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A recent survey among pharmacists has shown that hardly any of the Poles who come to the pharmacy can recognize the type of cough they have, and therefore have problems with choosing the right syrup. Usually we follow the suggestion of a doctor or pharmacist. Next, we ask if the recommended specificity is safe.
Syrup is one of the oldest forms of drug administration. The name probably comes from the word sherab, which means drink in Arabic. Regardless of the application, syrups are prepared similarly – the active medicinal substance is dissolved in an approx. 80% sugar solution (most often sucrose). In this way, a highly viscous solution is obtained. Thanks to this, the syrups have a protective effect, e.g. when the drug irritates the gastrointestinal tract. They also work well as a replacement for tablets. They are irreplaceable in the treatment of children. The elderly are also eager to reach for them, as they sometimes find it difficult to swallow pills. However, the main purpose of syrups is to alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory infections such as sore throat and cough.
It is worth remembering that although the cough may be troublesome, it should not be completely eliminated. It is a reflex reaction of the body to irritation of the nerve endings located in the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract. Such irritation occurs, for example, as a result of an infection or a foreign body getting into the respiratory tract. When this happens, the muscles in the expiratory and bronchi contract, and the air is rapidly expelled from the lungs as a consequence. Its speed is then 120 km / h! This allows the rush of air to clear the respiratory tract.
Depending on the stage of a cold, there are two types of cough: dry and wet.
Dry cough – described by medics as unproductive – most often is a sign of developing a viral or bacterial infection. Then the sick person gets tired of short, suffocating coughs. Importantly, they are not accompanied by expectoration of secretions. A dry cough makes breathing difficult and is often more severe at night.
Although it is primarily a symptom of infection, it is sometimes also associated with allergies. It is also caused by cigarette smoke. A persistent dry cough can indicate cancer, tuberculosis, and even heart disease. If it occurs after exercise, it signals problems with the circulatory system.
Dry cough can be treated with antitussive medications. They inhibit the cough reflex so you can sleep well. Such syrups most often contain: butamirate citrate, dextromethorphan and codeine. Butamirate citrate, apart from its antitussive effect, slightly dilates the bronchi (Supremin syrup, Sinecod). In turn, dextromethorphan is used as a substitute for codeine, which can cause physical dependence. Its undoubted advantage is the fact that it is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract – it starts working after 10-30 minutes after administration, and its effect lasts up to 6 hours (Acodin 300m DexaPini). The effect of codeine syrups, e.g. Thiocodin, lasts approx. 3 hours. Codeine has an antitussive and analgesic effect. It also has a weak sedative effect. These types of syrups are also indicated for inhibiting the cough reflex before and after surgical procedures and endoscopic examinations, e.g. bronchoscopy.
As the common cold develops, the cough most often becomes wet. It is accompanied by expectoration of secretions in the respiratory tract. A wet cough is defined as expertly productive. It is less violent and tiring than dry. We also have some influence on the cough. We can cough on demand when we need to cough up. However, when the mucus becomes too thick and sticky, it begins to build up in the airways. In order to get rid of it and clear the respiratory tract, it must first be diluted.
First of all, you need to change the syrup you are taking. In this situation, you must not stop the coughing, just help the body get rid of excess mucus. To do this, use agents that thin the secretion and reduce its viscosity. With a wet cough, drinking plenty of fluids and patting can also help. Which syrup to choose? You can reach for preparations containing bromhexine (eg Flegamina), ambroxol (Mucosolvan, Ambrosol) and sulfoquaiacol (Herbapect, Apipulmol, Sirupus Kalii) also have a similar effect. All these substances have an expectorant and mucolytic effect, i.e. they reduce the viscosity of the mucus and facilitate its movement in the bronchi by activating the activity of the cilia in the ciliate epithelium. If we do not trust chemistry, we can choose syrups with natural extracts of mullein (Sirupus Verbasci) or plantain (Babicum), which also have anti-inflammatory properties. In turn, ivy syrup (Prospan, Hedelix) not only helps to expectorate phlegm, but also reduces the cough reflex, thanks to which the bronchial muscles relax. Due to the high content of saponins, it also fights bacteria and viruses.
Expectorant syrups should not be taken by people suffering from bronchial asthma, because they aggravate the symptoms typical of this disease.
If not syrup then what?
Prepare a ginger drink, which has a strong disinfecting effect, increases blood circulation and facilitates the expectoration of sputum. Grate a centimeter of peeled ginger root, pour a glass of boiling water over it, cover and leave to stretch for 10 minutes. Then strain. You can add a lemon slice and a teaspoon of honey or raspberry syrup to the drink to taste. The tea prepared in this way moisturizes the mucosa, fights colds and soothes coughs and sore throats
Sage rinse. Its leaves contain camphor, flavonoids, tannins and large amounts of vitamins B1, PP, A and C. Thanks to this arsenal, it can effectively fight cough. Prepare an infusion of it. Pour a tablespoon of dried sage leaves in a glass of boiling water and keep it covered for a quarter of an hour. Rinse your throat with the infusion every 3 hours.
Reach for garlic. It is called a natural antibiotic not without reason. Contains phytoncides, volatile substances that fight bacteria, so it soothes coughs and helps fight infections faster. It works best when you crush it and eat it raw.
Tekst: Marta Borek-Białecka
Consultation: Monika Zielińska, MA in pharmacy