Coughing up phlegm

Medical professionals use the term "productive" for such a concept as cough with sputum. This means that during a coughing fit, the products of the bronchi are released - mucous secretions that are removed with coughing movements.

It is believed that such discharge is a sign of cleansing the pulmonary system, and therefore one of the symptoms of a speedy recovery. However, one should not forget that the presence of mucous secretion can also indicate the development of serious diseases, such as bronchial asthma, pneumonia, respiratory oncology, and ischemic heart disease.

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Causes of cough with phlegm

Discharge during expectoration can appear exclusively in diseases of the respiratory tract, representing the result of increased production and secretion of the bronchi (during bronchitis or asthma), effusion of blood plasma from the vascular network into the pulmonary cavity (during pulmonary edema), the release of pus from cavities (with an abscess, tuberculous caverns, bronchiectasis).

The most common reasons are considered to be:

• upper respiratory tract infections (respiratory viral infections and pathologies);
• obstructive form of bronchitis;
• pneumonia;
• allergic conditions, including bronchial asthma;
• rhinitis;
• lung abscess;
• tuberculosis.

The exact cause of the cough reflex can only be determined through diagnostics, and the characteristics of bronchial secretions, as well as the presence of other accompanying symptoms, are of great importance.

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Is coughing up mucus contagious?

Is a person contagious if he coughs productively? This question often interests many patients, especially mothers of small children, who doubt whether it is possible to take the child to kindergarten if the attacks have become productive and mucus has begun to be coughed up.

It is worth noting that cough syndrome can be contagious regardless of whether it is wet or dry, if it is caused by a viral infection. On average, the period of "infectivity" (in medicine - contagiousness) of a viral disease ranges from 5 to 10 days from the moment the first symptoms appear. However, some diseases can pose a danger to others for a longer period:

• diphtheria – up to 2 weeks;
• whooping cough - up to 18 days from the onset of the disease. As a rule, after 28 days, a patient who has had whooping cough will definitely not pose a danger, even if coughing fits continue to bother the patient.

Therefore, it is not entirely correct to assume that if a child's temperature has stabilized and mucous discharge has appeared, then the risk of infecting other children is eliminated. The virus often continues to exist in the body and is released by the patient when exhaling and sneezing.

Symptoms of cough with phlegm

As the symptoms of the disease progress with the accumulation of bronchial tree secretions, there is a need to clear the respiratory tract of accumulated secretions. In this case, the cough reflex is triggered - the urge to sharply exhale air, due to irritation of the bronchial walls by mucous secretions.

When an abundance of mucus appears, it is important to distinguish the cleansing process from the transition of inflammatory pathology to a chronic form.

Usually, the coughing movement begins with a sharp and deep breath, which lasts no more than 2 seconds. After this, the laryngeal muscles covering the glottis also contract sharply. The bronchial muscles immediately come to a tone, the abdominal muscles contract - such action of the muscle fibers is aimed at overcoming the resistance of the closed glottis. At this moment, the pressure inside the chest cavity is about 100 mm Hg. Then, a sudden opening of the glottis and an increased exhalation are observed. Basically, if the bronchi have accumulated secretions, the cough reflex is triggered involuntarily, but the patient himself is able to cause it independently.

As a rule, a coughing fit and mucous discharge from the bronchi are not a disease in themselves - they are just symptoms of another disease that is important to detect and treat. Other signs that indicate the presence of the disease should not be ignored:

• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath;
• increase in temperature;
• loss of appetite;
• pain inside the chest;
• wheezing when breathing;
• change in color and other properties of sputum.

Cough with phlegm during pregnancy

During pregnancy, any disease is perceived extremely negatively: of course, it is unknown how the disease will affect the fetus, as well as the pregnancy itself, and medications during this period must be taken very selectively. However, there is an indisputable fact that pregnant women have a weakened immune system, so ARI with ARVI during pregnancy, unfortunately, is not uncommon.

Cough syndrome during pregnancy is also common: it is not only possible, but also necessary to treat it. Incompetent or untimely treatment can pose a serious threat to pregnancy. First of all, coughing shocks can provoke increased uterine tone, which can lead to painful spasms and even detachment. At the same time, arterial and intra-abdominal pressure increases, which can provoke a miscarriage in the early stages or premature birth in the later stages of gestation.

In case of respiratory diseases, it is necessary to see a doctor, and not only: it will be better if a woman remembers about a doctor at any alarming or suspicious symptoms. It is necessary to take into account that coughing fits and mucus discharge from the bronchi can accompany not only a cold, but also diseases of the stomach, thyroid gland, heart. You should not start treatment on your own, let a medical specialist do it.

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Types of sputum when coughing

Bronchial mucus accumulations are pathological secretions that come out of the respiratory tract during coughing. Healthy people also produce mucus inside the bronchi: such mucus performs a protective function, preventing dust, chemicals and bacteria from penetrating the lungs. If the amount of this mucus increases, pus and other impurities are added to it, then they usually talk about the appearance of wet secretions. Secretions are divided into several types, which depend on their quantity, color, smell, density, multi-layeredness.

Let's talk about the types of mucous discharge in respiratory diseases.

• Green sputum when coughing is usually a companion of many inflammatory pathologies involving the bronchi and lungs. Such diseases can be provoked by bacterial and viral infections, or have an allergic nature. The listed diseases include protracted bronchitis, lobar pneumonia, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, oncology, etc. As a rule, green thick mucus is a sign of a stagnant purulent process in the lungs.
• Cough with difficult to separate sputum appears most often as a consequence of ARVI or ARI, and can also be a result of congestion in the lungs. If the mucous secretion has too thick a consistency and viscosity, then it is difficult for it to leave the respiratory tract, it accumulates inside the bronchi, provoking constant coughing fits that do not bring relief.
• Blood in sputum when coughing can appear as a result of minor and harmless bleeding from the capillary vessels of the bronchial tree, which could burst during a coughing fit, or as a result of a serious illness. Therefore, the presence of blood should be a warning sign, especially if such a sign is present for several days, or if the discharge contains a large amount of blood. It should not be forgotten that an admixture of blood can get into the secretion from diseased tonsils, nasopharynx, bleeding gums.
• Yellow sputum when coughing is a consequence of the appearance of pus in the discharge. Most often, this is a sign of untreated bronchitis, or its transition to a chronic form. If you continue to neglect treatment, then over time such a secret can change color from straw-yellow to rusty or green (a clear sign of a purulent process).
• A cough with purulent sputum often indicates the development of congestion in the lungs, especially if the discharge becomes significantly thicker. It becomes difficult for the bronchi to remove purulent secretions, which accumulate and can acquire an unpleasant odor and taste. As a rule, antibiotic therapy is indispensable in such a situation.
• White sputum when coughing can potentially appear with pneumonia. If the white secretion is released in lumps or resembles cottage cheese, then this clearly means that the causative agent of pneumonia is a fungal infection. In this situation, antibiotics will not help: special antifungal therapy will be needed.
• Black sputum when coughing is in most cases a professional sign - such discharge is typical for miners, masons, and diggers. To learn more about the presence or absence of the disease, you will have to submit the secreted secretion for analysis.
• Gray sputum when coughing, as well as black, often accompanies respiratory diseases in representatives of certain professions, whose work is associated with the presence in the air and inhalation of large amounts of dust with suspended particles. This category also includes heavy smokers, in whose respiratory organs nicotine resins are deposited, giving the secreted secretions a gray tint.
• Pink sputum when coughing is a sign of the presence of a small amount of blood inside the mucus. Most often, this is the result of bleeding from burst capillaries, which can happen with too aggressive coughing fits. However, such pink discharge should be monitored: if it continues for more than 3 days, or changes color to intense red, then you should immediately contact a specialist.
• Red sputum when coughing indicates the presence of blood in the secretions. This can be considered as hemoptysis in tuberculosis, actinomycosis, oncology of the respiratory organs, with an abscess, pulmonary infarction, heart failure or pulmonary edema. This condition is considered very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. In rare cases, reddening of the secretion can be caused by taking certain medications.
• Transparent sputum when coughing is the most harmless type of mucous discharge. Usually, such a sign accompanies the onset of respiratory diseases, when there are no complications yet, and the disease can be cured without any negative consequences. However, if the mucus is viscous, "glassy", then this may be a sign of bronchial asthma.
• Foamy sputum when coughing appears with anthrax or pulmonary edema. Both diseases are considered very serious, which requires immediate medical attention.
• Thick sputum during coughing usually appears at the initial stages of transition from dry to wet process, or during stagnation. To prevent mucous secretion from being thick, use thinning medications, chest massage. It is also recommended to drink a large amount of alkaline warm liquid.

As you can see, the characteristics of the discharge are of the utmost diagnostic importance. The description of coughing fits plays no less important a role, so we will dwell on this symptom in detail below.

Types of cough syndrome

Wet cough syndrome is considered a natural physiological phenomenon, with the help of which accumulated mucus is removed from the tracheobronchial tree. However, many are alarmed by the fact that this symptom is not always the same. Can this indicate anything? In some cases, it really can, because the manifestations of the cough reflex are a valuable informative moment when making the correct diagnosis.

• A painful cough with phlegm can indicate that the mucus is too viscous to come out easily. Therefore, in order to push out thick secretions, the respiratory tract needs to make much more effort, which causes pain or even heaviness along the bronchi. To facilitate the release of mucus, medications are used that thin it.
• Cough with viscous sputum is often characteristic of lobar pneumonia, an inflammatory reaction in the respiratory organs. With the right treatment, after a short time such mucus becomes liquid and begins to be easily expectorated.
• Attacks of coughing with phlegm can be observed with a large accumulation of mucus in the bronchi. If there is a lot of discharge, it gradually begins to irritate the bronchial walls, which provokes a coughing attack. Such an attack continues until all the discharge leaves the respiratory tract. Then the accumulation occurs again, and the process is repeated. In order for mucus not to accumulate in large quantities, it is recommended to move periodically, walk around the room, do light gymnastics. Chest massage is useful.
• Coughing after eating with phlegm is most often not a sign of respiratory diseases. It has other causes associated with pathology of the digestive organs. This symptom is characteristic of gastric ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux, and other gastrointestinal diseases. To clarify the diagnosis, it is better to consult a gastroenterologist.
• Cough with sputum without fever is a typical symptom of acute respiratory disease or viral infection in patients with weakened immunity. The absence of fever at this stage is not a reason to ignore the disease. Treatment is prescribed in accordance with other existing symptoms.
• Cough with phlegm and a temperature of 37°C is considered one of the typical signs of ARI. This temperature is not dangerous, it does not require the prescription of antipyretic drugs. Moreover, the use of tablets and mixtures that "knock down" the temperature is highly discouraged in such a situation. Temperature values of about 37-37.8°C mean that the immune system is working, and the body is fighting the disease on its own. In this case, there is no need to interfere with it.
• An allergic cough with sputum is less common than without it. It is usually not accompanied by a fever, and a runny nose may develop. If bronchial secretions are released, they usually do not contain any pus or blood - the secretions are transparent in appearance. Attacks occur more often at night or after contact with an allergen: animal hair, dust, pollen, etc. 8.
• Cough with phlegm and runny nose are common with ARVI or allergies. It is important to distinguish between these two diseases: with ARVI there is often a rise in temperature, and with allergies there should not be one.
• Shortness of breath and cough with phlegm in many cases mean the initial stage of bronchial asthma. This disease consists of deterioration of bronchial patency due to bronchospasm, inflammatory swelling of the mucous membranes, and mucus entering the bronchi. All of the listed factors have the complex name "bronchial obstruction". Shortness of breath with deterioration of the condition occurs in attacks: in between attacks, the patient usually feels quite satisfactory.
• A smoker's cough with phlegm is severe, with wheezing, and occurs more often in the morning. Mucus from the bronchi may be light, sometimes with a gray tint, with an unpleasant smell of nicotine resins. The cough reflex is triggered in response to irritation of the bronchial walls by cigarette smoke, to blockage of the bronchioles by tobacco resins, to the accumulation of protective secretions in the respiratory organs. It is observed regularly, almost constantly, and may be accompanied by inflammatory processes (chronic) of the trachea, bronchi, and larynx.
• Coughing up phlegm in the morning is observed in bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and in long-term smokers. To determine the cause of morning attacks, it is often necessary to check not only the respiratory system, but also the digestive organs, since mucus inside the lungs is often a secretion from the stomach, thrown into the respiratory tract during the night's sleep. This happens during diseases of the esophagus - reflux esophagitis.
• Night cough with phlegm occurs with bronchial asthma, heart failure, sinusitis, whooping cough. When diagnosing this type of cough manifestations, you should also pay attention to other symptoms: pain inside the chest or in the heart, the color of the discharge, the presence of temperature, runny nose.
• A barking cough with phlegm may be a sign of obstructive bronchitis, whooping cough, false croup, which is often found in pediatric patients. In adults, it may be a sign of pharyngitis, laryngitis, as well as an inflammatory process in the bronchi and (or) trachea.
• Coughing up to vomiting with phlegm is common in children, since the cough and vomiting centers are located almost next to each other. Therefore, even a mild attack can provoke vomiting, especially if the baby has recently eaten. In adult patients, such a reaction can be a sign of problems with the digestive system, namely, peptic ulcer disease.
• A persistent cough with phlegm is a clear sign of chronic respiratory disease. This condition can be observed in heavy smokers, people working in dusty, unventilated areas or in chemical plants, as well as in patients who have not treated acute bronchitis sufficiently. Chronic respiratory diseases are more difficult to treat. If the disease is related to professional activity, then a change of job may be necessary.
• Paroxysmal cough with phlegm is a frequent companion of allergies, for example, bronchial asthma. During attacks, the patient experiences shortness of breath, and mucous transparent secretion may be released from the bronchi. In between attacks, the patient, as a rule, is not bothered by anything - he feels practically healthy.

As you can see, a cough reflex with secretion can be observed with various lesions of the trachea, bronchi, lungs, larynx, heart or digestive system. Therefore, it is very, very difficult to independently determine the cause of the ailment. Trust a good doctor: comprehensive diagnostics will help to determine the disease in order to begin treatment of respiratory problems in a timely manner.

Diagnosis of cough with sputum

Collecting medical history data is essential for diagnosing respiratory pathologies. The doctor will begin by obtaining the following information:

• When did the disease start?
• Were there any other illnesses preceding it, such as viral infections?
• Is there a seasonality to the pathology, are there any attacks of difficulty breathing or shortness of breath?
• Are there any additional symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, heartburn, stomach pain, etc.?
• Is there a rise in temperature?
• What is special about bronchial discharge? What color is it? Is there a smell?
• Do you have any chronic diseases or bad habits?
• What are the characteristics of professional activity?
• Are you prone to allergies?
• Did the patient take ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril, prestarium, etc.)?

After ascertaining the anamnesis, the doctor proceeds to a series of additional studies.

• Physical examination (general examination). Includes detection of signs of heart disease, examination of the oral cavity and throat. The doctor pays attention to the enlargement of the lymph nodes, the presence of free nasal breathing, the cleanliness of the surface of the tongue and tonsils. Listens to the lungs for wheezing, whistling, crepitation, as well as the nature of the listed symptoms.
• Chest X-ray. This is done to detect tumors and tuberculous changes inside the lungs, and can also detect bronchiectasis and sarcoidosis.
• Evaluation of the functionality of external respiration – allows to detect bronchial obstruction, interstitial lung diseases, bronchial asthma.
• Analysis of bronchial secretions with microscopy of the material. Smears are stained according to Gram and Ziehl-Neelsen, mucus is cultured and cytologically examined.
• Instrumental methods of examination. Bronchoscopy methods with cytology and histology (mainly when there is a suspicion of oncological disease), biopsy of suspicious tissues, transbronchial lung biopsy, and computed tomography are used.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of a set of studies, based on the results of a general examination, analysis of coughed-up material and instrumental assessment of the state of the respiratory system.

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Treatment of cough with phlegm

Some people believe that if bronchial mucus is secreted, the disease does not require treatment. This is a big mistake. Treatment is mandatory even at this stage. It should be aimed at facilitating the discharge and eliminating the underlying disease.

If the secretions are poorly expectorated and remain in the bronchial cavity for a long time, this can lead to bacterial complications. Therefore, the most commonly used medications in this situation are expectorants, mucolytics and combination drugs. Some of them make the mucus more liquid, while others control its production in order to produce exactly the amount of secretions that the body can most easily remove.

Thinning of phlegm during coughing can occur when taking expectorants:

• herbal (plant-based) - represented by pectusin, solutan, tussin, breast collections, Doctor Mom syrup;
• synthetic – represented by bromhexine, lazolvan, ambroxol, ACC.

Herbal preparations may have fewer side effects, but they are more likely to cause allergies, especially in pediatric patients. All this must be taken into account when choosing treatments.

Treatment of cough with difficult to separate sputum should be carried out only with the help of expectorants and mucolytic drugs. In no case should you use antitussives - they block the cough reflex, and difficult to remove mucus stops being removed at all. As a result, we get an accumulation of mucus inside the bronchi and lungs, the addition of a bacterial infection and complications, sometimes in the form of pneumonia. Medicines should be selected carefully, after consulting a doctor. We remind you that such drugs should thin and facilitate the removal of mucus from the bronchi, clearing the respiratory tract from the inside. At the same time, the underlying disease is treated, symptomatic treatment, immunostimulating therapy is carried out.

Cough remedies with phlegm

If mucus from the bronchi is difficult to separate and remove, doctors recommend drinking a lot of warm liquid, including herbal teas and compotes. Medicines are used that eliminate inflammation, have an enveloping, expectorant and bronchodilator effect, reduce the sensitivity of the bronchial walls, increase the cough threshold. If not contraindicated, steam inhalations with the addition of various drugs and herbs can be used. Inhalations help to moisturize the mucous membrane, relieve pain, improve the composition of mucus, and relax the smooth bronchial muscles.

At the same time, medications based on thermopsis or ipecac should not be used in early childhood, as they can stimulate increased irritation of the respiratory organs and the appearance of vomiting.

Let's consider the most effective means in more detail.

Inhalations for cough with phlegm most often involve the use of herbal remedies: eucalyptus leaves, sage, calendula, chamomile, St. John's wort, as well as Salvin and Romazulon preparations. When inhaling steam, it is recommended to use phytoncides - the well-known onion or garlic, in a proportion of 1:50. In the pharmacy, you can buy onion tincture in alcohol - it is used in the amount of 25 drops / 100 ml of clean water. A good effect is expected from such simple remedies, which are used in 0.5 liters of water:

• sea salt or baking soda (1 tsp);
• essential oil 10 drops (eucalyptus, mint, pine needles, anise, peach);
• "Zvezdochka" balm - on the tip of a spoon.

You can use oils for inhalation - sea buckthorn, olive, rosehip, rosemary.

Cough medicines with phlegm are divided into several categories:

• bromhexine-based products (Bromhexine, Ascoril, Solvin);
• ambroxol-based products (Ambrobene, Ambrosal, Flavamed, etc.);
• products based on carbocysteine (Bronchobos, Fluifort);
• products based on acetylcysteine (ACC, Fluimucil);
• herbal preparations based on marshmallow, anise, elecampane, plantain, etc. (Mukaltin, Pectussin, Bronchicum, etc.). •

Cough tablets with phlegm:

• Carbocisteine - stabilizes the consistency of mucus, promotes its release from the bronchopulmonary system. Prescribe 2 capsules three times a day, as improvement occurs, switch to 1 capsule three times a day;
• Lycorine - normalizes the secretion of bronchial glands, relaxes spasmodic smooth muscle structures of the bronchi. Take ½ or a whole tablet 3 to 4 times a day after meals;
• Liquiriton is a licorice preparation that eliminates inflammation, spasms, and improves expectoration. Prescribe 1-2 tablets up to 4 times a day half an hour before meals;
• Mucaltin is a marshmallow preparation, a mild expectorant. It is taken orally, 1-2 tablets up to 3 times a day before meals. •

Antibiotics for cough with phlegm are prescribed only in advanced cases of the disease, as well as if there is a suspicion of the possibility of complications. In most cases, the following antibiotics are considered effective:

• the penicillin series is represented by amoxicillin (Flemoxin), augmentin, amoxiclav, ampicillin, etc. The listed medications have a detrimental effect on most bacteria that cause an inflammatory reaction in the respiratory organs. If one of these drugs does not show the expected effect, it is replaced by another one belonging to a different group of antibiotics;
• The fluoroquinolone series is represented by levofloxacin, moxifloxacin (Avelox). Such drugs are usually prescribed if antibiotics from the penicillin series are ineffective;
• The cephalosporin series is represented by cefuroxime (also known as Zinnat, Aksetin), cefixime (Suprax), etc. These antibiotics are often used to treat inflammatory processes in the bronchi, lungs, pleura, etc.;
• The macrolide series is represented by azithromycin (Sumamed), which is often taken for atypical pneumonia, where the causative agents are mycoplasma or chlamydia. •

Cough syrup with phlegm is a very popular remedy, especially in pediatric practice. Many syrups are analogs of tablets, with a similar composition and effect. Children are more willing to take syrups: it is easier for them to swallow a sweet aromatic liquid than to swallow a bitter tablet. It is advisable to choose a syrup based on the doctor's recommendations:

• Linkas is a herbal medicine that eliminates fever, spasms of the respiratory system, and improves mucus production in the bronchi. It is prescribed for pharyngitis and tracheobronchitis;
• Suprema-Broncho herbal syrup – can be prescribed for laryngitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, whooping cough, tracheobronchitis. May cause an allergic reaction;
• Lazolvan syrup is a drug from the ambroxol group. A very common and effective drug. It is used for inflammation of the bronchi, lungs, bronchial asthma, congestion, bronchiectasis;
• Gerbion is a syrup made from plantain. It treats inflammation of the respiratory organs and even helps with smoker's cough syndrome;
• Bromhexine syrup is a mucolytic, promotes expectoration, liquefaction of viscous mucus. Improves and facilitates secretion of secretions;
• Erespal for cough with phlegm - syrup based on Fenspiride, antibronchoconstrictor. Relieves spasms, eliminates inflammation, reduces mucus secretion by the bronchi. It is actively used for bronchial asthma, bronchospasms, chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, pharyngitis. It can be used in children from birth, from 2 tsp. to 6 tbsp. per day before meals. When taken, drowsiness and gastrointestinal disorders may occur. •

Herbs for cough with phlegm are the most acceptable treatment without the use of drugs. Pine buds, onions, garlic, marshmallow, mint, chamomile, plantain, coltsfoot, St. John's wort, elecampane, sage are used as components for collections or medicinal mixtures. Herbs can be used in the form of decoctions, infusions for inhalation, herbal teas for internal use. Special chest collections, which can be purchased at any pharmacy, give a good effect. There are 4 types of such collections:

• No. 1 – marshmallow rhizome, oregano, coltsfoot leaf;
• No. 2 – coltsfoot, plantain, licorice rhizome;
• No. 3 – marshmallow rhizome, anise, licorice rhizome, pine buds, sage;
• No. 4 – chamomile flowers, wild rosemary, calendula, violet, licorice root, mint.

The plant components in such mixtures have a complex mucolytic, expectorant, bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effect. The secretion begins to leave in time, the cough reflex is gradually stopped.

Folk remedies for cough with phlegm

What other folk remedies are used in the treatment of respiratory diseases with expectoration of secretions:

• Place a whole lemon in water, boil for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cool. Cut the lemon into 2 equal parts, squeeze out the juice, add 2 tbsp. of glycerin, add honey to 200 ml, mix. Take 1 tbsp. of the resulting mass three times a day before meals and before bed.
• Mix equal parts of freshly squeezed carrot juice, black radish juice and milk. Drink 1 tbsp 6 times a day.
• Mix two chicken yolks, 2 tablespoons of fresh butter, 2 teaspoons of natural honey, 1 teaspoon of flour. Use the resulting mass 1 teaspoon at a time throughout the day, you can do it multiple times.
• Take black radish (7 pcs.), cut into slices, sprinkle each piece with sugar, leave for 6 hours. Drain the resulting juice, then take 1 tbsp. every 60 minutes.
• We prepare viburnum jelly with honey and drink it throughout the day.
• Prepare a sage infusion (1 tbsp. per 250 ml of hot water), let it brew, filter, and add an equal amount of boiled milk. Drink 100 ml several times a day, with honey or sugar.
• Finely chop 0.5 kg of onion, add 400 g of sugar and 40-60 g of honey, boil with 1 l of water for 3 hours on low heat. Then cool, drain the liquid. Use 1 tbsp. about 5 times a day, you can during coughing fits.

The use of folk remedies can be more effective if combined with steam inhalations, using baking soda, medicinal herbs. A positive effect is observed when adding fir, cedar, eucalyptus oil to the inhalation liquid. Such procedures are best done at night, before going to bed.

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What to do if the cough with phlegm does not go away?

The appearance or increase of pus in mucous secretions, a significant increase in the amount of secretion, an increase in temperature (preliminary signs of exacerbation) may be a reason for the earliest and fastest possible prescription of antibiotic therapy. Such treatment begins with the use of ampicillin (1 g 4 to 6 times a day), chloramphenicol (0.5 g four times a day), tetracycline, cefazolin, lincomycin.

To activate the protective immune mechanism, it is recommended to take vitamin drinks and multivitamin preparations. To stimulate the body's non-specific resistance, biogenic stimulants are used:

• aloe extract liquid injection intramuscularly or subcutaneously, 1 ml per day for a month;
• Biosed intramuscularly by injection, 1 ml (2 ml) every day. For 20-30 days.

From herbal remedies it is recommended to add preparations from elderberry, nettle leaves, parsley root, and willow bark.

If the condition steadily worsens, then self-treatment is out of the question. Therapy should be carried out under the supervision of a physician - a therapist, pulmonologist, otolaryngologist, phthisiologist.

Help with cough with phlegm

During an attack, the main type of assistance can be to accelerate the removal of mucous secretions from the respiratory tract. Pathogenic microorganisms can accumulate in the laryngeal or bronchial cavity, and they can only be removed with good expectoration. The faster you can clear the respiratory tract of secretions, the faster the body will feel relief and begin to recover.

Along with taking the medications prescribed by the doctor, the patient should drink a large amount of warm liquid to facilitate the discharge of mucus. This will significantly improve the discharge and cleanse the respiratory organs. It is useful to drink herbal teas based on linden blossom, rose hips, raspberries, currants, and other medicinal plants.

If there is mucous secretion in the bronchi, then drugs that block the cough reflex should not be used under any circumstances. Such drugs include, for example, codeine, as well as all products based on it.

Here are some tips for those who cannot cope with the disease:

• monitor the humidity in the room (normally the humidity should fluctuate between 40 and 60%);
• If you smoke, quit. Moreover, avoid smoky places;
• avoid hypothermia and sudden overheating, do not go out of a hot room into frosty air;
• avoid inhaling vapors from various chemical sprays, detergents and cleaning agents;
• Do not suppress the urge to cough – this way you clear your bronchi, making your condition easier.

Prevention of cough with phlegm

The activation of the cough reflex in most cases is a symptom of a respiratory disease, so it can be prevented if you think about the prevention of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, laryngitis, etc. in time.

For prevention, you should avoid factors that can provoke such diseases: hypothermia, drafts, weakened immunity, physical overload, stress, vitamin deficiency.

Avoid situations that may irritate the lungs: leave smoky, smoke-filled, dusty and chemically treated rooms. Working with chemicals, paints and varnishes may provoke the development of chronic respiratory damage. If being in such rooms is unavoidable, use appropriate protective measures - gauze bandages, respirators, etc.

If you are prone to allergies or have bronchial asthma, try to avoid triggers (contact with potential allergens).

Needless to say, smoking is one of the main factors in the development of chronic cough syndrome, and is very harmful to health in general. If you smoke, give up this habit. The rest can be advised to avoid places where people smoke. Passive smoking irritates the respiratory tract no less than active smoking.

Hardening the body has a good preventive effect. It is best to start the procedures in the summer, when the body can more easily withstand temperature changes, and immunity in the summer is considered stronger. Cool water dousing, contrast showers, swimming in open water, air and sun baths, and outdoor sports are suitable. In winter, hardening is best done under the supervision of a specialist, because illiterate excessive cooling of the body can produce the opposite effect.

Prognosis for cough with phlegm

The prognosis directly depends only on the underlying disease that triggered the cough reflex. If this symptom accompanies an acute viral or microbial infection of the respiratory organs, it is successfully eliminated after the underlying disease is cured.

If the attack is caused by an allergy or the use of certain medications, then eliminating the allergen and replacing the medications with others will help eliminate the unpleasant symptom.

A healthy lifestyle, good nutrition, absence of bad habits, and active pastime can be the key to a favorable prognosis for respiratory diseases.

If the cough with phlegm is chronic, then getting rid of it will be more difficult - this may require complex treatment, often with the use of potent drugs and antibiotic therapy.