Interní Med. 2017; 19(1): 16-18 | DOI: 10.36290/int.2017.046

New indications for mucolytics, Principles of cough treatment

MUDr. Stanislav Kos, CSc.

Český občanský spolek proti plicním nemocem (ČOPN)

Cough is the mechanism of airways defence. According to its duration it can be divided in adults in: acute with duration of up to

3 weeks, prolonged with intermittent duration from 3 do 8 weeks, chronic – lasting over 8 weeks.

According to its character cough may be divided in: dry, irritating cough that could develop in hoarse, husky voice – should be

treated with antitussives with central or peripheral effects, paroxysmal cough – predominantly during the night, or exercise induced,

may be the sign of astma. The relief could be reached by inhaled bronchodilators or antiinflammatives.

cough with sputum production is often connected with chronic bronchitis or COPD (= Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

and should be treated with different types of mucolytic agents. These drugs should not be given simultaneously with antitussives

and at the same time they should have antiinflammatory effects and should potentiate the effects of antibiotics (erdostein, acetylcystein

and bromhexin or ambroxol could be mentioned). Nevertheless, any pacient with chronic cough should be carefully

examined by the specialist.

Keywords: cough – cough distinction according to its type and duration, principles of treatment with mucolytics

Received: January 20, 2018; Accepted: February 12, 2018; Published: February 1, 2017  Show citation