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Cough is a big problem, as one of the most complex respiratory symptoms and significantly affects the quality of life of patients.

Cough is a defensive reaction of the body, it provides cleaning of the respiratory tract, it helps to expel secretions, irritants and harmful particles.

It represents a symptom of an acute or chronic infection that should be recognized in order to relieve these unpleasant symptoms for patients.

The most common causes of acute cough are viral or bacterial infections, discharge of secretions into the throat, allergies, acute bronchitis, smoking, dry air.

Productive cough it is caused by the creation of a large amount of secretions that needs to be expelled, and it is important to cough freely, that is, to do so expel secretions from the airways.

A dry cough is irritating without secretions, but can be alleviated by keeping the lining of the respiratory tract moist.

Often there are also mixed forms of cough that have components of dry and productive cough.

We spoke with Doc. Dr. Sanjo Krejović-Trivić, ENT specialist, how to solve this problem:

‚‚Cough is the most common reason why patients come to the office of general medicine doctors, specialists in otorhinolaryngology, pulmonology and pediatrics. Over 10 billion dollars are spent annually worldwide on cough medicines. There are three most common causes of cough: rhinosinusitis which causes secretions to flow down the back wall of the pharynx, airway disease and reflux disease. The season of respiratory infections is underway, and the current Covid 19 pandemic requires special attention in the treatment of these patients. Offices of general practitioners, especially specialists in otorhinolaryngology and pulmonology are places where these patients can be treated, but also educated about measures to prevent the spread of infection‚ - notes Assoc. Dr. Krejović-Trivić.

Symptoms of respiratory infections can be different: nasal congestion, nasal discharge, discharge of secretions down the back wall of the pharynx, loss of sense of smell and taste, sneezing, sore throat, hoarseness, cough, weakness, elevated body temperature.

Upper respiratory tract infections are most often of viral origin, but complications of respiratory infections can occur when the causative agents are mainly bacteria. In order to avoid the misuse of antibiotics in the treatment of these infections, it is necessary to swab the nose and throat of the patients, in order to determine the cause of the infection.

Viral infections should not be treated with antibiotics, but symptomatically: with natural preparations, strengthening immunity and rest.

Bacterial infections are treated with adequate antibiotics based on the antibiogram, but with the mandatory use of secretolytics and the evacuation of secretions from the nose.

Hyperproduction of secretions in the upper respiratory tract can lead to inflammation of the sinuses, ear and throat, problems with breathing and swallowing, and postnasal discharge of secretions leads to cough and complications in the lower respiratory tract.

Asst. dr Krejović-Trivić advises - ‚‚Cough is useful when you need to expel secretions and prevent secretions from flowing into the lower respiratory tract. Rinsing the nose with a saline solution and evacuating secretions from the nose with the use of mucolytics is recommended. I recommend the use of isotonic or hypertonic Propomucil® Physio Nasal Spray which contributes discharge of secretions and reducing the dryness of the nasal mucosa. Rinsing the nose with this solution provides multiple protection because, with its active ingredients, it contributes to the elimination of bacteria and viruses, cleans the nose, regenerates and moisturizes the mucous membrane, reduces swelling of the mucous membrane, facilitates breathing and reduces postnasal secretion.

In addition, for expelling secretions from the airways, I advise the use of a natural secretolytic such as Propomucil® 600 which contains purified propolis rich in polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help protect the lungs and upper respiratory tract, and natural N-acetylcysteine ​​that breaks down the secretion, facilitates its expulsion and helps fight infection, and additionally activates immunity.

It is known that honey has a multiple role in cough therapy: it protects and coats the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat, soothes coughs, acts as a natural antioxidant, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and all of this is indicated by the latest recommendations of the British National Institute of Health, according to which honey is primary choice in the treatment of cough, and the European Rhinological Association distinguishes it in the therapy of productive cough N-acetylcysteine as a natural mucolytic, which breaks down the secretion, reduces its viscosity and facilitates expectoration.

That is why I recommend its use to my patients PropoMucil® sachets due to its beneficial effect and Propomucil® Physio Spray for the nose, which contributes to expelling secretions and reducing the dryness of the nasal mucosa, because they contain ingredients that contribute to the health of the lungs and upper respiratory tract.