Choosing an expectorant for children

Children's cough is a fairly common phenomenon. Moreover, a perfectly healthy child can also cough, reflexively clearing the bronchi and throat from the mucus accumulated there. A single cough is considered normal, repeated no more than 15-20 times a day. But if the baby is constantly tormented by a gurgling cough, and the mucus does not go away, it is quite reasonable to use expectorants for children.

What is a cough

Before somehow affecting a child's cough, it is advisable to understand what it is and why it occurs. And also know what types it is divided into and how to distinguish one cough from another. This is important, because in some cases, even high-quality expectorant drugs can only aggravate the situation.

Any cough is a reflex response of the body to irritation of the respiratory tract. Anything can be an irritant - dust, allergens, mucus, infection, fungi, chemicals, foreign body. The body tries to protect the lungs from the negative effects of a cough, in which mucus and what has got into the throat is pushed out.

A special cough center is responsible for the appearance of a cough, which in children is located very close to the emetic center (due to the small size of the brain). Therefore, a severe cough in a child is often accompanied by vomiting - irritation passes from one center to another. Some expectorant drugs are specially formulated to target the cough center and stimulate coughing.

By its nature, doctors divide coughs into productive and unproductive. With an unproductive cough, little or no mucus is released, therefore it is also called "dry", barking. Such a cough occurs with severe inflammation of the respiratory tract (for example, at the beginning of the acute stage of respiratory diseases) or with active exposure to irritants (strong odors, dust, etc.). This type of expectorant will not help but will only intensify the attack. It must be fought with the help of antitussive drugs or the elimination of the cause.

A cough in which phlegm is present in the bronchi and throat is called wet or productive because the production of mucus is increased compared to the normal state of the child.

A productive cough indicates that the body is actively fighting the disease, but sometimes the phlegm is too thick or too deep for the baby to cough up on its own. It is in this situation that an expectorant for children will help.

Types of drugs

All cough medicines are divided according to the type of their effect into three categories, each of which has some characteristics of use and is designed to combat certain types of cough. This is important to know and take into account, especially if you choose your own cough medicine for children.

But if you are not sure that you understand exactly how this or that drug works, it is better to consult with your pediatrician whether it is worth giving it to your child in a particular case.

Antitussives - their action is aimed at suppressing the activity of the cough center, due to which the cough reflex is extinguished. They are prescribed for attacks of dry cough in order to prevent overstrain of the vocal cords, to normalize night sleep (if the cough interferes with sleep). In no case should they be used with any expectorant drugs. This can lead to stagnation of mucus (bronchostasis), as a result of which bronchitis develops rapidly, often purulent.
Expectorants - drugs that increase the amount of phlegm and stimulate the smooth muscles of the bronchi, helping to move mucus to the larynx. At the same time, the drug enhances the activity of the villi lining the surface of the bronchi from the inside. A drug of this type is prescribed when the consistency of the secreted mucus is not too viscous, and it moves freely through the bronchi.
Mucolytic - drugs that primarily contribute to the liquefaction of sputum. Among them are agents that reduce mucus production, increase the activity of the bronchi and change the viscosity of sputum. This is the most extensive group of drugs and it is advisable to prescribe them by a doctor who is well versed in their action.

To date, several combined drugs have been created that simultaneously have expectorant properties and slightly suppress the cough reflex, thus preventing the appearance of severe attacks of unproductive cough.

Expectorants

Almost all drugs in this group are based on herbal extracts, so most of them can even be used to treat small children. Many drugs are sweet syrups that the child drinks without problems. Best of all for the treatment of children have proven to be:

Licorice syrup. It is recommended even for infants, but it is necessary to accurately calculate the dosage, and for the smallest it is advisable to dilute the drug with water. Drinking plenty of fluids is especially important in this case, as it promotes the production of mucus. The syrup also has mucolytic and anti-inflammatory effects.
"Gedelix". A completely natural product that is prescribed from the first months of a child's life. The main active ingredient is ivy leaf extract. For older children, it is produced in the form of drops, which is convenient if, for some reason, sweet syrup is contraindicated for the child.
"Doctor IOM". An effective syrup containing extracts of 11 medicinal plants. Recommended for children aged 3 years and older. Promotes liquefaction and excretion of phlegm, a good anti-inflammatory agent.
Mukaltin. Tableted marshmallow extract is an excellent natural cough remedy. Small children can crush a tablet and dilute it with water, like a syrup. It is prescribed for babies after 3 years.
"Alteika". Ready-made sweet syrup from marshmallow root. When used in children under 12 years of age, the recommended dose must also be diluted with water - about 1/4 cup. It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, but some children have an allergic reaction to it, so give it carefully for the first time.
"Thermopsis". Tablets with thermopsis herb extract perfectly stimulate the activity of bronchial cilia, while simultaneously thinning phlegm. But it is not prescribed for young children, since the grass contains alkaloids, which can cause symptoms of intoxication even with a slight overdose.
Plantain syrup. An excellent anti-inflammatory and expectorant agent that quickly regenerates and heals the mucous membranes of the throat. Prescribed to children over 6 years of age. Use with caution - allergic reactions are possible.

Various herbal preparations, which can be bought at the pharmacy, also have a good expectorant effect. This is a great alternative to ready-made pharmacy syrups, moreover, the child will receive a sufficient amount of fluid. The physician or pharmacist will help you choose the fee. Be sure to include the child's age and the doctor's diagnosis or cough pattern.

We strongly discourage buying herbal teas from the markets, especially if you are not versed with herbs. After all, you do not know how and where the plants were collected, whether they were contaminated with chemicals and radiation.

When it comes to the health of a child, all preparations, even herbal ones, must be of high quality and environmentally friendly.

Mucolytic drugs

Mucolytic drugs do not increase the amount of phlegm and can even reduce it, but at the same time they change its consistency to a less viscous one, due to which it begins to actively expectorate when coughing. The use of these funds gives a good effect in bronchitis, when viscous sputum is retained in the lower parts of the bronchi and provokes attacks of unproductive cough.

Bromhexine. A popular, effective and inexpensive cough syrup that is great for bronchitis and laryngitis. It has a bronchodilating and thinning effect, facilitates breathing well. It is prescribed for children over 6 years old.
"Bronhosan". A preparation based on bromhexine, to which essential oils of medicinal plants are added, which significantly enhance its effect: anise, oregano, eucalyptus, menthol. Due to the presence of essential oils, in some cases it can cause an allergic reaction.
"Ascoril". An excellent remedy that simultaneously expands the bronchi, dilutes phlegm, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and quickly relieves attacks. But this medicine should not be used for more than one week and should not be combined with other coughs.
"Lazolvan". A very effective coughing drug, one of the few that can be used (with caution!) Even in 2-3 trimesters of pregnancy. Created on the basis of extracts of medicinal plants and helps with all types of bronchitis, pneumonia.
"Libeksin Muko". A mucolytic agent that comes in the form of a syrup for children and adults. For children, use only the composition intended for them and do not exceed the recommended dosages! It is prescribed from the age of 2 years in cases where the mucus is too thin and therefore does not cough up. The medicine increases its viscosity and mobility of the bronchial cilia. Thanks to this, lumps of mucus are removed.

Combined drugs: "Stopussin", "Codelac", "Joset", "Kashnol" and others, it is advisable to use only as directed by a doctor. They have many contraindications and side effects, therefore they are used only for the treatment of very severe coughs and severe forms of respiratory diseases.

Folk remedies

In modern pharmacies, new expectorant drugs are constantly appearing, which are advertised as completely harmless to the child. One can argue with this statement. There are no absolutely harmless medicines! In addition, many pediatricians agree that they can achieve the same effect. it is possible to use traditional medicine, proven for centuries, especially if the cough is not too started.

Oat milk. Pour half a liter of milk into a glass of whole peeled grains and cook over low heat until the grains are tender. Strain and give 1 tablespoon each. several times a day.
Milk with soda. Heat half a glass of milk to a temperature of 55-60^OC, add a teaspoon of honey and baking soda to it on the tip of a knife. Stir, give the child a drink in small sips, preferably before bedtime.
Cacao butter. Perfectly softens cough, while actively restoring and moisturizing damaged mucous membranes, creates a thin protective film on them. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cocoa butter to half a cup of warm milk.
Chamomile tea. It has anti-inflammatory, coughing and antiseptic effects. Natural honey can be added to warm tea. But this herb is one of the most powerful allergens, use it with caution the first time.
Banana milk. Boil a ripe banana in a glass of milk for five minutes, then beat everything well with a blender and give the baby a warm drink. Children are very fond of this remedy, besides, it is nutritious and can easily replace an afternoon snack or a late dinner.
Black radish juice. One of the most powerful expectorant folk remedies. Cut off the tail from a medium-sized root vegetable and remove the pulp with a teaspoon, leaving walls up to 0.5 cm thick. Fill the groove with honey. After a few hours, it will mix with the juice and make a great syrup. Give a teaspoon 3-4 times a day.

Steam inhalations, which can be easily carried out at home, even if there is no apparatus, are good for the liquefaction and discharge of mucus. It is enough to put the baby for 5-10 minutes to breathe over a saucepan with a decoction of eucalyptus, sage, oregano, pine twigs or over a soda solution.

When choosing treatment with folk remedies, remember that in most cases a cough is only a symptom and, without eliminating the underlying disease, it will not be possible to get rid of it for good. If untreated, the cough quickly becomes chronic. Therefore, it is necessary to closely monitor the condition of the child, and if after a few days of home treatment there are no significant improvements, it is necessary to consult with a doctor, and, possibly, undergo an examination.

If the diagnosis has already been made, but you are a supporter of home remedies, then discuss with your doctor which ones you intend to use and whether they will be a full-fledged alternative to the prescribed pharmaceutical drugs.

In some cases, a combination of traditional and folk remedies is necessary for a quick recovery. It is better not to experiment with children's health, and modern pediatricians usually meet the wishes of patients. Therefore, the best choice is a relationship of trust and active cooperation with the doctor.