Mucolytic drugs, most often referred to as mucolytics - these are drugs that liquefy and reduce the viscosity of the mucus in the respiratory tract by breaking disulfide bridges in mucoproteins. Thanks to this, they help to cleanse the respiratory tract of secretions deposited in them.

Mucolyticsthat ismucolytic drugsare agents that thin the mucus, making it easier for the patient to expectorate the secretions in the respiratory tract. Mucolytics also act secretolytic, which means that they reduce the size of mucus particles and facilitate its removal. There are also mucolytic drugs with an additional mucokinetic effect - they stimulate mucus excretion by stimulating the work of the ciliary apparatus.

According to some studies, the use of mucolytic drugs together with antibiotics (which applies to bacterial infections) increases the concentration of the antibiotic in the secretion due to its greater hydration, which facilitates its evacuation from the respiratory tract and inhibits the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria.

This is very important, because during respiratory infections, both viral and bacterial, the mucus that is in them increases its elasticity, becomes thick and, therefore, difficult to expectorate. Such a discharge, remaining in the respiratory tract, unfortunately increases the pathogenic process, which can lead to quite serious complications, threatening the he alth, and in extreme cases even the life of the patient.

All mucolytic drugs liquefy the secretion of diseased respiratory tract in various ways. However, the response to the drug may vary slightly from person to person. This is influenced not only by the dose or strength of the drug, but also e.g. comorbidities, individual response of individual immune systems.

Many mucolytics are available in pharmacies without a prescription. They are in the form:

  • tablets
  • inhalation preparations
  • syrups.

After taking mucolytic drugs, it is also worth patting the back, which also has an expectorant effect. Also, remember to drink more fluids, preferably water, while taking your medication.

When for some reason a mucolytic drug cannot be administered orally, there is also an optionadministration of a mucolytic drug in the form of an injection.

Mucolytic drugs are an important and invaluable element in the treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract diseases. Together with other preparations - antibiotics and steroids, they increase their effectiveness, in some cases shorten the duration of treatment and may prevent complications.

Not only synthetic preparations have a mucolytic effect, herbs are similar, although weaker. Some of them are available at the pharmacy, for example, in the form of ready-made syrups.

Mucolytics: types

  • Acetylcysteine ​​and its derivatives

They reduce the viscosity of the secretion by breaking the disulfide bonds in the mucus polypeptides. They also improve the activity of the respiratory epithelium responsible for the removal of excess secretions in the respiratory tract.

Application:
- acute and chronic bronchitis- cystic fibrosis

  • Ambroxol

An organic mucolytic drug that works by increasing the amount and reducing the viscosity of mucus. It is an active metabolite of bromhexine, but it is much more potent than it.

Application:
- acute and chronic respiratory diseases such as: cystic fibrosis, acute and chronic bronchitis, inflammation of the nose and throat

  • Bromhexine

It works by increasing the amount of secretion and liquefying it (reduces the content of mucopolysaccharides and albumin in the mucus), and thus facilitates the patient expectoration.

Application:
bronchial diseases with thick, excessively sticky secretions:

- chronic bronchitis
- cystic fibrosis
- paranasal sinusitis
- chronic laryngitis
- bronchial asthma

  • Erdosteina

It is a secretolytic drug, a derivative of the amino acid - methionine. This drug, like the previous ones, is used in the case of excessive production of sticky mucus in the respiratory tract

Application:
- in acute and chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract, bronchi and lungs with inappropriate secretion and transport of mucus
- in the prevention of seasonal exacerbations of chronic bronchitis

  • Carbocysteine ​​

Used in medicine in the form of sodium s alt. It causes depolymerization of acid mucoglycoproteins of the mucous secretion (mucin) of the respiratory tract as a result of breaking disulfide bonds in polypeptide chains. This reduces the viscosity of the mucus and facilitates its removal.

Application:
- the drug is recommended, inter alia, for chronic obstructive diseaselungs, acute bronchitis or bronchiolitis, bronchial asthma, chronic rhinitis and sinusitis

  • Mesna

This drug, like the previous ones, liquefies bronchopracheal secretions, and thus facilitates its expectoration.

Application:
- in acute and chronic respiratory diseases with excessive secretion and retention of secretions, cystic fibrosis,
- in the prevention of postoperative retention of mucus or blood clots in the bronchi - to facilitate the drainage of secretions in cases of sinusitis or serous otitis media

Herbs with mucolytic effect

  • Common ivy

Common ivy has an expectorant, secretolytic and relaxing effect thanks to the content of active chemical compounds - saponins.

Common ivy in the form of various preparations is used in the treatment of:

- catarrh of the upper respiratory tract,
- persistent cough,
- bronchitis,
- auxiliary in bronchial asthma
- auxiliary in whooping cough.

It soothes cough, prevents fungal infections in the course of catarrh of the respiratory system. It strengthens the body's immunity.

  • Biedrzeniec anise

Anise seeds contain substances that are designed to stimulate the secretion of mucus in the respiratory tract and facilitate its expectoration, and also to relieve symptoms such as: cough, hoarseness, pharyngitis and laryngitis and runny nose. They also affect the relaxation of the bronchi and bring relief in inflammation of the bronchi.

  • Medicinal primrose

The chemical compounds it contains, called saponins, have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal and diaphoretic properties. They soothe coughs, facilitate expectoration, help heal the inflammation of the throat and larynx, as well as bronchitis. For centuries, this plant, and more specifically primrose infusions and decoctions, have been used in the treatment of tuberculosis and pneumonia.

  • Mullein

Mullein flowers facilitate expectoration and increase the production of secretions in the respiratory tract. They are responsible, as in the case of the previous herbs, of saponins. Thanks to their coating properties, they protect the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract against irritation. They have an expectorant, coating and diaphoretic effect. They are used for:

- colds
- flu
- angina
- rhinitis,
- inflammation of the mouth and throat.

  • Eucalyptus oil

It is used as part of the treatment of respiratory infections such assuch as cough, runny nose, sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. Eucalyptus oil has a relaxing effect on the bronchi, liquefies secretions and residual mucus, making it easier to transport and remove.

Side effects of mucolytics

Like all drugs, mucolytics can also cause side effects, not all of them will experience them, and not with the same intensity. However, if you notice any disturbing symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately. Especially if it is accompanied by an exacerbation of the disease.

Among the side effects of mucolytics, we can mention gastrointestinal disorders such as:

  • heartburn
  • diarrhea
  • nausea

Side effects are not common, however, especially when the drug is taken according to the doctor's instructions or according to the recommendations on the leaflet attached to the drug. Occasionally you may experience a headache, rash, or worsening breathlessness.

Some mucolytics can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa. If gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, treatment must be discontinued immediately.

Contraindication to their use may be gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, esophageal varices, bronchial hyperreactivity or asthma.

Home methods to support the action of mucolytics

Therapy with mucolytic drugs and expectorants should be supported with home remedies, which will also dilute the secretions. Home remedies for residual phlegm are usually safe and, most importantly, easy to apply. Among them, the following can be distinguished:

  • inhalations with essential oils, for example: pine oil, camphor oil or tea tree oil
  • inhalations with sea s alt
  • steam inhalations with herbs such as chamomile or sage
  • it is very important to drink plenty of fluids, which will also help thin the mucus and make mucolytics more effective
  • use of natural infusions containing fennel, anise, chamomile or thyme herb

Due to the fact that there are many over-the-counter mucolytic preparations, patients often use it "on their own". The main mistakes made by patients are:

  • combining mucolytics with cough suppressants
  • taking phlegm-thinning preparations just before going to bed
  • use of preparations with different trade names, but with the same active substance (in this situation, an overdose of the drug may occur)

Therefore, patients, whenever they notice any disturbing symptoms, or if they find that the effect of the drug is too weak or too strong, should consult a doctor or pharmacist.

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