Expectorants are chemical or natural mucoactive agents that help clear the mucus-clogged respiratory pathway. They loosen the mucus by thinning their texture and reducing their stickiness. Guaifenesin and Potassium Iodide are chemical expectorants. Honey, ivy leaf, and peppermint act as natural expectorants. Steam inhalation, sipping on hot tea and taking a hot shower also cause expectorant effects.
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While coughing, I find it hard to breathe and gag. What to do?
Query: Hi doctor,I have been sick for about two weeks. Every time I cough it gets hard to breathe feel like something is stuck in my throat and makes me gag. Do you know what is wrong? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through your query and can understand your health concern. Your symptoms might be because of throat congestion and excessive mucus production. I suggest you do gargles with warm water and a little salt added in it three times daily. You can take some antihista... Read Full »
Why is Z-pak not working for a sinus infection?
Query: Hi doctor, I am a 41 year old female. I have been sick for almost a month now. I went to my doctor and he gave me Z-pak antibiotic for sinus infection. Normally, Z-pak makes me feel 100% better in a day or two after taking them. Instead of feeling better, I felt worse. I have completed all the Z-pak... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The symptoms you're presently encountering could potentially stem from various factors. These include the possibility of an additional bacterial infection, which might necessitate antibiotic treatment; performing a mucus culture could help identify the appropriate antibi... Read Full »
Whenever it is cold, I cough. Can you tell me what the problem is?
Query: Hello doctor, I am 26 years old. I had a dry cough, which did not go away completely. I was a smoker and then gave up. I smoked for five years. Within the last few weeks, I must have smoked ten cigarettes. My issue is whenever the temperature is cold, I cough and when it is sunny, I would not cough ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. As you said that you have been smoking for five years and now have a cough with clear mucus expectoration, it is most likely due to bronchitis. It is very common to have a cough if you smoke more than five cigarettes per day. Also, because of cold weather, it gets ag... Read Full »
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