For a cold, cough expectorants are a popular and effective medication that can be administered in a variety of forms. What exactly does the cough expectorant do? What does it consist of? And how to apply the cough expectorant properly?
What are cough expectorants?
Cough expectorants are a medicine that makes it easier to cough up by loosening bronchial mucus. Cough expectorants are a medicine that makes it easier to cough up by loosening bronchial mucus. If a cough occurs during a cold, it initially manifests as a dry, irritating cough before progressing to a cough with stuck mucus. While the irritating cough is treated with cough suppressants, the cough expectorant is used to combat the stuck bronchial mucus. Thanks to its special pharmaceutical or herbal active ingredients, the cough expectorant liquefies the viscous secretion that has become trapped in the airways and thus supports expectoration. Thus, the cough expectorant helps the organism to successfully fight the disease and also provides relief to the patient, as he can better get rid of the irritating mucus with the cough expectorant.
Medical application, effect and use
Cough expectorants are mainly administered during an influenza infection. During such a cold, there is inflammation of the mucous membranes, which produce a thick secretion as a result. This bronchial mucus settles in the airways and causes the patient discomfort when swallowing and breathing. Cough expectorants ensure that this viscous mucus liquefies and can be coughed up. The active pharmaceutical ingredients used are mainly acetylcysteine or ambroxol. However, herbal remedies such as anise, thyme or fennel also have a mucolytic and thus cough-relieving effect. Cough expectorants are available in various forms. Cough expectorant is available as a juice, as a tablet to be taken, dissolved or sucked, and also for inhalation. While taking a cough expectorant, it is important that the patient also drinks plenty of fluids. Two to three liters of water, tea or diluted fruit juice support the cough expectorant in its effect by promoting the expectorant effect through the liquid. Since a cough expectorant is supposed to provoke increased expectoration, it is advisable to take this medication only during the day in order to be able to sleep peacefully at night.
Herbal, natural and pharmaceutical cough expectorants.
Cough expectorants are mainly known as cough syrup. In addition, there are also cough expectorants in the form of effervescent tablets or tablets to take. Some lozenges also have a cough-solving effect. The chemically active pharmaceutical ingredients in cough expectorants are usually acetylcysteine or ambroxol. Acetylcysteine acts effectively against the stuck mucus in the bronchial tubes, while ambroxol is used primarily for accompanying sore throat. In addition to these cough expectorants, which are available exclusively in pharmacies, there are also natural and homeopathic cough expectorants that draw their effect solely from the power of plants. Thyme in particular is a time-honored remedy that has been used as a cough expectorant for centuries. Thus, there are numerous proven cough expectorants that rely on natural recipes from thyme and primrose, for example. These cough expectorants have an anti-inflammatory and decongestant effect on the bronchial tubes. The irritated mucous membrane calms down and the bronchial mucus can be coughed up. In principle, herbal and homeopathic cough expectorants have fewer side effects than chemical-pharmaceutical products. However, cough expectorants containing the active ingredient acetylcysteine are particularly effective and are recommended especially for severe colds.
Risks and side effects
Regarding the risks and side effects that a cough expectorant can bring, it is important to thoroughly inform yourself about the product even before taking it. In doing so, it is recommended – especially when it comes to treating children – to seek the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. Cough expectorants containing acetylcysteine, for example, can cause headaches and stomach and intestinal problems. Ambroxol in cough expectorant caused side effects such as stomach and intestinal complaints, fever, itching and skin rash. Pregnant women and nursing mothers in particular should therefore avoid taking cough expectorants or rely on mild cough expectorants that have a purely herbal composition.In principle, cough expectorants should only be used when there is severe congestion of the bronchial tubes. In the case of feverish colds, it is advisable to consult a doctor, who will subsequently prescribe the most suitable cough expectorant.