In other words, coughing consists in the rapid and energetic expulsion of air from the lungs, in order to free the airways from an obstruction generated by mucus, material (eg food not directed towards the esophagus) or liquids.
We can distinguish:
- Oily cough: accompanied by sputum (phlegm);
- Dry cough: not accompanied by sputum.
- Flu and colds (viral infections);
- Laryngitis;
- Pharyngitis;
- Rhinitis;
- Sinusitis;
- Bronchitis;
- Asthma;
- COPD;
- Pneumonia;
- Bacterial infections;
- Heart disease;
- Malignant diseases of the airways and lungs;
- Administration of certain types of drugs (for example, ACE inhibitors).
Among the most frequent causes of chronic cough we find undoubtedly cigarette smoke which, in contact with the mucous membrane of the bronchi, creates damage by inflaming it.
, sleep disturbances, chest pain, chest pains and wheezing.
The type of symptoms that can occur in association with cough varies according to the cause that triggered it.
For further information: Cough: Causes and SymptomsPLEASE NOTE
The information on cough medications is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health care professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking any cough medication.
constitutes the most correct and intelligent solution.
When the cough, on the other hand, depends on a bacterial insult, the patient is usually treated with antibiotics targeted for that pathogen.
In any case, it is essential to remember that in order to cure the cough symptom, the underlying disease must first be treated: the healing of the latter involves, consequently, the removal of the cough.
The emission of sputum, which distinguishes a fat cough, constitutes in itself a form of natural defense: in fact, bacteria and foreign particles accumulate in the phlegm which, when retained, can worsen the pre-existing condition. According to this, it is well understood that the administration of drugs that slow down the physiological mechanism of elimination of mucus is not indicated. If the consistency of the sputum is excessively dense, to favor its expulsion, it is possible to resort to the assumption of fluidifying agents or mucolytics.
The irritation of the bronchial mucosa can also be reduced with the intake of hot drinks (eg broth, milk) and with the inhalation of balsamic substances (fumigations).
PLEASE NOTE
The following are the main types of drugs that can be used to combat cough; however, it should be specified and remembered that it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the type and severity of the disease or disorder that caused the cough, the state of health of the patient himself and the his response to the cure.
Sedative Cough Drugs
Cough suppressants are medications that are used to treat dry cough. They act by preventing the tussive stimulus directly at the central level. It goes without saying that their use should not be carried out in the presence of sputum (fat cough), as they would hinder the escape of the same, favoring its stagnation instead.
Among the active ingredients falling into this group, we remember:
- Codeine (Hederix plan®): at the appropriate doses, codeine, an opioid used in the treatment of pain, can also be used as an antitussive;
- Dextromethorphan (Aricodil Tosse®, Bisolvon Tosse Sedativo®, Lisomucil Tosse Sedativo®, etc.);
- Butamirate (Froben Tosse Secca®, Sinecod Tosse Sedativo®);
- Dropropizina (Domutussina®).
Expectorant and Mucolytic Drugs
Expectorants and mucolytics are used in the presence of sputum to favor its expulsion and to decrease its viscosity.
Among the expectorant active ingredients we remember guaifenesin (Actigrip Tosse Mucolitico®, Vicks cough Fluidificante®, Bronchenolo Sedativo Fluidificante®), it is found in various medicines, both alone and in association with the cough suppressant dextromethorphan.
Among the mucolytic active ingredients, however, we remember:
- Acetylcysteine (Dissolvin®, Fluimucil®, Solmucol Mucolitico®);
- Carbocisteine (Coryfin Mucolitico®, Fluifort®);
- Bromhexine (Bisolvon®, Froben Coosse Grassa®);
- Erdosteina (Erdotin®, Esteclin®);
- Ambroxol (Mucosolvan®, Ambrotus®, Ambromucil®).
Antibiotics and Cough
The use of antibiotic drugs to counter the cough is only meaningful if the symptom was caused by a bacterial infection or superinfection.
The choice of drug is up to the doctor and depends on the type of pathogen responsible for the insult and the severity of the disease. It is therefore recommended to strictly follow the instructions provided by the aforementioned health professional.
PLEASE NOTE
Cough suppressants, expectorants and mucolytics are used in the symptomatic treatment of cough, but their use is not always effective or indicated. In fact, some types of cough are not treatable with the use of similar drugs. This basically depends on the cause that gave rise to the tussive stimulus. To give some examples, allergic cough, reflux cough are not treatable with the aforementioned drugs. and nervous cough.
For this reason, it is always important to contact the doctor who, through an accurate visit and possibly tests and analyzes, will be able to diagnose the triggering cause of the tussive stimulus, identifying, consequently, the most suitable treatment.
