Often, many are worried about dry cough, which can occur as a result of various external chemical, physical irritants or at the initial stage of colds. Due to this reaction, the body tries to clear itself from excessive sputum, various microbial and foreign particles.
But if you do nothing, the cough can last for a long time, and sometimes it can lead to more serious consequences. For this reason, it is necessary to start the treatment of this disease at an early stage. Usually, various expectorant drugs are used for the treatment, but first it’s worth exploring their properties.
Self-cure dry cough: be careful!
It is worth remembering that the treatment of cough with expectorant means is allowed only in the event of acute respiratory viral infections. Still, vigilance can not be lost even with the innocent cough that accompanies ARVI.
For this reason, it is necessary to carefully monitor their condition, sometimes the primary symptoms that are noticed in time when coughing occurs can prevent the occurrence of more serious violations and complications.
The main symptoms that require immediate treatment to the doctor:
- If the cough has passed into a serious form, which is accompanied by fever, increased weakness, increased sweating, the appearance of sputum with a thick purulent structure. In these cases, it is necessary to call the doctor line;
- If the cough worries for more than three weeks, then in these cases it is recommended to visit a therapist;
- If after coughing sputum with blood impurities. In these cases, it is necessary to consult a pulmonologist.
But still it is worth considering the means by which you can treat a cough yourself.
What are expectorants for?
The appearance of cough is a physiological process, but still, why is it necessary to use expectorant to eliminate it?
In a healthy person, the tracheal and bronchial glands are responsible for producing the tracheobronchial secretion. At the expense of it protection of respiratory ways from influences of bacteria and viruses is provided, also it takes part in removal of small particles which come together with air. But we do not even notice that we swallow almost 100 ml of this mucus daily.
In cases where an infection is ingested, the level of tracheobronchial secretions may increase to 1.5 liters per day. This sputum is a suitable habitat for pathogens. As a result, the body directs all its forces to fight and tries to get rid of the pathological secret, which ultimately leads to coughing.
However, this difficult-to-release sputum cannot leave you alone. Therefore, expectorant drugs are used to liquefy its structure.
Expectorants for dry cough: types
Expectorant drugs depending on the action are of the following types:
- Funds with central action. Preparations of this type have a depressant effect on the nerve center of cough, which is located in the medulla;
- Means with peripheral action. These drugs affect the receptors, which are located in the bronchi, cause a decrease in their excitability. Do not have a systemic effect, so they can be used for children;
- Preparations of the combined type. These medicines have antitussive, bronchodilatory and expectorant effects. Drugs in this group have a multi-effect - reduce cough, relieve the inflammatory process, have a negative effect on pathogenic microorganisms.
The best expectorant for dry cough: medications
If you suddenly have a dry cough, then you need to know what means it should be treated. You should not immediately acquire the first available tool, it is desirable to first study its characteristics. Therefore it is worth considering the best expectorant drugs for dry cough.
Synecode
Sinekod is an antitussive, it has a direct effect on the center of cough. This remedy has expectorant properties, has a moderate anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory effect, improves spirometry data. It should be used for acute cough with a different nature of origin.
Contraindications:
- Not recommended for women during pregnancy;
- Do not use during breastfeeding;
- Contraindicated in children up to 2 months, children up to three years can not use the drug in the form of syrup, only in the form of drops;
- Tablets can not be used for children under 12 years.
Sometimes during use, there may be side effects in the form of dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions.
Libexin
The drug Libeksin in its action is similar to codeine. There is no addiction during the use of this drug.
Pharmacological properties of this drug:
- has a local effect on nerve receptors;
- blocks the cough reflex;
- has an anesthetic effect;
- has a bronchodilator effect.
This remedy is prescribed during dry cough in a protracted form with different etiologies - pulmonary (pneumonia, emphysema), bronchial (flu, chronic bronchitis, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract), cardiac.
ACC
This drug is used for lesions of the respiratory tract. The composition of this drug includes molecules of acetylcysteine sulfhydryl groups. These substances lead to a decrease in the viscosity of the sputum structure.
Assigned for the following indications:
- various lesions of the respiratory system, which are characterized by the formation of sputum with high viscosity and high viscosity;
- acute and chronic sinusitis;
- otitis in average form.
The drug is indicated for adults and children over 12 years. Accepted 200 mg per day.
Bromhexine
This drug has a mucoltic, expectorant, bronchodilator effect. Included in the group of drugs secretaries, have a stimulating effect on the motor function of the respiratory tract.
This remedy has the following pharmacological actions:
- It has a weak antitussive effect;
- Thins sputum, reduces the viscosity of its structure;
- Strengthens the separation of sputum;
- Improves the formation of a surfactant that stabilizes the alveolar cells during the respiratory process.
Adults take 2 tablets 4 times a day, for children from 4 years of age, 0.002 grams per day.
Lasolvan
Lasolvan is a mucolytic, expectorant, which is prescribed for the treatment of viral lesions of the bronchi and lungs - pneumonia, bronchial asthma, bronchitis.
Taking the medication provides quick sputum removal, due to the weakening of its viscosity.
The dosage of the drug is determined depending on the severity of the disease.
You need to take 1 capsule 3 times a day.
Strong folk expectorant with dry cough
Dry cough can be quickly cured with folk remedies that can be prepared by yourself. Usually milk, honey, licorice root, garlic, black radish and others are used for these products.
Milk-based decoctions
Figs milk
For this recipe you will need:
- 1 dark purple figs;
- milk - half a liter.
Figs need to be cut into two parts. Put the cut figs in a container with milk and place them on the fire.
All boil for 10 minutes. Next, cool, but not much, the broth must be hot so that the patient can drink it in small sips. This broth should be drunk during the day.
Garlic Milk
For cooking broth will need:
- garlic - 3 cloves;
- milk - 500 grams.
Garlic cloves are peeled, then they should be chopped into small pieces. Next, put the garlic in the milk, put on the fire and boil until the softness of garlic. Broth is filtered and drunk every hour on 1 large spoon.
Decoction of licorice root
A decoction of licorice root is prepared according to the following scheme:
- First you need to cut 100 grams of dried licorice root into small pieces;
- Next, the crushed root is filled with half a liter of water;
- Put everything on the fire, boil until boiling, then boil for 5 minutes and remove from heat. Insist for 1-1.5 hours;
- Ready decoction is taken in 1 large spoon 4 times a day.
Syrup and black radish and honey
The expectorant syrup is prepared as follows:
- To begin with, the root crop should be washed with cool water and cut off the upper part;
- Then a small depression is made in the middle. To do this, remove the pulp from the root;
- Honey is poured into the cavity;
- Then we remove the radish in a dark place for a day;
- Ready syrup should be consumed 1-2 tsp 2-3 times a day.
What are expectorants for dry cough for children
Gedelix
This is a herbal medicine that has a complex effect.
It has an impact on the bronchi, while increasing sputum excretion.
It also dilutes the structure of sputum and facilitates its excretion.
This tool can be used for infants and one year old children for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of the respiratory system.
It is necessary to take 5 drops several times a day until the cough completely disappears.
Ambrobene syrup
Ambrobene is a mucolytic agent that contributes to the dilution of sputum and its removal from the respiratory tract. It has an expectorant effect. This drug has an effective effect, quickly relieves a dry, painful cough.
Ambrobene has a plant composition. Suitable for the treatment of dry cough in infants. It is taken according to the dosage, which is calculated by the doctor in accordance with the weight of the child.
Herbion
Dry cough syrup has a herbal composition - extracts of plantain, mallow flowers. Also contains vitamin C.
Pharmacological properties:
- Dilution of sputum;
- Rapid sputum removal;
- Boosting the immune system;
- Promotes rapid recovery of the body after an illness.
It is shown to take for children from two years and older.
Bronholitin
Bronholitin is a combined agent that has an antitussive, broncho-antiseptic, bronchodilatory effect. The combined effect of the drug is due to its active ingredients - glaucine hydrobromide and ephedrine hydrochloride.
Due to these components, the drug quickly reduces cough, dilutes sputum and contributes to its rapid removal. It is allowed to apply for children from 3 years.
What if a dry cough does not go away?
If a dry cough does not pass for a long time, then in this case you can use the following tips:
- You can drink warm milk with honey or with a small amount of drinking water. This drink will increase the cough, which will result in a complete elimination of sputum;
- Inhalation. This method is used for lesions of the upper respiratory tract. The most effective are steam inhalations based on alkaline mineral water or baking soda solution;
- Small children often have a dry cough because of the low humidity in the room. In these cases, it is worthwhile to install a humidifier;
- Infants can be made a weak massage of the chest. During it you need to do not strong pats and stroking the chest with his hands.
Dry cough treatment is a rather complicated process that requires constant medical supervision. It is advisable, before applying the expectorant means, to study their properties, indications and contraindications. In addition, not always cough can be a consequence of a cold, sometimes it can be a sign of severe disorders in the body. Therefore, it is better to first be fully examined to identify the exact cause of this disease.
And in addition - another recipe in the next video.
