Understanding Expectorants: How They Help Relieve Respiratory Congestion

Expectorants are a class of medications that help to loosen and expel mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up. They are commonly used to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Expectorants work by thinning and liquefying mucus, allowing it to be more easily expelled from the lungs. This helps to relieve congestion and make breathing easier. Some examples of expectorants include:

* Guaifenesin
* Acetylcysteine
* Mucinex
* Robitussin

It's important to note that expectorants should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they can have side effects and interact with other medications. Additionally, it's important to drink plenty of fluids to help thin out the mucus and make it easier to expel.