Cough sputum viscosity

Q33 In cough, which of the following constituents is used to reduce sputum viscosity ... 

Carbocisteine is classified as a mucolytic as it reduces sputum viscosity and aids its elimination. Carbocisteine is therefore indicated for use in chesty cough. Pholcodine, dextromethorphan and the sedating antihistamines, such... 

Secretion clearance is addressed in detail elsewhere in the text. However, physical therapy and careful hydration are the cornerstones of management. Mucupurulent secretions are often noted in acute respiratory failure. Administration of acetylcysteine 600 mg/day will decrease sputum viscosity hut its value in NIV patients has been less well studied. In patients with NMD, manually assisted coughing, air stacking, and mechanical devices can all be used in patients with a facial mask. On rare occasions, bronchial lavage under local anesthesia can be carried out during NIV. Secretion clearance reduces the ventilation pressures required to overcome the impedance to airflow. 

It was recently observed that a iplant, Adhatoda vasica, long used in Indian herbal medicine (the source of many therapeutic leads) for the relief of cough and respiratory tract congestion, did appear to reduce the quantity and viscosity of sputum. The plant was studied and its active alkaloid named vasicine. The tricyclic quinazoline structure (XXVIII) was then reduced to fragments and a series of derivatives prepared [350]. From these bromhexine (XXIX, Na 274, Bisolvon)... 

Among the various types of infection, pneumonia is one of the most common. Pneumonia is an infection of lung tissue. Clinically, pneumonia is characterized by fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, and sputum production. The amount, viscosity, and color of the sputum are directly related to the type of organism causing the pneumonia. 

It substantially reduces the viscosity of tenacious sputum and hence used as an expectorant in cough mixtures. 

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