Effective and reliable expectorants for dry coughs

Attacks of dry cough cause a lot of discomfort and can put a person in an extremely awkward situation, since they come quite unexpectedly, and coping with them without special means is not so easy. First, let's figure out where this hated dry cough comes from. Inflammation of the larynx.

In this case, a barking cough and hoarseness of voice are usually observed; Pneumonia; Allergic reactions; Inflammation of the bronchi or trachea; Whooping cough. This disease causes a very severe cough that ends in vomiting; Heart diseases.

In addition to a dry cough, there is a lack of air, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat;

Tuberculosis;

Foreign object. This type of cough is especially common in children who are actively exploring the world and accidentally swallowed a small object.

If the cough is caused by inflammation of the bronchi, then the main goal is to soften the thick sputum. Then the cough will become wet and the liquefied secretions will begin to leave the lungs faster.

Expectorants for dry cough for adults

To remove phlegm and treat dry cough, there are a lot of modern drugs that can be purchased at every pharmacy. All cough remedies are divided into three groups, depending on the effect they have.

Antitussives

They are used for dry coughs that interfere with sleep and normal eating.

Mucolytics

Act as an adjuvant for increased amounts of thick viscous mucus.

Expectorants

They help thin mucus and remove it from the body.

Let's look at the most famous pharmaceutical cough expectorants

Sinekod. For adults it is available in tablets, drops and syrup; it is not addictive. The drug contains sorbidol as a sweetener, so use is not prohibited for people with high sugar levels. Should be used with caution when driving; Sinecod may cause drowsiness.

Codelac . Contains codeine, licorice root and thermopsis. Contraindicated in asthmatic disorders, pregnancy, breastfeeding and in conjunction with alcohol intake. Possible side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, headache, but the likelihood of their occurrence is very low.

Gerbion. This product is available in the form of syrup with various herbs. For example, syrup with primrose, syrup with plantain. Not recommended for use during pregnancy, diabetes and congenital fructose intolerance. The drug is suitable for treating smoker's cough. The composition is based on plant components and ascorbic acid.

Stoptussin in the form of tablets and drops. Do not take during breastfeeding, pregnancy, myasthenia gravis. The interval between doses should be at least 6 hours. Side effects are rare.

Bronchicum syrup. It should be taken at regular intervals until the cough stops completely. Contraindications for use are severe liver disease, kidney disease, and chronic heart failure.

Brooncholitin. The syrup contains basil oil, which has an antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and in some cases a mild sedative effect. It has a number of contraindications that you need to familiarize yourself with before choosing a product. The drug can cause dizziness and decreased visual acuity, so it is not advisable to take it for people driving a car.

Ambroxol. A dual-action drug - it has both a mucolytic and expectorant effect.

Apply several times a day, up to 5 days. If after a course of use it is necessary to continue taking the drug, you should first consult a medical specialist.

ACC. A good remedy that can not only soften, but also remove mucus from the bronchi and relieve inflammation. Available in various forms - powders, effervescent tablets, syrup, etc. Do not use if you have stomach problems, liver failure, or pulmonary hemorrhages.

Solvin . It is aimed specifically at expectorant action, the antitussive effect is slightly expressed. Contraindicated during pregnancy, peptic ulcer disease, and breastfeeding. You need to take the drug several times a day, regardless of meals. During treatment, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids.

Mukaltin. Black tablets based on medicinal marshmallow. A very budget-friendly product that does its job well. You cannot be treated with mucoltin for duodenal and gastric ulcers, gastritis and diabetes mellitus.

Chest collection No. 4. Calendula, violet, mint, chamomile and wild rosemary in the collection will relieve bronchospasms and help remove phlegm from the lungs. Contraindications include allergic reactions to any component. The collection is brewed and stored in the refrigerator for no more than two days. Use the drink instead of tea.

If a dry cough torments a child, it is necessary to choose special products that are suitable for a small body.

Expectorants for dry coughs for children

Vicks Active . Approved for use for babies from 1 year. A combination drug with an anti-inflammatory effect. Available in the form of syrup, powder, effervescent tablets.

Fluifort . Suitable for children aged from one year. Belching may rarely be a side effect.

Also, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain. As a rule, if these side effects occur, they are in a very weak form.

Liquorice root . A liquid product with a sweet taste is approved for use almost from birth, as it is based on plant components. The syrup is diluted with boiled water and given to the child according to the instructions, depending on age.

Pertussin . Can be used by a baby from birth. The composition includes thyme, potassium bromide, which calms the child and reduces the number of coughing attacks, ethyl alcohol and sugar.

Stoptussin-phyto . It is made from plantain, thyme and thyme herbs, so the syrup can be used to treat a child from one year old. Side effects are rare.

Gedelix . Drops or syrup can be used from 2 years of age. The drug in the form of drops is also used for inhalation against dry cough, so that thick sputum is more effectively liquefied.

In addition to ready-made medications from the pharmacy, a remedy for irritating dry cough for children and adults can also be prepared at home.

Expectorant folk remedies for dry cough

Unlike pharmacy products, home-prepared products have fewer contraindications, since they are made exclusively from natural ingredients.

However, taking such “homemade” medications requires compliance with several rules - the time of the procedure, the frequency of administration and the amount of ingredients must be chosen strictly according to the recipe, without abuse. It is also necessary to observe systematic treatment.

Onions, honey and sugar for dry cough.

Grind 0.3 kg of onion in a blender, pour in 40 g of honey, a glass of sugar and a liter of clean water. Simmer the mixture over low heat for about an hour. Cool the resulting syrup and take one tablespoon four times a day before meals.

Milk decoction.

Heat milk in the amount of one glass over a fire, add one spoonful of honey, butter and soda on the tip of a knife. Use twice a day – in the morning and before bed.

Lingonberries with honey.

Squeeze the juice from fresh or thawed berries, add honey and take 20 ml three times a day.

Banana puree.

Peel and chop two or three bananas in a blender, add a glass of water and boil for a few minutes. Cool the resulting mixture, add 50 grams of honey and take 30 g three times a day.

Herbal decoction.

Pour a glass of linden blossom and half a glass of birch buds with 1.5 glasses of boiling water and boil for about 5 minutes. Then cool, strain and take instead of tea. The resulting amount of decoction must be consumed in one day.

Thyme infusion.

Pour 4 tablespoons of dry herb into two glasses of boiling water, cover with a lid and leave for 15 minutes. Strain, add a little honey and drink half a glass before meals.

Black radish juice.

Wash the radish, but do not peel it. Cut off the top to create something like a lid. Make a notch inside the root vegetable by cutting with a knife or spoon.

Place a tablespoon of honey into the resulting hole and close the top with the lid you made.

Leave it like this for 12 hours. During this time, a large amount of juice will appear inside the radish. It should be consumed 3 times a day, in the amount of 1 spoon.

Inhalations that can be done at home are an excellent treatment for dry cough.

Inhalations based on essential oils.

To prepare the solution, you need to boil water, add a little salt and a few drops of ether. Sage, eucalyptus, mint or pine oils work well.

Carry out the procedure twice a day for 5 minutes, inhaling the vapors of the solution. You can cover your head with a towel to create a more significant greenhouse effect.

Soda inhalation.

Add a spoonful of soda and 3 drops of iodine to one liter of hot water. Cover your head with a terry towel and breathe in the vapor for at least 7 minutes.

A mixture of herbs to thin phlegm.

Brew 2 tablespoons of dry herbs of oregano, mint, linden or chamomile with a liter of boiling water. Place over low heat and simmer for about two minutes to allow the herbs to steam. Then cool the mixture slightly and carry out the inhalation procedure for at least 15 minutes.

Despite the huge selection of remedies and recipes to combat the disease, do not forget that a long-term cough that cannot be treated is a serious reason to visit a specialist and undergo the necessary examination.

Author of the article Budz K A.

Source: https://narodnayamedicina.com/otkharkivayushhie-sredstva-pri-sukhom-kashle/

5 best expectorants for dry coughs in children and adults

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Infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract are often accompanied by a dry cough. To remove mucus from the bronchi, doctors prescribe special expectorants. They remove an unpleasant symptom and promote a speedy recovery.

Libexin

A strong antitussive based on prenoxdiazine hydrochloride. The drug blocks the cough reflex, reduces the irritability of sensitive receptors in the bronchi, slightly reduces the activity of the cough center, and has bronchodilator properties. The medicine is available in the form of tablets of 20 pieces. in packaging, costing from 437 rubles.

A strong expectorant is prescribed for dry cough, bronchitis, and asthma. Adults are prescribed to take 1 tablet, children ¼ or ½ tablet. 3-4 times/day. In rare cases, allergic reactions, constipation, and nausea may occur during treatment. Libexin is contraindicated:

• with abundant bronchial secretion;
• with a wet cough;
• in the postoperative period.

Bromhexine

Mucolytic agent based on bromhexine hydrochloride. The drug belongs to the group of secretolytics: it thins sputum and has a stimulating effect on alveolar cells during breathing. The cost of Bromhexine depends on the form of release:

• 25 dragees – 117–127 rubles;
• 50 tablets – 21–35 rubles;
• 60 ml of mixture – 194–210 rubles;
• 20 tablets – 34–37 rubles;
• apricot flavored syrup 100 ml – 111–136 rub.

Expectorants are prescribed for inflammatory lung diseases, bronchial asthma, and to prevent the accumulation of sputum in the bronchi after chest injury.

Adults should take 16 mg or 3 tsp. Bromhexine, children - 8 mg or 2 tsp. 3 times/day. During treatment, dizziness and headache may occur.

Contraindications for Bromhexine include the following conditions:

• pregnancy (1st trimester);
• individual intolerance to the composition;
• children's age (up to 3 years).

ACC

Included in the rating of the 5 best expectorants for dry cough. The active substance of the mucolytic drug is acetylcysteine. ACC reduces the viscosity of sputum, facilitating its removal from the bronchi. The cost of an expectorant drug depends on its release form:

• 20 effervescent tablets – RUR 531–568;
• 20 bags of granules – 142–150 rubles;
• 20 bags of hot drink – 189–201 rubles;
• 100 ml of syrup – 269–286 rub.

ACC take 2 effervescent tablets or 2 sachets of granules 2-3 times a day. General indications for treatment are:

• chronic, acute bronchitis;
• pneumonia;
• obstructive bronchitis;
• bronchial asthma;
• inflammation of the middle ear;
• cystic fibrosis;
• sinusitis.

An expectorant during the treatment of dry cough can provoke the development of diarrhea, allergies, and headaches. It is not recommended to take ACC if you have the following contraindications:

• hemoptysis;
• breast-feeding;
• pregnancy;
• children under 2 years of age (when using ACC granules);
• pulmonary hemorrhage.

Expectorant, secretolytic agent based on ambroxol hydrochloride. The drug reduces the viscosity of sputum and promotes the release of surfactant in the bronchial alveoli. Prices for Lazolvan vary depending on the volume and form of release of the expectorant:

• 100 ml of syrup – 319–351 rubles;
• solution for oral administration and inhalation, 100 ml – 292–323 rubles;
• spray 10 ml – 292–323 rubles;
• 20 tablets – 175–194 rubles;
• 50 tablets – 295–328 rub.

Lazolvan is prescribed for bronchitis, pneumonia, and bronchial asthma. Expectorants for dry coughs are prescribed for children in the form of 10 ml syrup, for adults in tablets - 1 piece 3 times a day. The drug is not recommended for use in the presence of the following conditions or diseases:

• pregnancy (1st trimester);
• intolerance to the composition;
• liver or kidney failure;
• lactation.

An expectorant based on butamirate citrate. Suppresses cough and facilitates breathing. Sinekod is available in several dosage forms:

• 200 ml of syrup – 378–406 rubles;
• 100 ml of syrup – 258–276 rubles;
• drops for oral administration, 20 ml – 397–426 rub.

Sinekod is prescribed for the treatment of viral cough, before or after bronchoscopy. Drops and syrup should be taken before meals in a dosage of 15 drops or 5 ml - for children, 25 drops. or 14 ml for adults. Expectorants for dry coughs should be replaced with analogues if the following contraindications exist:

• individual intolerance to the composition;
• pregnancy;
• children under 3 years of age.

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Doctor Komarovsky about cough and expectorants

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Expectorants for dry cough: folk and pharmaceutical preparations

The need to choose an expectorant for a dry cough arises when you need to quickly get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of a respiratory tract disease, but not just to muffle pain and irritation, but to influence the cause of the pathology and improve sputum discharge.

The main function of drugs in this case is to increase the secretory activity of the glands so that the amount of mucus secreted increases. They also affect the properties of mucus, making it more liquid, making it easier to cough up.

For an adult patient, the choice is not difficult, but if a child is sick, then his age should be taken into account, because many drugs cannot be used by small children due to their composition. However, the choice is facilitated by a wide range of available pharmacological agents.

Lazolvan is one of the most effective antitussive drugs; it contains ambroxol.

How to choose medications for dry cough

A dry cough (also known as non-productive cough) is an extremely unpleasant symptom. It is caused by irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and can be quite painful, barking, debilitating, and leading to suffocation. To eliminate it, you need emollients that improve the condition of the respiratory tract.

The main causes of dry cough are infectious diseases of the upper (laryngitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis) and lower (bronchitis, pneumonia - pneumonia) respiratory tract, allergic reactions, bronchial asthma, whooping cough.

There are also less common pathologies that can be accompanied by a cough, such as lung abscess, sinusitis, heart disease and parasitic diseases. In these cases, taking cough suppressants is useless.

Expectorant medications help increase the amount of mucus secreted in the bronchi, as well as enhance its transport outward, making sputum removal quick and safe.

There are several groups of drugs for the treatment of dry cough:

• antitussives - such drugs exist in pure form, but most often they are part of effective combination drugs against dry cough. The fact is that they independently inhibit the cough center without affecting anything else, thus simply stopping the urge to cough. This relieves symptoms for up to a few hours, but the cause remains, so they are only recommended when the patient needs a break from the painful cough. These medications should not be taken at the same time as expectorants because this can cause mucus stagnation and increase inflammation;
• expectorants - these medications help increase the amount of mucus secreted in the bronchi, as well as enhance its transport outward, making sputum removal quick and safe. These kinds of drugs transform a dry cough into a wet, productive one, which is much more favorable;
• mucolytics - change the structure of mucus, weakening the chemical bonds inside it, causing it to become more liquid, and thereby promote the discharge of sputum. These remedies are used for wet cough with viscous sputum;
• combined - the most common group of drugs, which include antitussives with multidirectional effects.

Depending on the composition, cough medicines can be of synthetic, herbal, or mixed origin.

Sinekod - has a complex effect on dry coughs, is available in two forms, for children and for adults

Expectorants for dry cough in adults

Adult patients are not limited in the form of medicines, their taste and ease of use, however, those that act on a specific type of cough and provide exactly the effect that is needed should be carefully selected.

Mucolytics change the structure of mucus, weakening the chemical bonds inside it, causing it to become more liquid, and thereby promote sputum discharge.

There is a group of narcotic drugs for cough (based on codeine), they are prescribed by a doctor according to strict indications in cases where the benefits of their use are obviously higher than the potential harm, they are sold strictly according to a prescription. Non-narcotic antitussives are prescribed much more often. Let's look at the most popular of them.

1. Herbion plantain syrup – the active ingredient of this syrup is plantain and mallow extract. The plant components of this medicine envelop the bronchial mucosa, forming an adhesive thin film that improves mucus secretion and reduces the sensitivity of receptors to irritants that cause the cough reflex. Thus, the syrup reduces the urge to cough, increases the amount of sputum, and has an antibacterial effect. Thanks to its herbal composition, it does not cause side effects; no cases of overdose have been recorded. The syrup can be used simultaneously with other medications if necessary. Take 2 measuring spoons 4-5 times a day.
2. Sinekod is a strong remedy that has a central effect on the cough center. By inhibiting it, the medicine reduces the number and intensity of coughing, relieves debilitating coughing attacks, and improves breathing. The drug acts as an antispasmodic, which expands the lumen of the bronchi. Can be prescribed to patients with diabetes; the drug does not contain sugar. May occasionally cause side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, irritability. Directions for use and dosage: 15 ml 4 times a day.
3. Stoptussin is a combination drug that has a moderate and short-term inhibitory effect on the cough center, and its long-term effects are mucolytic and expectorant. Available in various dosage forms: tablets, oral drops, syrup. This remedy should not be used for profuse productive cough, smokers cough, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, tuberculosis and pneumoconiosis. Not used during pregnancy. It has no side effects, but interferes with the action of paracetamol and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and is therefore incompatible with them. Apply 25 drops every 8 hours if body weight = 40-50 kg, 30 drops if weight = 50-70 kg, 40 drops if weight > 70 kg.
4. Linkas is one of the best herbal remedies, which contains more than 20 extracts of medicinal herbs. It has an expectorant, mucolytic effect, anesthetizes, has an antibacterial effect, increases the secretion of mucus by mucocytes of the mucous membrane, enhances the activity of villi in the bronchi, and exhibits antipyretic and antispasmodic effects. Its disadvantage is the high risk of allergic reactions to plant components. Not used for diabetes and heart disease. Do not drink for more than 2 months. Dosage: 10 ml (2 teaspoons) syrup 3-4 times a day.
5. Lazolvan is a good expectorant for dry coughs, which, in addition to syrup, is available in a form that is very convenient for delivering the active substance - nebulas for inhalation. If you have a nebulizer at home or at your nearest pharmacy, you can regularly use this medicine to achieve an expectorant, mucolytic effect. The medicine based on ambroxol is harmless; it is taken in the form of inhalations, after diluting it with saline solution 1:1, 2-3 times a day.

Combined cough medications are the most common group of medications, which include antitussives with multidirectional effects.

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Expectorants for dry coughs for children

It is important to consider the child's age when choosing a drug.

Doctor Mom is a cough syrup that children can take from the age of three

For children under one year old, the following products are used:

1. Prospan - based on ivy extract, which has an excellent expectorant effect and some bactericidal effect. The drug can be taken by children, but up to 1 year - under the supervision of a pediatrician. The dosage is 2.5 ml of syrup 2 times a day after meals. It has a pleasant taste for babies.
2. Bromhexine – enhances mucus secretion, reduces its viscosity, and promotes expectoration. Up to 2 years of age, a doctor must be present at the first appointment. Take 1 measuring spoon 3 times a day.

For children from 1 to 2 years old, licorice root syrup is prescribed - it is based on the extract of the same name, which improves the discharge of viscous sputum by strengthening the mucociliary mechanism. The medicine is not used for heart and kidney failure. Directions for use and dosage: for children aged 1 to 3 years, 2.5 ml per dose, 3-4 times a day.

For a child 2 years of age and older, the following medications are suitable:

1. Doctor Mom - in addition to the expectorant effect, improves bronchial motility, relieves pain, expands their lumen, protects the mucous membrane, and enhances the secretion of mucus. The composition is natural. Cannot be used for inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract. Use 2.5 ml 3 times a day, after meals.
2. Ambrobene - has an expectorant effect, enhances the production of liquid mucus in the lumen of the bronchi, which helps with dry cough. Also has an anti-inflammatory effect. It has excellent absorption, is completely absorbed by the mucous membrane, and is also eliminated harmlessly; there is no accumulation in the organs. Retains antibiotics in bronchial mucus, increasing their concentration there, which significantly enhances their therapeutic effect. Use during breastfeeding is not recommended. Directions for use and dosage: children over 2 years old, 1 ml 3 times a day.
3. Travisil is an expectorant used for dry coughs, which is available in several dosage forms, one of which is lozenges with different flavors, which children really like. They can be taken by children 3 years of age and older. The components of this medicine enhance expectoration of mucus, envelop the mucous membrane, cool, and have a local bactericidal effect. You should use 1 lozenge 3 times a day.

Folk remedies for coughs should not be used as the main medicine, abandoning proven drugs, but can be used as an effective supplement.

Treating dry cough at home

In addition to pharmaceutical medications, there are many folk expectorants for dry cough. They should not be used as the main medicine, abandoning proven drugs, but traditional medicine can be used as an effective supplement.

A popular folk remedy for cough is black radish juice. To do this, you need to thoroughly wash a large radish, cut off the top (“lid”) and cut out a space inside, similar to a bowl, where the juice will collect.

Then a few tablespoons of sugar are poured into the resulting cavity, and the radish is covered with a lid and left overnight. In the morning it will already be filled with the secreted juice, which is taken - a tablespoon 4 times a day, before meals or on an empty stomach.

You can use honey instead of sugar.

An effective remedy for dry cough is prepared from black radish at home.

A popular mixture is milk, honey and cocoa butter. Cocoa butter can be bought at the pharmacy, it is sold in the form of small briquettes. The milk heats up but does not boil. A tablespoon of honey and a little cocoa butter are added to warm milk, after which everything is thoroughly mixed. The drink is consumed up to 6 times a day, 40 minutes after meals, without drinking anything.

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Nikita Gaidukov About the author

Education: 4th year student, Faculty of Medicine No. 1, specialty “General Medicine”, Vinnytsia National Medical University. N.I. Pirogov.

Work experience: Nurse in the cardiology department of Tyachevsky District Hospital No. 1, geneticist/molecular biologist in the Polymerase Chain Reaction laboratory at VNMU named after. N.I. Pirogov.

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Expectorants for dry cough

Sputum in a healthy body is contained in small quantities and performs a protective function. However, with colds and other diseases, its volume increases significantly and begins to irritate the mucous membrane. In such cases, expectorants are required for dry coughs that facilitate the removal of sputum and folk remedies that help quickly clear the respiratory tract.

What causes a dry cough?

Treatment of dry cough largely depends on the specific reasons that gave rise to its appearance. Based on this, medications that require careful use are also selected. Improper use of such drugs can lead to more severe attacks and cause pulmonary and gastric bleeding.

In most cases, a dry cough reflex occurs for the following reasons:

• Colds, acute respiratory infections or ARVI. They manifest themselves as a dry, barking cough already at an early stage of the disease, along with a runny nose, headaches and fever.
• Pleurisy. They are inflammations of the pleura of the lungs, occur in various forms and are almost always accompanied by a severe cough.
• Atypical pneumonia. A dangerous pulmonary disease that has not been fully studied to date. With its appearance, a dry cough begins, gradually turning into a wet form.
• Inflammatory processes in the throat. Occurs with laryngitis, tracheitis, pharyngitis. For treatment, antitussive drugs are used along with antibacterial agents.
• Measles. Accompanied by a red rash and high fever.
• Asthma. It is characterized by severe coughing attacks that cause suffocation. Treatment is carried out only as prescribed by a doctor.

Examination and diagnosis

A dry cough can manifest itself in different forms, by which the presence of a particular disease is initially established. It can be barking or calm, prolonged or passing over a short time, night or day.

In many cases, cough is accompanied by weakness and fever. According to preliminary data, an experienced specialist is quite capable of establishing a diagnosis and prescribing the required course of treatment.

The most important thing is to seek medical help in time to get a quick effect and prevent negative consequences.

The main symptoms appear and indicate the following diseases:

• A prolonged cough most often indicates chronic pathologies. If it passes very quickly, this indicates an acute form of this disease.
• Night cough. Relief occurs only in a sitting position when the torso is upright. As a rule, this is a manifestation of a pulmonary cough that occurs due to high pressure in the vessels of this organ. To lower the pressure, the patient reflexively assumes a vertical position. This situation occurs due to poor functioning of the heart, which does not pump blood to the lungs in full.
• Infectious diseases are accompanied by general weakness and fever. This can be not only ARVI, but also tuberculosis or blood diseases.

It is possible to establish the exact cause with the help of additional research. The doctor prescribes fluorography, radiography and bronchoscopy if bronchial disease is suspected.

The presence of an allergy is determined by performing blood tests, which are also prescribed in other cases of dry cough. To confirm the presence or absence of cardiac cough, an electrocardiogram and ultrasound of the heart are performed.

The patient is subjected to slight physical activity, after which his condition is checked.

Medical assistance

In some cases, the presence of a dry cough, combined with other symptoms, requires urgent medical attention. It is necessary in the following situations:

• The patient's body temperature is too high.
• There is copious discharge of green sputum.
• There is a feeling of severe malaise and general weakness.
• Blood clots are visible in the sputum.
• Medicines and traditional medicine do not help.
• Attacks of suffocation appear.
• A dry cough is accompanied by severe pain in the side, chest and other places.

Such symptoms indicate the active impact of infection, severe intoxication of the body and the formation of pronounced inflammation in a focal form.

With a high probability, the presence of tuberculosis, oncology, complicated pneumonia, purulent pleurisy and other serious diseases is allowed.

This leads to the choice of medications that ease coughing and are aimed at treating the underlying disease.

They help to completely dissolve mucus, and expectorants make it easier to expel. They are capable of making even the thickest and most viscous secretion liquid, clogging the airways and causing attacks of suffocation.

The substances included in their composition activate the ciliated epithelium, which promotes the removal of mucus from the bronchi.

Expectorants and antitussives, what is the difference?

If we talk about fundamental differences, the main function of expectorants is to liquefy mucus and facilitate its removal from the body. The effect of antitussives is exactly the opposite.

Most of them have a central effect and block cough reflexes. They are prescribed during a dry or barking cough, in which bronchial secretions are completely absent.

The simultaneous use of both remedies – for wet and dry coughs – is strictly prohibited.

Drug therapy mainly uses antitussive drugs, divided into two main categories:

• Medicines with reflex effects, including folk remedies. Some of them are secretomotor and affect the functions of the cough center. As a result of its irritation, bronchial mucus begins to be intensively released and at the same time an expectorant cough occurs. In some cases, nausea is possible, since the gag reflex is also excited along with the cough. Typical representatives are licorice root, eucalyptus oil, thermopsis herb, etc. The other part is represented by resorptive drugs that stimulate the secretion of mucus from the bronchi. They help liquefy it and facilitate its removal from the respiratory system. The effects of medications may be accompanied by severe rhinitis and lacrimation. This group includes sodium bicarbonate, ammonium chloride, sodium and potassium iodide.
• Mucolytic drugs. They thin the consistency of sputum and facilitate its removal. Taken for very thick and sticky mucus. The basis of such drugs is trypsin, sulfur compounds and ribonucleases.

There are combination drugs that have the properties of both drugs. Antibiotics and antiviral agents are taken together with them, provided they are compatible with each other.

Effective expectorant drugs

The course of treatment for a dry cough is structured in such a way that it turns into a wet cough, as a result of which the sputum is easily expectorated and removed from the body. The most effective expectorants for dry coughs include the following:

• Sinekod. It affects the cough center, so it can be used for any type of cough. Release form: syrup or tablets. Do not take by pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 3 years of age. It has side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergies, and loss of consciousness.
• Gerbion. Antitussive, expectorant and anti-inflammatory agent based on plantain, produced in the form of syrup. It uses expectorant herbs for dry cough. Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and diabetes mellitus. In the latter case, negative reactions are possible, so you should take the syrup only as prescribed by a doctor.
• Stoptussin. Expectorant drug of the secretolytic group. Has a softening effect on the respiratory tract during a dry cough. Available in tablets and drops. It is forbidden to take such expectorants for dry cough for children under 2 years of age and for pregnant women during the first trimester. Side effects in the form of allergic reactions are possible.
• Codelac. A combined preparation of herbal origin, suitable for the treatment of all types of cough. Release form: elixir or syrup. Contraindicated in patients with asthma, pregnant women and children, as well as in cases of respiratory failure and hypersensitivity to certain components of the drug. Side effects include constipation, vomiting, allergies, and increased drowsiness.
• Bronchicum. The best combined expectorant for dry cough. The main components are thyme and primrose. Available in the form of an elixir, syrup and lozenge. Effectively neutralizes severe coughing attacks and facilitates the removal of mucus. There are contraindications for children under 6 years of age, pregnant women and nursing mothers. Sometimes it has a negative effect on the functioning of the stomach.
• Libexin. Peripheral cough suppressant, available in tablets. It acts on the principle of Codeine, that is, it suppresses the cough center. However, Libexin is much safer, it is not addictive and does not conflict with the central nervous system. Not recommended for large amounts of sputum production and for pregnant women. Taking the medicine sometimes leads to dry mouth and numbness of the mucous membranes, itching and rash on the body.

Treatment of dry cough with folk remedies

The effect of taking medications is even more enhanced when their action is supported by folk remedies. They also help thin mucus and speed up expectoration, preventing the development of inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Effective homemade decoction recipes that help with dry cough:

• Dark purple figs (1 piece) are cut lengthwise, placed in a container and filled with milk (0.5 l). The mixture is heated over low heat for 10 minutes. The finished product is cooled to a hot state, suitable for consumption in small sips, and drunk throughout the day.
• Milk and alkaline mineral water are mixed in equal quantities. Used as an expectorant.
• Garlic in the amount of 3 cloves is crushed and placed in milk (0.5 l). The mixture is heated and boiled until the cloves are completely softened. The finished broth should be cooled, strained and taken 1 tbsp. spoon after 1 hour. The patient should not be allergic to garlic or have stomach problems.
• A good expectorant is a mixture of honey and black radish juice. The juice is extracted by squeezing or by making a hole in the vegetable and filling it with honey. The mixture is infused for 6-8 hours, after which 1 tbsp is taken. spoon 3-4 times a day.

Source: https://medic-z.ru/otharkivajushhie-sredstva-pri-suhom-kashle

The most effective drugs for thinning sputum

A cough is a reflex reaction of the respiratory tract to microbes, foreign particles, heat, dust or chemical components. According to the nature of the symptoms, dry (non-productive) and wet cough are distinguished.

The treatment regimen depends on this. For a dry cough, the patient is prescribed antitussives, and mucolytics to thin the sputum.

Expectorants for dry coughs facilitate the passage of mucus, relieve inflammation, eliminate soreness and improve the general well-being of the patient.

Classification of funds and principle of operation

With inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract, secretions begin to accumulate, sputum stagnates, and its viscosity and thickness increase. These processes make breathing difficult and cause coughing.

In this case, the mucus does not clear from the respiratory tract, the cough becomes more frequent, becomes hysterical, provokes inflammation of the bronchial trunks and causes chest pain. To avoid serious consequences, it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately.

After diagnosis, treatment is prescribed with different groups of expectorant drugs (depending on the patient’s age and cough symptoms).

Expectorants

Expectorants for wet coughs are used to stimulate the discharge of viscous secretions. They are divided into two main groups, which differ in the principle of influence:

• Expectorant secretomotor (reflex action). They irritate the nerve endings of the cough center, activate the glands responsible for bronchial secretions, enhance peristalsis of the alveoli and the production of mucus in the bronchi.
• Secretolytic expectorants (with a direct effect on bronchial receptors). The principle of action is based on direct irritation of the bronchial mucosa and stimulation of secretion production.

Only a doctor can determine how to thin sputum. How fast the recovery will be depends on the correct treatment regimen with expectorant medications.

Mucolytics

Mucolytics are designed to thin sputum when coughing and quickly clear the bronchi of mucus. Pathogenic microorganisms that live in sputum immediately die, deprived of their environment, after which the patient quickly recovers.

If during therapy you feel worse, you need to stop taking the medication and consult a doctor.

All mucolytic cough remedies work according to the following scheme. They break the peptide bonds of the protein inside the secretion, making it more liquid and accessible for natural removal from the respiratory tract. In addition, they normalize the functioning of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi, relieving inflammation and pain.

The most effective and affordable drugs for better mucus removal

Pharmaceutical preparations in tablets, syrups, mixtures and injections, inhalations, medicinal herbal preparations and other folk remedies have an expectorant effect. The best cough remedy is determined by the doctor only after analyzing the patient’s condition and identifying the nature of the cough. The stage of the disease, the structure of the sputum and the presence of concomitant pathologies are also of great importance.

Good medicines in tablets and syrups

Expectorant medications for coughs with sputum in adults and children are prescribed in stages. First, the patient takes drugs that thin the mucus, and after that, drugs that remove liquid sputum from the body.

At the first stage, the doctor prescribes expectorant secretomotor drugs, which very quickly bring relief (the action begins within half an hour after administration).

In this group, the most effective are:

• Bronholitin. Inexpensive glaucine-based syrup is used for bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, laryngitis and tracheitis.
• Butamirat. The active component is included in Omnitus and Codelac tablets. It has a moderate bronchodilator, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect.
• Sinekod. The syrup helps to quickly liquefy thick mucus, quickly fights coughing attacks and relieves inflammation.

At the second stage, synthetic secretolytics are most often prescribed. This is the best expectorant for dry coughs, which is used to treat the bronchi, lungs and trachea. They are prescribed to people of different ages, including premature and newborn babies.

The list of the most effective drugs in this group includes the following names:

• Bromhexine. An effective mucolytic that gives visible results already on the second day after administration. The drug is available in tablets, syrups, solutions and dragees.
• Ambroxol (syrup). One of the best remedies in the fight against difficult to remove phlegm in various types of bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma and COPD. Analogues of the expectorant drug include Ambrobene, Lazolvan, Flavamed and Ambrohexal.
• Falimint (dragée). It not only thins mucus, but also has an analgesic effect, and also quickly stops severe coughing attacks.
• Stoptussin. Available in tablets, it has an expectorant, bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effect, and is prescribed for bronchitis, tracheostomy and pneumonia.
• Carbocysteine. Indicated for large volumes of difficult to remove sputum. This component is included in Bronhobos, Bronhokod, Fluditec syrups and Fluifort suspension.
• Acetylcysteine. This is the main expectorant component of the ACC drug, which is available in the form of effervescent tablets, granules and injection solutions. Used to treat respiratory infections accompanied by the formation of thick mucus (bronchitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, etc.).
• Combined products for adults. This group includes drugs with a complex composition and combined action: expectorants, mucolytics and bronchodilators. The most effective syrups are Askoril, Kashnol and Joset. They have a quick therapeutic effect, but have many contraindications, so they can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
• Combined drugs for children. This category contains dry cough syrup. It contains plant components (licorice root and anise oil), which have a mild expectorant, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect.

A special place in the treatment of productive cough is occupied by natural phlegm-removing agents with an expectorant effect.

Natural remedies differ in that they are not so harmful compared to chemical pharmacology.

They are used separately or in combination with synthetic medications, relieve muscle spasms from the bronchi, relieve irritation from the throat, and increase immunity:

• licorice syrup;
• Prospan, Gedelix (ivy based);
• Equabal, Herbion (plantain);
• Bronchicum (thyme);
• Mucaltin (marshmallow root);
• Thermopsol (thermopsis);
• Pectusin, Doctor MOM, Amtersol, etc. (combined syrups and lozenges based on menthol, eucalyptus oil, coltsfoot extract, licorice root, etc.).

Top best medications for inhalation

Inhalations in the treatment of cough significantly speed up recovery, but can only be used as prescribed by a doctor as an addition to the main therapy.

Expectorant solutions for inhalation include effective cough suppressants that are sprayed into particles and enter deep into the respiratory tract, producing a local effect. The main medicine is mixed with saline solution (sodium chloride) according to the instructions. The solution temperature should be room temperature.

• For bronchitis, pneumonia and bronchial asthma, Lazolvan and Ambroxol solutions are suitable. These cough remedies for adults are most effective in combating unproductive and difficult to separate mucus.
• To quickly liquefy sputum, you can use expectorant inhalations with ACC, Fluimucil and Acetylcysteine.
• For a complex effect, you can add anti-inflammatory drugs to the inhaler, for example, Pulmicort or Cromohexal.
• To relieve bronchial spasm, inhalations with the drugs Berotek, Salgim, Berodual are considered the most effective.

For rubbing and compresses

Local medications that dilute sputum are used not only to reduce the viscosity of mucous secretions, but also to relieve spasms of the respiratory tract. You can make inexpensive compositions for rubbing or a compress yourself, or you can purchase a ready-made preparation at the pharmacy.

Products based on natural ingredients relieve inflammation, relieve severe coughing attacks, and have a mild warming and distracting effect.

The most effective in this group are the following:

• Ointment Doctor Mom Phyto;
• Travisil;
• Turpentine ointment;
• Suprima-Plus;
• Theraflu Bro.

Pulmex Baby ointment is prescribed as an adjuvant, which, along with the main drugs, activates the dilution of sputum when coughing in children. It has expectorant and antiseptic properties.

Effective home remedies

A good remedy for combating the symptoms of a wet cough can be made at home using traditional medicine recipes. But it is important to remember that such methods cannot be an alternative to medications, they are used only as a supplement.

Here are some of the simplest and most effective recipes:

• Add 10 g of butter to a glass of heated milk and stir thoroughly. Drink the resulting mixture in one gulp. You can add a teaspoon of honey to the same composition.
• Cut off the top of the radish and make a small depression in which to place 2-3 teaspoons of honey. Drink 2 tablespoons of the juice obtained after a couple of hours before meals.
• Mix the oat decoction with milk and honey and drink in small sips 5 times a day.
• Mix chopped onion with sugar and leave until morning. Strain the syrup from the resulting mixture and drink a teaspoon before meals.
• Mix lingonberry juice with honey and drink a tablespoon when coughing attacks occur.
• Add 5 g of baking soda to a glass of warm milk and take it orally in small sips 3 times a day.

Another effective way to get rid of phlegm is breastfeeding. They can be purchased at the pharmacy or made yourself from the following ingredients:

• coltsfoot;
• oregano;
• licorice;
• plantain;
• marshmallow;
• sage;
• chamomile;
• calendula;
• wild rosemary

Crushed and dried plants should be brewed with boiling water and drunk instead of tea several times a day.

Antibacterial and antitussive drugs - only as prescribed by a doctor

Cough suppressants in adults should be taken only if there is no mucus in the respiratory tract or if it is produced in scant quantities. The patient complains of a dry, scratchy cough; he cannot sleep normally and lead a normal lifestyle.

Mucolytics for a dry cough are prescribed only after it has turned into a wet form, and for this you will first have to take expectorants.

To relieve the symptoms of a dry cough, eliminate chest pain and reduce inflammation, not expectorants, but centrally acting drugs are prescribed: Neo-Codion, Glauvent, Sinekod, etc.

However, some components are prohibited in case of respiratory failure, so they are strictly forbidden to be taken without a doctor’s prescription.

Complex cough therapy can be supplemented with other drugs depending on the symptoms:

• nasal drops;
• antipyretics;
• immunomodulators.

If the disease is infectious, the patient is prescribed antibacterial or antiviral drugs. It is highly not recommended to take these medications without medical advice, since if the origin of the cough is incorrectly determined, the treatment will be ineffective.

Source: https://kashelproch.ru/vidy/suhoi/otharkivayuschie-sredstva-pri-suhom-kashle