A wet cough is also called a productive cough. It brings relief to the patient - pathogens are removed from the respiratory tract along with the mucus. This prevents intoxication and spread of infection to other parts of the respiratory system. Unlike unproductive dry bronchospasm, it cannot be stopped as it can lead to sputum congestion. Treatment is to increase bronchial secretion and expectoration. Wet cough syrups can help.
Varieties of drugs
Now syrups for wet coughs are presented in a wide range. There are products made on the basis of extracts and extracts of medicinal herbs, they are most suitable for allergy sufferers and people with serious chronic diseases. You can also find preparations based on synthetic substances that are analogous to natural ones. Combined medicines are also sold in pharmacies, in which the effect of natural ingredients is enhanced by chemical ones, or vice versa.
Depending on the nature of the cough and its features, such as frequency, color of sputum, its consistency, etc., you can choose the most effective syrup. In total, there are 2 types of funds that are advisable to use for productive bronchospasm:
- mucolytics - are prescribed to dilute sputum if it is too viscous and sticky;
- expectorants - stimulate the passage of mucus and the release of the respiratory tract from pathogenic microflora.
However, this does not mean that there are no drugs that combine these mechanisms of action. Manufacturers offer syrups that simultaneously relieve spasm, thin mucus, promote its active production by ciliated epithelium, dilate blood vessels in the bronchi, fight pathogens, and stimulate the regeneration of damaged mucous membranes. Such drugs, as a rule, are multicomponent or have a chemical composition, they are not always and not all approved for use, but they give a quick positive effect.
Pharmaceutical classification of funds
Each syrup with a wet cough can perform several functions at once, so there is no longer a clear distinction between drug classes. However, in pharmacy, they are divided according to the mechanism of action on the body and composition. Consider the main groups that are customarily identified.
Group 1 - annoying. Most often these are products made on the basis of natural ingredients. After they enter the gastrointestinal tract, the process of irritation of the mucous walls of the stomach itself begins, which leads to a vomiting and cough reflex. The syrup can also act directly on the bronchi, increasing the susceptibility of their nerve endings, which also stimulates coughing.- Group 2 - drugs with sulfhydryl forms. They are used for the development of purulent processes. The composition of the funds includes carbocisteine and acetylcysteine, which dilute not only phlegm, but also purulent masses in the respiratory tract. Potions of this type accelerate regenerative processes and recovery in general.
- Group 3 - with the alkaloid vazicin. The most effective substances for productive cough. The alkaloid vasiscin previously could only be obtained from plant materials, but now they have learned to synthesize its artificial substitute. When it enters the body and decays, it turns into ambroxol, has a stimulating effect on the ciliated epithelium and dilutes phlegm.
- Group 4 - combined means. Such cough syrups may contain all or more of the active ingredients described above. They have a complex effect and are considered among the most effective. However, it should be borne in mind that these funds have a lot of contraindications and are almost always prohibited for use by pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Group 1 - annoying. Most often these are products made on the basis of natural ingredients. After they enter the gastrointestinal tract, the process of irritation of the mucous walls of the stomach itself begins, which leads to a vomiting and cough reflex. The syrup can also act directly on the bronchi, increasing the susceptibility of their nerve endings, which also stimulates coughing.Popular drugs
It is necessary to use syrup for a wet cough only after consulting a doctor. Depending on the nature of bronchospasm, the general condition of the patient and the characteristics of his body, the most effective drug will be selected.
Among the drugs that help alleviate the patient's condition and speed up recovery, it is worth highlighting several of the most popular products on the modern pharmaceutical market. Let's get acquainted with their features, advantages and disadvantages.
"Pertussin". One of the most popular natural syrups. Its main components are thyme and thyme extract, it is they that stimulate the production of phlegm and its active removal from the respiratory tract. It also contains potassium bromide, this substance soothes irritated mucous membranes. The combined remedy can only be taken from the age of 3, it is not intended for pregnant women. Despite its natural composition, the syrup has many side effects, therefore it should be prescribed only by the attending physician.- Herbion syrup. The preparation is based on primrose extract - an effective natural mucolytic agent. Additionally contains menthol and thyme extract. Promotes active excretion of phlegm, fights microbes and relieves inflammation. You can take the remedy from the age of two, it must be combined with an abundant drink.
- "Prospan". Natural combined product, the active ingredient of which is ivy extract. The syrup acts directly on the bronchi, increasing their secretion and relaxing smooth muscles. It dilutes phlegm and gently removes it from the respiratory tract, additionally gives a mild antitussive effect. Allowed for use by children from 1 year old.
- Ambroxol, Lazolvan, Ambrobene, Halixol. All these drugs are strong mucolytics with a mild antitussive effect. Syrups have the same active ingredient - ambroxol hydrochloride. It promotes the rapid and effective dilution of mucus and its removal from the respiratory tract. The most affordable of all drugs is Ambroxol, all other analogues will cost much more. The funds have many contraindications; special forms are produced for children.
- "Fluditek". It is simultaneously an expectorant and a mucolytic agent. It also helps to accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues of the respiratory organs, since it contains carbocisteine. It is prescribed for different diseases in different dosages, there are several types of syrup that differ in concentration.
- Bromhexine. Activates the work of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi and helps to normalize the activity of the alveoli. This leads to a thinning of mucus and its effective removal from the respiratory tract. Made on the basis of bromhexine hydrochloride. Forbidden for use by persons who have kidney and liver diseases, there is a syrup for adults and children.
Eucabal. Complex action syrup, the main active ingredients of which are thyme extract and plantain extract. Thyme enhances the motor activity of the ciliated epithelium in the upper parts of the respiratory system, which enhances expectoration, and it also eliminates microbes from the mucous membrane. Plantain stimulates soft and effective excretion of phlegm, enhances the regenerative functions of damaged tissues.- "Gedelix". The main active ingredient is ivy extract. It helps to liquefy even the thickest mucus, activates its removal from the respiratory tract. The syrup must be combined with the use of a large amount of liquid.It has a minimum of contraindications, but it can be dangerous in case of personal intolerance to ivy.
"Pertussin". One of the most popular natural syrups. Its main components are thyme and thyme extract, it is they that stimulate the production of phlegm and its active removal from the respiratory tract. It also contains potassium bromide, this substance soothes irritated mucous membranes. The combined remedy can only be taken from the age of 3, it is not intended for pregnant women. Despite its natural composition, the syrup has many side effects, therefore it should be prescribed only by the attending physician.
Eucabal. Complex action syrup, the main active ingredients of which are thyme extract and plantain extract. Thyme enhances the motor activity of the ciliated epithelium in the upper parts of the respiratory system, which enhances expectoration, and it also eliminates microbes from the mucous membrane. Plantain stimulates soft and effective excretion of phlegm, enhances the regenerative functions of damaged tissues.How not to harm yourself?
When a cough goes from unproductive (dry) to productive (wet), it should never be suppressed. The syrups taken at this stage should thin the phlegm and promote its excretion. Combining them with the use of antitussive drugs is strictly prohibited. Therefore, one cannot prescribe therapy to oneself and rely on intuition, the doctor must choose the treatment.
You should be careful about the components of syrups. Most of them contain sugar, which is not a positive factor for diabetics. It is also worth considering the presence of chemical components in the composition and their effect on organs, if you have chronic diseases, especially carefully read the contraindications for use.
Natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions if you are prone to them. So it is better to check the tolerance of medications before you start taking them.
Let's summarize
Special syrups will help speed up recovery from a wet cough. There are several types of these drugs, depending on the components and mechanism of action.
Only a doctor should select the most suitable medicines, since self-medication can give serious complications and negatively affect not only the respiratory organs, but also the whole body. Properly prescribed medications will help to quickly get rid of coughing fits and ease the patient's condition.
