Treatment of severe cough with sputum without fever

In many cases, coughing is a symptom that indicates the defeat of the respiratory tract by various diseases. It is a method of self-defense of the human body. Cough is caused by the presence of all sorts of foreign and unwanted particles in the airways, and when it appears, people, as a rule, seek medical help.

Almost every person in the modern world suffered bronchitis, colds or other respiratory infections accompanied by a cough, and, therefore, felt the stage of the disease in which sputum appears.

Sputum is a viscous thick liquid produced by the mucous membrane. It is water based and includes glycoproteins, lipids and immunoglobulins. The color of sputum can vary from green to pale yellow. With a wet cough, microbes and their poisons come out of the body along with sputum.

Many diseases are characterized by the transformation of a dry cough into a wet cough and a change in the basis of sputum, which is caused by the natural development of the disease. One of the main causes of coughing up phlegm is smoking. In a smoker, more mucus is produced in the airways, resulting in more mucus that needs to be disposed of. In addition, smoking has a paralyzing effect on the finest hairs in the airways, which help to expel sputum.

Causes and types of cough with sputum

Some diseases lead to the occurrence of cough with sputum. One of them is asthma. In the initial stages of the disease, mild hoarseness and a dry cough are often noted, but over time, severe wheezing and coughing up sputum begin. Possible formation of thick mucous secretions. Another cause is chronic bronchitis. This disease, due to chronically blocked respiratory tract, leads to a dry cough, eventually turning into a cough with sputum. In the sputum in this case, the content of pus is likely.

A cough with phlegm can also occur with the common cold. During this ailment, sputum is secreted, containing mucus with pus. Inhalation of paint particles, dust or other substances increases the formation of mucus in the respiratory tract. This mucus irritates the respiratory tract and causes coughing up phlegm. Often this phenomenon occurs in people with allergies or chronic sinusitis. Lung cancer is also a likely cause of coughing up phlegm.

Chronic cough with the release of a small amount of sputum with blood streaks is a harbinger of this disease. The sputum may contain mucus or a mixture of mucus and pus. Dry cough, flowing into a cough with sputum, can also appear with pneumonia. The color of sputum will change depending on the bacteria present in it.

Cough with yellow sputum

If the sputum produced by coughing is yellow, this may indicate the presence of bronchitis, pneumonia or sinusitis. If a person who rarely coughs suddenly starts coughing with yellow sputum, then you need to urgently seek medical help. This is especially necessary if there is pus or blood in the sputum. A shade of yellow, as a rule, is formed in the case of an admixture of pus in the sputum.

To detect the disease, it is necessary to perform a sputum analysis. Sputum is collected in a special jar. The procedure is carried out in the morning on an empty stomach. Before expectoration, a person needs to rinse their mouth with a weak antiseptic solution.

Cough with yellow sputum can also be observed in smokers with experience. The nature and color of sputum can indicate the cause of bronchitis. Yellow sputum indicates the presence of a bacterial infection in the bronchi. Treatment of patients with yellow sputum when coughing should be carried out by a qualified physician.

Cough with white sputum

White sputum, which has a curdled consistency, released during a cough, may indicate a fungal infection in the respiratory tract or tuberculosis. Fungal lesions of the bronchi can be caused by prolonged antibiotic therapy against the background of reduced immunity, which entails the appearance of pathogenic microflora on the mucous membranes. In tuberculosis, the amount of bronchial mucus secreted is usually small.

Detection of blood in the sputum is a sign of complications – pulmonary complications that appear as a result of damage to the vessels of the larynx when coughing. Sputum, which is white in color and has a watery consistency, may appear in response to external stimuli, due to a viral infection or respiratory diseases. Transparent sputum when coughing indicates the absence of inflammation. Thick and transparent sputum is a signal of the onset of pneumonia, bronchitis, allergies, asthma or colds. If the volume of such sputum is constantly increasing, then this can lead to poisoning. As a result, it should not be allowed to stagnate in the bronchi.

Cough with sputum and blood

Bloody sputum during a cough may be evidence of a respiratory disease. If blood is found in the sputum, you should immediately consult a doctor who will determine the cause of this symptom and prescribe the appropriate treatment. The main causes of the onset of coughing up blood include lung cancer. In this case, the patient has blood in the sputum in the form of streaks. Bloody sputum may also be seen in acute bronchitis. The appearance of blood in the sputum in chronic bronchitis is usually small (these are scarlet streaks mixed with thick purulent sputum). Another reason for the appearance of such symptoms can be pneumonia. In this case, a cough with sputum containing traces of fresh blood will be characteristic. Treatment of a cough with blood is carried out taking into account the cause that provoked the development of this symptom.

Prolonged cough with sputum for more than a month

A cough that lasts more than 4-8 weeks without signs of positive dynamics is called a long-term cough. Cough with sputum for a long time is an alarming symptom, which may indicate the presence of serious diseases.

In such a case, tuberculosis is not excluded (it is even one of the most likely options). Often, smokers with prolonged bronchitis are prone to prolonged coughing with sputum. This disease is often chronic and cured quite hard.

This type of cough can be inherent in people of certain professions. It usually accompanies the disease asbestosis resulting from prolonged contact with asbestos. Therapy for this occupational disease is to stop contact with this substance.

Cough with phlegm in the morning

Many people cough in the morning. Often there is nothing unusual about this phenomenon, and it should not cause panic or any concern. It’s just that the body needs to remove the sputum that has accumulated overnight in the lungs. The question lies in the fact that a healthy person does not accumulate much sputum, and there is practically no morning cough. If the lungs produce a large amount of sputum, then there are reasons for this.

Smoking is one of the most common causes of morning cough. Morning chronic cough is a well-known sign of tobacco poisoning. As we age, the effects of smoking become more intense. The cause of morning cough can also be tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mucus flowing into the throat from the sinuses.

Treatment of cough with phlegm

If a person suffers from acute respiratory viral infections or bronchitis, if he has a cough with sputum, which is poorly separated, then it is necessary to use drugs that have the ability to thin it (mucolytic agents), or those that contribute to its better separation (expectorants). They can be of both vegetable and synthetic origin.

Most people, in an effort to maintain their health, refuse to take drugs of non-natural origin. However, giving preference to a drug based on medicinal plants, it should be remembered that they also have multiple side effects and have certain contraindications.

It is a mistake to think that the composition of plants is exclusively useful and medicinal components. They also include toxic and harmful substances that can be detrimental to health. In addition, allergies are a frequent companion of modern people. Therefore, even an expensive and seemingly effective drug can provoke a reaction that is unexpected for a sick person.

So, next we will talk about all the medicines that can help you in the treatment of cough with phlegm.

Classification of drugs that relieve cough and promote rapid recovery

There are three types of medicines aimed at getting rid of cough:

• Group of expectorants, they are prescribed when the sputum in the respiratory organs is not thick, but the cough is productive.

• Group of antitussives and combination drugs. They are prescribed in the case when the patient suffers from an unproductive and dry cough, which disrupts his rest and reduces his appetite.

• A group of mucolytic agents. These drugs are prescribed if the cough is productive, but the sputum is thick and viscous, its separation is difficult.

In turn, drugs from the group of expectorants are divided into:

• Resorptive drugs. Due to irritation of the bronchial mucosa, an increase in the formation of sputum occurs and a person expectorates it more easily. The effect occurs after the agent is absorbed in the digestive tract.

• Medicinal preparations of reflex action. Facilitation of the removal of sputum and mucus from the bronchi occurs due to irritation of the mucosa lining the stomach. As a result, the patient’s vomiting center is excited, but it does not vomit, and the amount of mucus in the airways increases. The peristalsis of the muscles lining the bronchi increases, the epithelium covering their smaller branches promotes the accumulated mucus to larger branches.

Mucolytic agents, the action of which is aimed at thinning sputum, in turn, are divided into:

• Means that can affect the viscosity of bronchial secretions and the elasticity of this mucus. Such means include, for example, ACC.

• Drugs that can accelerate the release of mucus from the bronchi. These include, for example, Ambroxol and Bromhexine.

• Means that contribute to the fact that mucus is formed in a smaller amount, for example, drugs such as M-anticholinergics, Libexin Muko and glucocorticoids.

Expectorants for cough reflex action

Thermopsis, after preparing the infusion, can cause vomiting in a child, even with a slight excess of the dose. In addition, cytisine, which is part of the infusion, can provoke a short-term stimulation of respiration in a child, followed by respiratory depression.

Altea preparations

• Indications. It is prescribed for pathologies of the respiratory system of an acute and chronic nature. The diagnoses are pulmonary emphysema, tracheobronchitis, bronchitis and obstructive bronchitis. The clinical sign for prescribing the drug is viscous sputum with difficult separation.

• Pharmachologic effect. Liquefaction of bronchial discharge, removal of inflammation, stimulation of wave-like contractions of the walls of the bronchi, which contributes to the promotion of mucus to the trachea and its further removal from the respiratory tract.

• Contraindications. The presence of individual sensitivity, duodenal ulcer and stomach. People with fructose intolerance or a history of diabetes mellitus should take this drug, which is available in syrup, with caution. The possibility of use during pregnancy or under 12 years of age should be discussed with a doctor.

Mukaltin. The price of tablets on average is 20 rubles. Children need to pre-dissolve the tablet in 1/3 cup of water. For adults, the maximum single dose is 100 mg. Take the remedy before meals, up to 3 times a day. The maximum duration of treatment is 2 weeks.

Alteika syrup (Syrop Althea). The price of the remedy is 90-130 rubles. Take the drug inside, after diluting 1 spoon (tea) of the drug in 1/4 glass of water (age – up to 12 years), or by diluting 1 spoon (already a tablespoon) in 1/2 glass of water (for adults). Take up to 4 times a day. The therapeutic course is half a month, but according to the doctor’s indications, it can be increased.

Althea roots. The price of the drug is 60 rubles. To prepare the medicine, it is necessary to heat a glass of water and pour in a tablespoon of the root, previously crushed. After boiling, the product is kept in a water bath for another quarter of an hour, then the resulting infusion is cooled, squeezed and filtered. The resulting volume will need to be brought to 0,2 liters. The preparation of the infusion is carried out not on direct fire, but on a water bath.

The product must be shaken before use, reception – no more than 4 times a day, after each meal. Age restrictions for a single dose:

• 3-5 years – a dessert spoon;

• 6-14 years old – 1 or 2 tablespoons;

• over 14 years old and adults – half a glass.

Therapy without interruption should not exceed 21 days.

The drug is thermopsis

Cough tablets Thermopsol. Price category – from 30 to 50 rubles.

This drug is based on the herb thermopsis. The plant has the ability to irritate the center of respiration and vomiting, contributing to the expectoration of sputum.

The composition of herbs contains a large number of alkaloids, these are:

• Cytisine;

• Methylcytisine;

• Thermopsin;

• Anagyrin;

• Thermopsidin;

• Pachycarpine.

The tablet form of the drug additionally contains sodium bicarbonate, which makes sputum less viscous and has a stimulating effect on the functioning of the bronchi.

• Indications. Viscous sputum accompanying bronchitis or tracheitis + bronchitis.

• Contraindications. Tablets are forbidden to be taken, if any, peptic ulcer, individual (high) sensitivity of the body to the components of the drug.

• Application Therapy without interruption – up to 5 days. Dosage – 1 tablet. Multiplicity – 3 times a day.

Codelac broncho with thyme without codeine. This elixir can be purchased at a price of 150 rubles. It contains ambroxol, sodium glycyrrhizinate and thyme extract. 

These funds are able to have an expectorant, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic effect, since they contain several active components.

5 days is the maximum period during which the drug can be taken without additional medical supervision.

Codelac broncho without codeine. The price range of the drug is the border between 120 and 170 rubles. As part of this drug, sodium bicarbonate, thermopsis extract, glycyrrhizinate and ambroxol.

Chest collections No. 1, 2, 3, 4

Elixir Bronchofit from the Ukrainian manufacturer. The composition of the product includes plantain + wild rosemary + licorice + anise + violet + sage + thyme.

expectorant collection based on plantain, mother and stepmother, chamomile, wild rosemary, calendula, licorice and peppermint.

1. Application Heat 0,2 liters of water and add a spoonful of the collection. Boil the resulting mixture for a quarter of an hour and, after cooling and filtering, bring to the original volume. All manipulations are performed in a water bath. Treatment course, the maximum duration of therapy is half a month. Take on an empty stomach, before meals. A single dose is 1/4 cup, the number of doses per day is 4.

2. Undesirable reactions of the bodythat may occur in response to taking the drug: allergies, stool disorders, nausea and heartburn.

Ledum, plantain, mother and stepmother and other medicinal plants.

Marsh rosemary herb. The price of the drug does not exceed 35 rubles. This plant is a component of many expectorant collections, among which collection number four and Bronchophyte. Local irritation on the bronchi is provided by the essential oils that make up the plant. In addition, the herb helps to relieve inflammation, has an antimicrobial effect and promotes the excitation of the myometrium and the central nervous system.

1. Side effects. Perhaps dizziness, increased irritability and excitability, as well as the development of bronchospasm.

2. Mode of application. Two tablespoons pour 0,2 liters of boiling water and insist. You need to drink half a glass up to 3 times a day.

plantain leaf, the maximum price of the drug is 30 rubles.

plant action:

• anti-inflammatory;

• antibacterial;

• laxative;

• mucolytic;

• expectorant;

• improving the functionality of the ciliated epithelium.

Such an extensive list of therapeutic effects is achieved due to the composition of the leaf of the plant.

The therapeutic course is half a month maximum.

Coltsfoot. The price of this drug is 40 rubles.

Plantain syrup and mother and stepmothers. The price is 200 rubles.

Maximum therapy, without control by the doctor – 3 weeks. 

Herbion with plantain. The maximum per drug is 230 rubles.

Phytosyrup Stoptussin. The price of the drug is 130 rubles. The composition of the drug includes thyme, thyme and plantain.

Uncontrolled therapy should not exceed seven days.

Coldrex broncho in syrup. The maximum price of the drug is 250 rubles.

Thyme (thyme extract)

Thyme herb and Thyme essential oil. The price is 40 and 90 rubles, respectively.

The treatment time should not exceed three weeks.

Combined (expectorant and mucolytic) effect have liquid extracts of thyme. They are used for diagnoses – bronchitis, pneumonia, conditions in which sputum is viscous and difficult to separate.

Among these drugs:

• Cough Lozenges Bronchicum the price of which is 150 rubles, and for the same remedy in syrup – 250 rubles. Take after meals 2 times a day for up to six years (from six months to a year – half a teaspoon, from two to 6 years for a whole teaspoon). After six years and older, the multiplicity of reception is 3 times a day (from six to 12 years, 1 teaspoon, then 2 teaspoons). As for lozenges, from 6 to 12 years old you can take 3 lozenges per day, adults up to 6 lozenges.

• Bronchicum TP. The composition includes not only thyme, but also primrose. Take throughout the day from a year to 4 years, half a teaspoon (3 times a day), from five to 12 years, a whole teaspoon (4 times), adults also a whole teaspoon, but up to 6 times.

• Pertussina syrup at a price of 30 rubles. In addition to thyme, the syrup contains potassium bromide. The drug is taken after meals, from 3 to 6 years, half a teaspoon, from 6 to 12 years, a whole teaspoon, after 12 years, a dessert spoon, adults, a tablespoon. Multiplicity for each age – 3 times a day. The maximum therapeutic course is 3 weeks.

• Syrup or drops Tussamag, the maximum price of which is 170 rubles. Children from one year to 5 years are shown to take no more than 25 drops, if necessary, they can be diluted with water. After five years – up to 50 drops, for adults – up to 60 drops. Multiplicity of reception – up to 4 times a day. The syrup is taken 1 teaspoon after meals (from one to five), 2 teaspoons after 5 years, 3 teaspoons in adulthood. The multiplicity of reception is also 4 times a day.

Gelomyrtol

Expectorants for coughs of direct resorptive action

Sodium and potassium iodide, sodium bicarbonate, ammonium chloride increase sputum production. Rosemary, oregano and other herbs, as well as the essential oil of anise fruits, have a similar effect.

Amtersol. The composition of the drug includes ammonium chloride, extracts of thermopsis licorice root, potassium bromide, sodium benzoate.

• Contraindications. Breastfeeding, pregnancy, under 3 years of age, hypersensitivity and stomach ulcers.

• Application Accepted after meals at the age of up to 3 years, half a teaspoon, from 6 years old for a whole teaspoon, from 12 years old for a dessert spoon, from 18 years old for a tablespoon. The multiplicity of reception is 3 times a day. The therapeutic course should not exceed two weeks.

Mucolytic cough suppressants for bronchitis

The group of these drugs contributes to the fact that sputum becomes more liquid, the process of its excretion improves, as a result, favorable conditions for the vital activity of pathogenic organisms are violated. 

Acetylcysteine

• Wix asset at a price of 280 rubles. Release form – soluble tablets.

• Fluimucil at a price of 240 rubles. Release form varies. It can be granules, ampoules and tablets.

• ACC in packaged form or in the form of tablets. Price up to 400 rubles.

These drugs contribute to the frequency of exacerbations in chronic bronchitis. It is possible to receive laryngitis, pneumonia, otitis media and all forms of bronchitis.

• Contraindications. Age up to 2 years, pregnancy, pulmonary bleeding, bronchial asthma, adrenal pathology, liver and kidney failure.

• Application The maximum therapeutic course should not exceed a week. The more liquid the patient drinks, the higher the expectorant effect will be. From 2 to 5 years, 100 mg no more than 3 times a day, from 6 to 14 years, 100 mg 3 times a day, 200 mg in the same multiplicity for adults, or 600 mg once.

• Side effect. Heartburn and vomiting, increased heart rate, pulmonary bleeding, skin reactions – rash and urticaria, headaches, pressure drop, bronchospasm and stomatitis.

Bromhexine

• Directly Bromhexine in tablet form for 80 rubles, in the form of drops for 100 rubles and in the form of a mixture for 140 rubles.

• Bronhosan for 190 rubles. In addition to the main active ingredient, it contains oils: fennel, oregano, mint, eucalyptus, anise and levomenthol.

• Solvin in syrup and tablets at a price of 120 rubles.

The effect of taking these drugs will be noticeable after a minimum of 2 days and a maximum of 5 days.

• Application If the agent is used for inhalation, then it must be diluted in the same proportion with saline. 2 mg for children under 10 years of age, 4 mg after 10 years of age and 8 mg in adulthood. If a mixture is chosen, then 2 mg for children from 2 to 2 years old, 8 mg after 6 years (multiplicity for both ages – 3 times a day). In adulthood, up to 16 mg up to 4 times a day.

• Contraindications. In tablets, the drug should not be taken up to 6 years, during the 1st trimester of pregnancy, during breastfeeding, in the presence of individual intolerance.

Combined action drugs – Ascoril, Dzhoset, Kashnol

Can only be used on medical advice:

• In Joset syrup at a price of 180 rubles.

• In Cashnol syrup at a price of 130 rubles.

• In Ascoril tablets 300 rubles each, in syrup 250 rubles each.

The composition of medicines includes Salbutamol, Bromhexine and Guaifenesin.

• Indications. Bronchial asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis, pulmonary emphysema, COPD, chronic bronchitis, tracheobronchitis.

• Dosage. From 3 to 6 years, 5 ml, up to 12 years, 5 or 10 ml, 12 years, 10 ml. Multiplicity of reception – 3 times a day.

• Contraindications. Age up to 3 years, bearing a child, breastfeeding, thyrotoxicosis, tachyarrhythmia, myocarditis, peptic ulcer, diabetes mellitus, liver and kidney failure, aortic stenosis. There are contraindications when taken simultaneously with antitussive drugs, with MAO inhibitors and non-selective adrenoceptor blockers.

• Side effects. Headaches and drowsiness, convulsions, nervous irritability, trembling of the extremities, sleep disturbances. Vomiting or nausea, diarrhea, exacerbation of peptic ulcer, drop in pressure, increased heart rate, urticaria and rash, bronchospasm and the acquisition of pink urine.  

• In no case should you drink alkaline drinks.

Ambroxol/Lazolvan

An expectorant, among which Lazolvan is recognized as the most effective.

Preparations based on a medicinal substance are Lazolvan, costing up to 360 rubles, Ambrohexal, costing up to 100 rubles, Ambroxol, costing up to 40 rubles, Flavamed, costing up to 200 rubles, Ambrobene, costing up to 200 rubles, Ambrosan, costing up to 100 rubles and Halixol, worth up to 100 rubles.

Carbocisteine

• Indications. Increased sputum viscosity, mucolytic effect, expectorant effect.

• Contraindications. Age up to 2 years (for tablet forms), the period of bearing a child, up to 15 years – for Libexin Muno, Bronchobos capsules and Fluifort tablets, cystitis and glomerulonephritis, peptic ulcer.

• Side effect. Bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract, nausea and vomiting, itching, dizziness, urticaria.

• Dosage. 15 ml 3 times a day, not with meals. The therapeutic course should not exceed 8 days.

From preparations based on carbocysteine:

• Fluditec syrup, costing up to 250 rubles;

• syrup and tablets Fluifort, costing up to 280 rubles;

• syrup and capsules Bronchobos, costing up to 220 rubles;

• Libexin Muno for adults and children separately at a price of 270 rubles.