A pesky cough can be even more challenging when a familiar yet formidable foe in the form of phlegm enters the picture. Also called sputum, phlegm is actually a type of mucus that develops in the lungs and the throat. It is said to be thicker compared to the mucus that forms in your nose and sinuses, and causes a distinct rattling sound noticeable while coughing.
The presence of phlegm combined with a cough can mean that it is already a case of productive or wet cough. It is named as such because phlegm is a liquid, after all. Various factors such as the common cold, postnasal drip, flu, upper or lower respiratory tract infections, and even lung problems, are known to trigger this type of cough in both children and adults.
No matter which of these health issues is to blame for your cough AND phlegm, it is important to address these problems before they worsen and make life difficult for you. While health experts have suggested strategies that will help resolve phlegm, cough, or both, don’t discount medicines that can get the job done, like mucolytics! Learn how mucolytics can work against phlegm and cough with the help of this read.
How Do Mucolytics Benefit People With Phlegm?
Mucolytics are a type of mucoactive agent that aims to loosen phlegm that has formed in the lungs. It does so by breaking down the molecules in the mucus, causing the substance to become thinner and less sticky so it can be expelled from the body easier as phlegm.
These medications can come in either oral, intravenous (IV), or nebulizer formulations. Patients who struggle with thick mucus due to chronic lung issues can take mucolytics to help with easier breathing and lower infection risk. There are two known types of mucolytics that can be recommended, namely:
- Classic mucolytics: Commonly available as either over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medicines, classic mucolytics are formulated with active agents. Examples include carbocysteine, erdosteine, guaifenesin, and N-acetylcysteine.
- Peptide mucolytics: These are often reserved for people dealing with more serious health problems where thicker mucus and pus are either present. Peptide mucolytics can contain substances like dornase alfa or thymosin beta-4.
Feel free to consult a doctor or a health professional to determine which type of mucolytic is ideal for certain symptoms or health conditions.
Who Benefits Most When They Take Mucolytics?
The answer to this question depends on how much phlegm is present in the body. Mucolytics are often prescribed to patients dealing with thick mucus or phlegm due to chronic lung issues or breathing problems like:
- Asthma
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Bronchiectasis (wherein tubes or airways in the lungs widen due to extensive damage)
- Emphysema
Some doctors also recommend that patients take mucolytics if they are dealing with cases of wet or productive cough.
As for who is NOT allowed to take mucolytics, this type of medicine is not recommended for use in children under 6 years old. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also advised to consult their doctors first before taking this type of medication.
Maximize the Benefits of This Mucolytic
Don’t let the combination of phlegm and cough get in the way of your day. Let a reliable mucolytic formula help you target phlegm and other related symptoms, and improve immunity along the way.
Carbocisteine + Zinc (Solmux® Advance) is a productive cough formulation that combines two important components:
- Carbocisteine: This mucolytic helps melt phlegm in the lungs so it can be coughed up and expelled easily. Carbocisteine also helps lessen and eliminate bacteria that may be found in phlegm; prevent viruses and bacteria from sticking to human respiratory cells; and address otitis media with effusion.
- Zinc: This trace mineral plays a big role in certain enzymes that are needed for cell division and growth, works as an antioxidant that targets harmful free radicals and fight viruses in the body, overall helping enhance the immune function. Thus, it can help prevent the worsening of cough to severe ailments and aid in a fast cough recovery.
Together, this tandem helps reduce the viscosity or thickness of phlegm, addresses low amounts of zinc due to respiratory infections, and helps relieve cough caused by respiratory tract disorders.
Feel uncomfortable taking pills or tablets? Don’t worry — you can also try Carbocisteine + Zinc (Solmux Advance Suspension)! This liquid suspension also contains carbocisteine and zinc that can help target phlegm and strengthen immunity, with the addition of menthol that assists in soothing an itchy or sore throat.
Suggested use of either formulation for adults and children 12 years and above is at one tablet or 5 mL teaspoon orally every 8 hours, or as recommended by a doctor.
Carbocisteine + Zinc (Solmux® Advance) and Carbocisteine + Zinc (Solmux® Advance Suspension) are available online and in leading drugstores nationwide. Suggested retail prices (SRP) for either product are as follows:
- Carbocisteine + Zinc (Solmux® Advance): Php13 SRP per tablet
- Carbocisteine + Zinc (Solmux® Advance Suspension): Php144 SRP per 500 mg/10 mg per 5 mL suspension
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC Reference Code: U0221P070424S
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559163/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24636-coughing-up-phlegm
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24905-mucolytic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21144-bronchiectasis
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cough-with-mucus
https://www.webmd.com/lung/productive-cough-causes
https://www.verywellhealth.com/mucolytics-overview-914793
