - a special surface-active complex that covers the alveoli and does not allow them to collapse.

This group of drugs is divided into subtypes: drugs based on enzymes (Ribonuclease or Trypsin), activators of surfactant bioproduction (ambroxol hydrochloride), mucolytics of synthetic origin (carbocysteine, acetylcysteine) and artificial substitutes for alveolar surfactant (curasurf and exosurf).

2

Preparations for wet cough of reflex action (from licorice root, based on marshmallow, medicinal plantain, essential oils and ivy).

The biologically active substances that make up the plants, due to the stimulation of special receptors on the gastric mucosa, slightly irritate the vomiting center.

Branches of the vagus nerve pass near it, which reflexively enhances its influence on the bronchopulmonary system. This improves the motor activity of the ciliated epithelium and the discharge of mucus.

3

Medicines with a resorptive mechanism of action (Terpinhydrate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium iodide). Due to the content of volatile substances, they are easily eliminated from the body through respiration or with the help of the bronchial glands.

As they pass through the airways, they cause direct irritation of smooth muscle fibers, which leads to secretion.

4

Medicines for wet cough with a combined effect (Broncholitin, Ascoril, etc.). They not only stimulate the release of mucus, but have a bronchodilator, antihistamine or anti-inflammatory effect.

The choice of a particular drug is based on the patient’s condition, the presence of characteristic complaints and physical data, as well as the expected effect.

Folk remedies

In some patients, expectorants and sputum thinners purchased at the pharmacy cause mistrust. In pursuit of well-being and health benefits, people use folk recipes for wet coughs. The effectiveness of this treatment method has been questioned.

• Honey – removes mucus from the bronchi, relieves inflammation and accelerates tissue regeneration.
• Lemon is a source of vitamin C, improves immunity, restores damaged epithelium.
• Radish – stimulates the immune response, accelerates the discharge of thick sputum. Thanks to the combination of beneficial substances, it relieves inflammation and normalizes oxygen metabolism.
• Herbal decoctions have anti-inflammatory, regenerating, expectorant effects. Taken orally or administered using an inhaler.

One of the common folk remedies for wet cough, which is also recommended by doctors, is inhalation with mineral water. Mineral salts relieve inflammation, additional fluid accelerates the liquefaction of mucus, and alkaline components promote rapid healing of damaged structures.

Compresses for wet coughs can only be used when body temperature is normal. Warming is carried out with vodka, honey, flatbreads, mustard plasters and other various means. Physiotherapy and massage are also highly effective in treating wet cough.

Medicines that improve expectoration when coughing

Expectorants for wet coughs in adults

Long-term smoking, acute infectious process in the bronchi, chronic pathology of the respiratory tract - all this contributes to the formation of thick mucus in the lumen of the respiratory system.

What to drink for an adult with a wet cough:

• ACC Long.
• Bromhexine.
• Gerbion.
• Gedelix.

Acetylcysteine

ACC is a good remedy that helps to quickly and effectively get rid of a productive cough. There are injectable forms, tablets and powders (granules for oral administration) based on acetylcysteine.

The drug substance, due to the presence of special sulfhydryl groups in its structure, promotes the destruction of disulfide bridges in sputum.

This leads to a decrease in viscosity and the amount of mucus. In addition, the medication retains its therapeutic properties even in the presence of purulent sputum at the site of inflammation.

Adult patients are recommended to take from 400 to 600 mg of acetylcysteine ​​per day, only orally (this can be 100, 200 or 600 milligram tablets, granules).

Therefore, if you purchased the drug in a dose of 100 mg, then you need to take 2 tablets two or three times a day.

The drug is contraindicated for:

• individual intolerance to active substances;
• pregnancy;
• pulmonary hemorrhage;
• exacerbation of peptic ulcer;
• renal and liver failure.

Bromhexine

Bromhexine is an effective expectorant medicine for wet coughs in adults. It is available in the form of yellowish-greenish tablets of 8 and 4 mg.

The drug has a secretolytic and secretomotor effect, and also has a weak antitussive effect on sensitive receptors in the mucous membrane of the bronchial tree.

Bromhexine hydrochloride activates and restores the ciliated epithelium, reduces the viscosity of mucus in the respiratory tract, increases the volumetric properties of sputum and improves its excretion.

It has also been proven that bromhexine, after being broken down in the liver to ambroxol, triggers the processes of bioproduction of surfactant, which fully ensures the stability of alveliocytes in the respiratory cycles.

The optimal therapeutic dose for adult patients is 1 or 2 tablets three times a day, preferably after meals. It is recommended to take the medication with a sufficient amount of water.

The drug is not prescribed for:

• increased sensitivity to it (in the form of allergic reactions);
• lactase deficiency;
• pregnancy, especially in the first trimester;
• ulcerative lesions of the duodenum and stomach in the acute stage.

Methods for treating dry cough

When deciding what to drink for a dry cough, you can turn to both folk and traditional medicine.
It should be noted that the latter is more effective, but the former involves the use of natural ingredients. It would be best to supplement the intake of medications with traditional methods of treatment, including well-known herbal decoctions that you can buy at the pharmacy or collect yourself, hot foot baths, inhalations, baths, massage with essential oils and others. Drinking plenty of water at room temperature (mineral or filtered), as well as milk with half a teaspoon of butter and soda will help thin and remove mucus. You need to drink this cocktail in small sips. Treatment of dry cough: can be done using mixtures

Remedies for dry cough

What to drink for dry cough? Doctors most often prescribe one of the following medications after examination.

Syrup Bronholitin

Bronholitin syrup (50 – 70 rubles). A medicine available to everyone that has moderate analgesic, antimicrobial, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects. This drug is able to expand the bronchi, relieve swelling, constrict blood vessels and, thus, alleviate the condition and eliminate the disease.

Syrup Linkas

Plant-based syrup Linkas (130 – 140 rubles). This medicine is a combination remedy against dry cough. The syrup has a mild effect on the respiratory tract. It helps to thin sputum, destroys microbes that cause infection and alleviates the general condition of the patient.

Stoptusin

Stoptusin (drops - 70 - 80 rubles, tablets - 130 - 140 rubles). This drug is intended not only for adults, but also for children over 1 year of age, and pregnant women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. It helps reduce pain, makes sputum less viscous, facilitating its removal from the respiratory tract.

Codelac Phyto

Codelac Phyto syrup (130 – 140 rubles). It has expectorant properties. With this drug you can quickly and effectively get rid of an unpleasant dry cough.

Herbion syrup

Gerbion syrup (RUR 210 – 230) not only has an expectorant effect, but also has an antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect. Thanks to the natural extracts of plantain grass and mallow flowers included in its composition, this syrup acts gently and in a short time alleviates the patient’s condition and promotes the removal of phlegm.

Sinekod

Sinekod (syrup - 220 rubles, drops - 320 rubles) is available in different forms intended for both adults and children. This drug acts directly on the cough center and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is usually prescribed for acute manifestations of the disease.

Recommendations for effective treatment

To get rid of an unpleasant dry cough as soon as possible, you must strictly adhere to your doctor’s recommendations. Most often, you need to take medications three times a day. At night you can do hot foot baths, apply mustard plasters or inhale with essential oils.

A faster recovery will be facilitated by parallel intakes of decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs, such as calendula, St. John's wort, linden blossom, coltsfoot, plantain, mallow flowers and many others. In pharmacies you can also find special preparations that have an expectorant effect. You can learn more about herbal medicines from your doctor or pharmacist. But you should not rely solely on traditional medicine. It is better to use it as a supplement.

In order to quickly recover and not get sick again, it is best to be treated at home, going out into the fresh air as little as possible. However, when coughing, it is important to regularly ventilate the room, because in stale air conditions bacteria multiply quickly.

If possible, you should avoid self-medication to save yourself from possible complications. Only an experienced specialist can give the right recommendations. He will also recommend the most effective medicine in each specific case, and you will not have to choose from the variety of drugs available in pharmacies.

Expectorants for wet coughs in children

In childhood, syrups, mixtures and, somewhat less frequently, tablets are most often used (most often for children over 5-6 years old).

Expectorants for wet coughs that can be given to children:

1. Ambrobene.
2. Fluditek.
3. Overslept.
4. Ambroxol.

Some of them are available exclusively in liquid form, and some are also available in tablets.

Ambrobene

The active component of Ambrobene is represented by ambroxol hydrochloride, which activates the secretory glands of the pulmonary system and improves the functioning of the cilia of the bronchial epithelium.

The substance also simultaneously reduces the viscosity of accumulated secretions and significantly improves mucociliary transport.

It is also reliably known that ambroxol is involved in the formation of alveolar surfactant.

The drug is prescribed for children depending on their age:

• up to 2 years - half a measuring cup (that is, 2.5 ml) twice per knock;
• from 2 to 6 years – a similar dose, but three times a day;
• up to 12 years - already 5.0 ml two or three times a day.

The medicine should not be used if there are allergic reactions to it, or if the child has fructose intolerance.

Ambrobene can be inhaled using a nebulizer after preliminary dilution of the substance in saline solution in a 1:1 ratio.

The best medicine for dry cough

During illness, many people think about what is best for a dry cough. The most popular and effective medications are:

1. Gerbion syrup is a good herbal preparation that has pronounced expectorant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
   It contains mallow flowers, plantain grass and ascorbic acid. The herbal product is brown in color in a bottle, with a pleasant smell. It is prescribed in complex therapy for pathologies of the respiratory system. The syrup must be taken in doses over a period of 2-3 weeks. "Gerbion" is well tolerated and has few contraindications. It should not be taken by children under two years of age, as well as by people who have diabetes or cannot tolerate the substances in the medicine.
2. Doctor Mom suspension is a plant-based combined expectorant.
   It contains dry extracts of aloe, basil, elecampane, licorice, ginger, turmeric, Indian nightshade, pepper, and terminalia belerica. Plant elements soften, relieve inflammation, promote expectoration, and relieve bronchospasm. Syrup is green in color and smells of pineapple. It is prescribed for bronchitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis with dry cough. The drug is taken orally, adhering to a certain dosage. The course of therapy lasts 2-3 weeks. The suspension is not recommended for children under three years of age and people who are allergic to the components.
3. Syrup "Bronchicum S" is a herbal medicine for the symptomatic treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
   The drug has a liquid consistency of reddish-brown color in a glass bottle with a dispenser cup. It contains thyme herb extract with auxiliary ingredients. The dosage for dry cough for adults and children is determined by the attending physician. The syrup has a number of contraindications, including heart and kidney failure, pregnancy, lactation, children under six months of age, allergic reactions to the ingredients of the medicine.
4. Libexin tablets are effective for acute and chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia and other ailments accompanied by a dry cough. The main component, prenoxdiazine hydrochloride, reduces irritation of respiratory tract receptors, dilates the bronchi, and reduces the activity of the respiratory center. The tablets are round, flat, white. They are drunk after meals without chewing. Dragees should be taken with caution during pregnancy and early childhood.
5. Stoptussin tablets are a combined drug of a mucolytic nature. They contain two main substances.

• Guaifenesinth - normalizes the function of the bronchial glands.
• Butamirate dihydrogen citrate - relieves cough due to its effect on the sensitive nerve endings of the bronchial mucous tissues.

The dosage regimen depends on the patient's weight.

The drug has the following restrictions on use:

• age up to 12 years;
• pregnancy up to 13 weeks;
• lactation, intolerance to components;
• myasthenia gravis.

Expectorants for wet coughs for pregnant women

It is quite difficult for pregnant women to choose an effective and safe substance that will not only eliminate unpleasant symptoms, but also will not harm the fetus.

A huge number of drugs are simply contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy, therefore, during this period it is recommended to use herbal remedies such as Gerbion or Mucaltin.

What medications to take for a wet cough later in pregnancy are not prohibited:

1. Ambroxol or Lazolvan.
2. Ambrobene.
3. Bromhexine.
4. Gerbion.
5. Mukaltin.
6. Gedelix.

All of the medications listed can only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication can lead to serious complications, both from the woman and from the unborn child.

Folk expectorants

Herbal remedies and recipes from traditional medicine can also be used in the treatment of productive cough.

Inexpensive and most effective folk remedies that help get rid of thick phlegm in the lungs and bronchi:

1. Eucalyptus oil.
2. Licorice root decoction. You can buy it at the pharmacy or prepare it yourself.
3. Breast collection No. 1, 2, 3 or 4. The expectorant collection may consist of marshmallow, coltsfoot leaves, licorice root, sage and anise.
4. Tincture of coltsfoot leaves.
5. Syrup from medicinal marshmallow extract.

Do not forget that even plant substances have their contraindications, which must be taken into account when carrying out treatment.

Continuing:

Drugs that stimulate the cough reflex

For wet coughs, stimulating expectorants are recommended. The action of such drugs is aimed at irritating respiratory receptors, which provokes a cough.

Stimulating medications accelerate the removal of mucus from the bronchi, thereby relieving inflammation and hastening the moment of recovery. The use of this group of drugs is advisable for non-viscous and thin sputum.

All stimulant medications, in turn, are divided into two subgroups:

1. reflex
2. resorptive

Reflex medicines

Reflex-stimulating drugs have an expectorant effect:

• dilute gastric mucus, which provokes irritation of vomiting and coughing;
• high activity of the medulla oblongata provokes additional synthesis of bronchial mucus;
• as a result, the frequency of coughing increases.

Medicines have a short duration of action and therefore require frequent re-doses.
Consuming large amounts may cause nausea accompanied by vomiting. Trade names and active ingredients of reflex-stimulating expectorants

When taking reflex drugs, you must strictly adhere to the recommended dosage.

Resorptive drugs

Resorptive expectorants for wet coughs in adults are used when the amount of sputum is small. Such compositions work according to the following principle:

• increase the secretion of bronchial mucus (liquid part);
• contribute to its liquefaction and make sputum easier to remove;
• stimulate the rapid release of accumulated secretions.

Due to their pharmacological action, resorptive medications can cause adverse reactions such as lacrimation and nasal congestion.

Such symptoms go away on their own after stopping the medication.
Liquid forms of medications in this group are considered more effective. Trade names of drugs that stimulate the production of bronchial secretions

Practice shows that resorptive medications are rarely prescribed. More often their use occurs when using combined agents.