11 best remedies for bronchitis

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

As clinical practice shows, cases of primary acute bronchitis in adults are quite rare. Usually we are talking about a chronic condition, which modern medicine calls not chronic bronchitis, but chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a whole group of diseases in which ventilation of the lungs is impaired. In addition to 'former' bronchitis, this group also includes, for example, emphysema. In adults, the cause of exacerbation of obstructive disease is most often hypothermia, smoking, and others. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), several tens of millions of patients around the world are diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD is in third place in the world in mortality after cardiovascular disease and cancer.

About symptoms

Typical symptoms of exacerbation of bronchitis (we will, in the old fashion, call the state of altered bronchial reactivity with a predominance of inflammation, bronchitis, for greater convenience). The most common complaints are dry cough, which is soon followed by sputum. In the case of a prolonged dry cough, it becomes painful and painful, there is a feeling of scratching behind the breastbone. Then wheezing occurs in the lungs, which can sometimes be heard from a distance. Usually, such symptoms occur without general signs of general intoxication, against the background of normal health. In the event that the bacterial flora joins, the general state of health worsens, weakness, chills appear, the temperature rises, usually to subfebrile values. In a blood test, leukocytosis occurs, and in severe cases, a shift of the leukocyte formula to the left.

The rating of drugs includes means of pathogenetic treatment, that is, aimed at the reverse development of the pathological process. In the case when the patient's state of health is normal and there is no mucopurulent sputum, the main methods of treatment will be abundant vitamin drink, alkaline mineral water, normalization of the function of the bronchial tree, and the fight against inflammation. Antibacterial drugs are not indicated, but immunomodulators can be used and, according to indications, antiviral drugs, especially if the epidemiological situation and symptoms are conducive to the diagnosis of influenza. Consider the most effective and popular drugs for the treatment of bronchitis, both acute and with an exacerbation of a chronic process, including with symptoms of developed bronchial obstruction.

The best remedies for bronchitis

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best expectorants and mucolytics	1	Carbocisteine ​​(Flutidec, Fluifort, Libexin Muko)	RUB 186
	2	Breast fee number 4	55 RUB
	3	Lazolvan solution (ambroxol)	365 RUB
	4	Eucabal	254 RUB
	5	Prenoxdiazine (Libexin)	474 r
Best Bronchodilators	1	Salbutamol (Ventolin)	RUB 165
	2	Ascoril	177 r
	3	Atrovent (ipratropium bromide)	305 RUB
The best remedies to fight inflammation	1	Erespal (fenspiride)	236 r
	2	Coldrex HotRem	304 RUB
	3	Paracetamol (Efferalgan, effervescent tablets)	RUB 98

The best expectorants and mucolytics

One of the most important stages in the treatment of inflammatory lesions of the bronchi is the prevention of thickening of the bronchial secretion, its dilution and removal from the bronchi. In the event that this is not done, the protein in the mucus begins to linger in the bronchi, and then becomes a breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, the restoration of drainage function is very important.

Carbocisteine ​​(Flutidec, Fluifort, Libexin Muko)

Rating: 4.9

Fluditec is a remedy that is excellent for the treatment of an unproductive cough. The active ingredient is carbocisteine, which is able to activate a special enzyme – sialic transferase. It is secreted by special goblet cells of the bronchial mucosa. As a result of the action of carbocisteine, the balance between the acidic and neutral part of the bronchial secretion is normalized, the viscosity of mucus decreases, its elasticity decreases, its fluidity increases and its discharge improves. It is very important that it is carbocisteine ​​that improves the secretion of immunoglobulin A, which protects the mucosal surface from viral and bacterial aggression. Shown Flutidek in the complex therapy of any bronchitis, both acute and chronic. A suitable remedy for the treatment of bronchiectasis, bronchial asthma, as well as any condition in which difficult to separate mucus or secretions are formed. These are sinusitis, rhinitis and similar inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs.

The drug is used in the form of a syrup. For adults, Flutidek is prescribed 15 ml 3 times a day, between meals or one hour before meals. The course of treatment is 10 days. The French company “Laboratory Inoterra” produces Fluditec in the form of syrup, and one bottle of 125 ml, which is enough for 3 days of admission, costs about 380 rubles. Therefore, the cost of a ten-day course will be approximately 1140 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage is the form of release in the form of a syrup, which quickly enters the bloodstream, and from there begins to work with sialic transferase. The drug differs from its predecessors by the activation of immunoglobulins, and in this sense it is superior in efficiency to ACC and mucolytics containing acetylcysteine. But its cost is quite high in comparison with analogues. Flutidec should be prescribed by a doctor, since it is contraindicated in exacerbation of gastric ulcer, chronic glomerulonephritis, and is prohibited for pregnant women and children under the age of two years. In the event that the drug causes a side effect, then it is most often nausea, flatulence, and in rare cases – allergic reactions.

Breast fee number 4

Rating: 4.8

This collection has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, but is devoid of the side effects of synthetic drugs. It is called: 'Collection of chest No. 4 anti-inflammatory'. It is produced by the domestic companies Fitofarm and Krasnogorskleksredstva. In the form of herbal tea filter bags, it is produced by the 'Pharmgroup' company.

It contains selected medicinal raw materials: chamomile, wild rosemary, licorice, mint, violet, and marigolds. One package of 20 filter bags costs an average of 65 rubles, which is quite inexpensive. Chamomile flowers, wild rosemary shoots, mint leaves and other active ingredients combine to cause bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and tonic effect due to phytopolysaccharides and bioflavonoids. The essential oil of wild rosemary, quercetin and saponins contained in the violet herb strengthen the immune system.

Indications for use of Breast collection – acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, other components of the syndrome of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, such as bronchial asthma, bronchiectasis, and other conditions accompanied by an unproductive cough. For effective use, the filter bag must be poured with one glass of boiling water, insisted for 15 minutes, and taken like regular tea, only after meals. It is necessary to take one glass 3 times a day for an adult patient for two or three weeks. Thus, one package, on average, is enough for one week of use. The price of this popular herbal tea is low, and a three-week course will cost an average of 180 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Breast collection is a truly popular, low-budget, mild and effective remedy. To him, symptoms of individual intolerance, or allergic reactions rarely occur. Of the official contraindications, only hypersensitivity is indicated in the instructions. To great lovers of herbal teas, this collection may seem really tasty: it has a slightly sweet taste due to the presence of licorice. On the other hand, it is not always convenient for patients who value their time to prepare boiling water three times a day, especially in conditions of a shortage of working time at work.

Lazolvan solution (ambroxol)

Rating: 4.7

Lazolvan, or ambroxol, is well known to pulmonologists. It is produced in tablets, in solution for oral administration and inhalation, and also in syrup. Ambroxol belongs to the group of expectorant and mucolytic agents, and it acts at the stage of pulmonary surfactant synthesis. This is a special fat-like substance that prevents adhesion of the terminal parts of the respiratory tract, ending with air bubbles, or alveoli, in which gas exchange occurs. Ambroxol improves the activity of the ciliated epithelium, and as a result, bronchial mucus begins to move faster, sputum flows better, and cough is relieved. On the background of taking Lazolvan, patients quickly 'leave' from taking antibacterial drugs, and their number of exacerbations of chronic bronchitis decreases.

In addition to these diseases, the agent is indicated in complex therapy for the treatment of pneumonia, bronchial asthma and bronchiectasis. The drug is used orally, for adults – 4 ml 3 times a day. This amount is equivalent to 100 drops. But it is much more effective to use Lazolvan inhalation, if we mean modern 'cold', rather than steam, ultrasonic inhalers. The required amount of the drug is mixed with an equal volume of isotonic sodium chloride solution, and carried out, 2 – 3 inhalations per day. The usual volume of the mixture is 2 ml, that is, 1 ml of Lazolvan per 1 ml of physiological solution. During inhalation, you should breathe normally, without provoking a deep breath. Usually, one to two days is enough to feel significant relief, an increase in the productivity of a cough and an improvement in sputum discharge.

This wonderful drug is produced by the German company Boehringer Ingelheim, and the cost of one bottle of 100 ml solution is 365 rubles. Naturally, it is much more profitable to use it as an inhalation agent, then the consumption is half as much, and at the same time the agent is directly delivered to the respiratory tract without passing through the liver.

Advantages and disadvantages

It should be borne in mind that, despite all its effectiveness, the drug is able to penetrate the placental barrier, and although extensive clinical experience has not shown its harmful effect on the fetus after 28 weeks of pregnancy, it cannot be used in the first trimester. In the early stages, it is better to give up any medications altogether. Lazolvan can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, skin rashes, or hives. Quite often, up to 10% of all cases, patients notice a violation of taste. But with timely inhalation administration of Lazolvan, patients need less antibiotics.

Eucabal

Rating: 4.7

Eucabal is a complex, mildly acting herbal expectorant. It comes in the form of a syrup, and contains a liquid extract of plantain, thyme, and is applied orally, after a meal, undiluted. Among the indications, in addition to acute and chronic bronchitis, should be mentioned acute tracheitis, laryngotracheitis, parainfluenza, as well as other viral and bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract. Eucabal is also used to improve sputum discharge in elderly patients with symptoms of chronic heart failure. It is used in adults, one to two tablespoons from 3 to 5 times a day. The average duration of admission is 2 weeks. Eucabal is produced by the German company Esparma, and the average cost of one 100 ml bottle is 250 rubles. This means that with an average volume of a tablespoon of 15 ml, from 45 to 70 ml can be taken in one day, and with the most economical use, one bottle will be enough for two days. Accordingly, the cost of a 2-week course will be equal to the price of 7 bottles, or 1,750 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Eucabal can be considered as optimally selected herbal ingredients, which gently, but at the same time actively improve sputum discharge. However, in this case, the syrup is an alcohol solution, and therefore it is undesirable to give the drug to children, as well as to patients with various diseases of the liver and kidneys, working with mobile and dangerous mechanisms, a driver, persons with alcohol and drug addiction. The relative disadvantage of the product is its inconvenient form of release (within two days the bottle is completely consumed), as well as a rather high price.

Prenoxdiazine (Libexin)

Rating: 4.7

Finally, in the fight against cough, sometimes it is necessary not to stimulate the discharge of phlegm, but to suppress the cough, which is excruciating, dry, irritating and debilitating to the patient. Such a cough can occur with some types of chronic bronchitis, but only a doctor should prescribe such medications. After all, if you make the wrong choice, then sputum will accumulate in the depths of the bronchi, and if it is not removed in a timely manner, it becomes infected, which causes the rapid attachment of a secondary infection, with a significant deterioration in well-being.

But in the first 2-3 days with flu, when the cough is absolutely sterile and exhausts the patient, you can use a drug such as Libexin. The active ingredient is prenoxdiazine, its task is to block the work of the stretch receptors of the bronchial walls. As a result, the level of the cough reflex decreases, the drug has an effect similar to a local anesthetic on the mucous membrane. Libeksin is usually prescribed one tablet three times a day, it is advisable to take it in short courses, and only as directed by a doctor.

This drug is used infrequently, its cost is on average 450 rubles. for one package of 20 tablets of 100 mg. It is produced by the Hungarian company 'Hinoin'.

Advantages and disadvantages

It is important that Libexin does not depress the respiratory center, like drugs containing codeine, and it does not cause drug dependence or addiction. This drug is indispensable in the event that it is necessary to conduct any research, for example, bronchoscopy in patients with chronic bronchitis. As a result of the suppression of the cough reflex, the doctor will be able to calmly and confidently conduct the study. But this drug is strictly prohibited for use in pregnant and lactating women, and can cause mild sedation, skin rashes or dry mouth. It goes without saying that it is not used together with expectorant drugs, as well as sputum-thinning agents. Finally, Libexin should not be confused with Libexin muco, which is a carbocysteine ​​and has the opposite effect.

If you use Libexin in a high dosage, then this can cause such a side effect as a slowdown in the reaction rate, therefore, it is not recommended to use the drug and drive a car together.

Best bronchodilators

Sometimes the manifestations of acute and chronic bronchitis proceed with signs of bronchial obstruction, and in this case it is necessary to add bronchodilators or bronchodilators to the treatment regimen. Bronchial obstruction, or spasm of the bronchi, quite often occurs in acute bronchitis in children, and is manifested by coughing fits that exhaust the patient, and at the height of the attack, light and transparent mucous sputum may be released. Expiratory dyspnea occurs when exhalation is difficult. In such cases, the use of bronchodilators is indicated. If we are talking about fast-acting drugs that are used infrequently, but occasionally – most often it is salbutamol. It belongs to the means of short-acting, and is able to well relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi after a short time (5 minutes).

Salbutamol (Ventolin)

Rating: 4.9

The action of salbutamol is based on the relaxation of the smooth muscles of the bronchi, it is used in inhalation and in prolonged-release tablets. The maximum speed of action of salbutamol allows it to be used for emergency care, relief occurs within 5 minutes, a maximum of an hour. The duration of the effect is 4-5 hours.

It is indicated for relieving bronchial obstruction against the background of exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, with bronchial asthma, emphysema. The most effective way to administer salbutamol is inhalation. You need to know how to use the inhaler, and at first it is advisable to do this under the supervision of medical personnel. Correct use is shaking the can, and simultaneously pressing the spray button and taking a deep, intense breath. After the penetration of salbutamol into the lungs, you must hold your breath for 10 seconds. Correct timing of nebulization and deep inhalation is very important and requires training.

Salbutamol is produced by several pharmaceutical companies, and the average cost of an aerosol can for 200 doses (100 mg per dose) is 125 rubles. If used correctly, this drug will last for a long time. It can be taken with you as an emergency aid for bronchospasm in persons with chronic bronchitis and polyvalent allergies, when bronchospasm can develop on flowering herbs, with symptoms of hay fever.

Advantages and disadvantages

It is advisable to use the drug as little as possible, since with frequent use, the so-called 'ricochet' syndrome develops. So, with bronchial asthma, this means that each subsequent attack of suffocation becomes more intense. In addition, the risk of developing such complications will be high with a sharp withdrawal of salbutamol, which has been used for a long time. You also need to know that for systematic use there are not short-acting, but long-acting drugs. Therefore, salbutamol is a 'one-off' remedy, then it would be the best choice. If you use it more than 4 times a day, then a side effect such as tremor, especially in elderly patients, or tachycardia may develop.

Ascoril

Rating: 4.8

In some cases, a mildly acting complex drug is shown, which combines an expectorant and bronchodilator action. Its components, in addition to salbutamol, are guaifenesin and bromhexine. Salbutamol sulfate in each Ascoril tablet is 2 mg, and bromhexine and guaifenesin, respectively, 8 and 100 mg. Bromhexine has an expectorant and mucolytic effect, guaifenesin reduces the viscosity of sputum, facilitates its excretion, improves the drainage function of the bronchial tree and increases the productivity of cough.

Salbutamol, as an agonist of beta-2 bronchial adrenergic receptors, eliminates bronchial spasm and reduces air resistance in the airways. Ascoril is prescribed as part of complex therapy, for obstructive forms of chronic bronchitis, as well as for more severe diseases, such as emphysema, asthma, some forms of pulmonary tuberculosis, as well as whooping cough, when the main clinical sign is a severe attack of suffocation.

Adults need to use the drug one tablet three times a day, the duration of the course is set by the doctor. This tool is produced by the Glenmark company from India, and the average cost of one pack of 20 tablets, calculated for about a week of use, is 310 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Guaifenesin and salbutamol are substances that, despite their joint high activity, have some contraindications. These are heart diseases accompanied by tachycardia, increased activity of the thyroid gland, glaucoma, arterial hypertension, as well as peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum in the acute stage. The funds are contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, as well as for children under 6 years of age. Do not prescribe Ascoril to patients with decompensated diabetes mellitus. Alkaline drinks should not be consumed with Ascoril, which is usually recommended for sputum discharge. But in the event that Ascoril is prescribed according to indications and a short course, then he is able to significantly improve the drainage function of the bronchi, prevent bronchospasm.

Atrovent (ipratropium bromide)

Rating: 4.7

In conclusion of the rating of bronchodilators, we will consider the popular drug Atrovent, which expands the bronchi due to the anticholinergic effect. It reduces the influence of the vagus nerve, causes blockade of cholinergic receptors in the bronchi, thereby suppressing the reflex to their narrowing. The drug is administered by inhalation and acts locally. This remedy is well suited for patients who are treating exacerbation of chronic bronchitis on an outpatient basis, who, after being in a smoky room, in cold air, have reflex bronchial spasm and suffocation.

Atrovent is indicated in patients with long-term chronic bronchitis, other forms of obstructive pulmonary disease, which are accompanied by a regular feeling of suffocation or shortness of breath, painful coughing fits and other manifestations of bronchial obstruction. Atrovent is used both in the form of a solution for inhalation and in the form of an aerosol. The solution for inhalation is used by adults 3 times a day, 40 drops through a nebulizer, first diluted with saline to a volume of 3 ml. Atrovent is produced by the German company Boehringer Ingelheim, and a 20 ml solution pack costs about 240 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Atrovent is well tolerated. It is practically not absorbed into the bloodstream, and such common anticholinergic effects as rapid heartbeat, dilated pupils, and urinary retention are almost never encountered. In rare cases, an allergic reaction may develop, but the most common are dry mouth and headaches. The drug is contraindicated only if patients have individual hypersensitivity to atropine. Atrovent is not used in pregnant women, especially in the first trimester and in children under 6 years of age. In the case of 2-3 trimesters, as well as during lactation, a specialist consultation is necessary: ​​the effect of using Atrovent should be higher than the possible risk to the fetus or child. But among the bronchodilating drugs Atrovent is widely used, the effect of taking it lasts up to 6 hours, and it causes systemic side effects.

The best remedies to fight inflammation

One of the most important pathogenetic stages in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis is the elimination of the inflammatory component. After all, bronchitis is, first of all, an inflammatory reaction of small bronchi, as a result of which the secretion and transport of bronchial mucus is impaired. Inflammation, despite the fact that it is a protective mechanism, in some cases contributes to the occurrence of the above-described bronchial obstruction syndrome.

In this case, the ongoing edema and changes in the properties of mucus cause bronchospasm and congestion. To stop the inflammatory process, various drugs are widely used that belong to the groups of NSAIDs, starting with acetylsalicylic acid. The most common indications in acute and chronic bronchitis for relief of the inflammatory syndrome are the occurrence of general malaise, the appearance of signs of intoxication and a rise in temperature. Consider the most commonly used effective remedies for bronchitis from the group of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Erespal (fenspiride)

Rating: 4.9

Erespal, or fenspiride, is a special anti-inflammatory agent from the group of antihistamines. It produces an anti-bronchoconstrictor effect, preventing the narrowing of small bronchial elements. The tool is available in the form of tablets or in the form of a syrup: it is a brownish-yellow transparent liquid. The drug reduces spasm of bronchial smooth muscles, prevents edema and reduces symptoms of exudation and inflammation.

Erespal is widely prescribed not only for various forms of acute and chronic bronchitis, but also for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, with tracheitis and laryngitis, with various forms of bronchial asthma, with hoarseness and sore throat, and other unpleasant respiratory symptoms. Erespal is also indicated in all cases when antibiotic therapy is prescribed for the treatment of respiratory tract infections. It should be used for adults from 3 to 5 tablespoons per day before meals – a significant amount. The duration of the course is determined by the attending physician. Erespal is produced by the domestic company Pharmstandard, and the average cost of a syrup in a 250 ml bottle is 450 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Erespal is a drug that belongs to antihistamines, therefore it is not recommended to combine it with drugs of the same class, alcohol and sedatives. It is not used in children under two years of age, and with increased sensitivity to fenspiride. In pregnant and nursing mothers, Erespal is also not recommended, but only due to the lack of necessary research. Quite often, while taking Erespal, (that is, from 1% to 10% of cases), various gastrointestinal disorders and loose stools may develop. But in general, this remedy works effectively for various inflammatory changes in the bronchial tree, and in the case of the timely appointment of Erespal, the need for antibiotic therapy sometimes disappears.

Coldrex HotRem

Rating: 4.8

This powder with vitamin C dissolves in hot water and is used most often for acute bronchitis, or with pronounced general manifestations, with fever, intoxication with exacerbation of chronic bronchitis. The product contains paracetamol as the main and safe drug from the NSAID group, phenylephrine and ascorbic acid.

Coldrex, when used regularly, produces anesthetic, antipyretic and decongestant effect. It is shown, in addition to acute and chronic bronchitis, with various forms of fever, with acute tonsillitis, with pharyngitis, with various forms of sinusitis Paracetamol has an antipyretic effect and anesthetizes, and phenylephrine excites alpha-receptors, which reduces both swelling of the nasal mucosa and others sections of the upper respiratory tract. Coldrex Hotrem is produced by the English company 'Glaxosmithkline', and the powder in bags number 10 can be purchased at a price of 309 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Coldrex will be its quick effect, and the ability to reduce fever, symptoms of intoxication, and normalize well-being. However, it should be remembered that he cannot cure bronchitis on his own, since it does not have an antimicrobial or antiviral effect. But if you use it together with mucolytics, expectorant drugs, and combine with an abundant vitamin drink, then with a quick start of treatment, you can sometimes get rid of it without antibiotic treatment. It must be remembered that this drug should not be used for severe liver and kidney disorders, and if the dose is exceeded more than 4 times a day, the result may be increased blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea, palpitations or insomnia.

Paracetamol (Efferalgan, effervescent tablets)

Rating: 4.7

Efferalgan is a 'pure' paracetamol, and it should be used for bronchitis if and only if there are severe symptoms of intoxication. These are malaise, fever, or fever, the appearance of unpleasant symptoms of a viral infection, for example, pain when moving the eyeballs, skin pain when combing hair, and other similar symptoms. It is used for chills, muscle aches. One of the most effective types of paracetamol is Efferalgan effervescent tablets. They are quickly absorbed. Paracetamol blocks cyclooxygenase, as a result, it relieves fever and relieves pain. Paracetamol does not have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, in the event that there is no pain and no temperature with bronchitis, then it should not be used. Usually he is prescribed one or two effervescent tablets 3 times a day, but no more than 8 tablets. Effervescent tablets are not allowed to be swallowed; they must be dissolved in a glass of warm water. Efferalgan is produced by the manufacturer 'Upsa', and 16 effervescent tablets with a dosage of 500 mg are inexpensive: only 155 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

It is important to remember that Efferalgan, as well as other anti-inflammatory drugs, do not treat bronchitis. They do not act on microbes, nor on the secretion of communication, nor on the improvement of expectoration. Their job is to relieve symptoms such as fever and pain. Usually, the agent is very well tolerated, and only occasionally can side effects occur, only in case of an overdose. Most often, there is nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pallor. To avoid overdose, it is advisable not to exceed the maximum daily dose of 8 tablets, and in no case should Efferalgan and other types of paracetamol be used for more than 3 days as an antipyretic agent. However, paracetamol is very effective in cases of common cold with fever, headache and muscle aches, and therefore it should be in any home medicine cabinet.

In conclusion, it should be said that in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, antiviral and antimicrobial agents are also used, depending on the duration of the disease, and on the indications. Since antibiotics are currently sold on the territory of the Russian Federation exclusively by prescription, it makes no sense to describe them, since they are not available commercially.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.