Althea from cough: all the secrets of using althea for coughing

Althea has long been used for coughing to facilitate the discharge of sputum. It helps relieve inflammation and gives the patient the ability to breathe normally. Syrups with this component help not only children, but also adults. You need to figure out from what cough they are prescribed, as well as how to take them correctly.

How althea works on the respiratory tract

Althea syrup has a reflex expectorant effect, as well as a local anti-inflammatory. It reduces the viscosity of the secretion secreted by the bronchi. Plant mucus covers the mucous membranes, thereby forming a protective layer that protects against irritation.

Additionally, the components of the drug stimulate the immune system, relieve pain and irritated walls of the stomach and intestines. When used in combination with other anti-inflammatory drugs, it prolongs their action.

Composition and features of althea syrup

The key component of the composition, in accordance with the instructions, is an extract of althea root. The active active ingredients are pectins, polysaccharides and amino acids. The combination of all these components causes such features of the syrup:

  • soothing a strong “barking” cough;
  • envelopment and softening of the membranes of the respiratory tract;
  • reducing the severity of inflammatory processes;
  • sputum thinning;
  • facilitating the removal of sputum from the respiratory tract.

Medicine is most often recommended to be taken as an adjuvant, complementing other medicines. It only reduces the severity of symptoms, but does not cure the disease itself and does not destroy pathogenic microorganisms.

Indications for use, dosage

Since the syrup has an expectorant effect, it is primarily recommended to take it not with a dry, but with a wet cough with hard-to-separate sputum. In addition, the drug is prescribed for such pathologies:

  • acute and chronic bronchitis;
  • laryngitis;
  • pharyngitis;
  • bronchial asthma;
  • whooping cough.

Additionally, you should take drugs that will contribute to the treatment of the disease itself. It is noted that althea syrup can not be taken simultaneously with antitussive drugs, as this makes it difficult to cough up liquefied sputum.

The traditional dosage of syrup is 15 milliliters. Take a medicine should be from 4 to 6 times a day, although it all depends on the course of the disease and the recommendations of the doctor. Adults and children over 14 years of age should use a tablespoon of syrup after meals, after shaking it. The duration of the course of treatment is usually 7-14 days.

Children from 2 to 6 years old when coughing need to take a teaspoon of medication 4-6 times a day. Children before taking pre-syrup althea diluted with boiled water. The duration of the course is discussed with the doctor individually, but usually it is about a week.

Restrictions, contraindications and side effects

Usually, althea syrup is normally tolerated by both adults and children. He has practically no contraindications. Nevertheless, people with diabetes should take it with caution – sucrose is present in the composition. The same applies to those who eat foods with a reduced carbohydrate content.

Contraindications such hypersensitivity to individual components of the drug; not recommended for pregnant women, diabetes mellitus, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins.

A possible side effect is an allergic reaction to the medicinal herb included in the composition. At the same time, if there are other alarming symptoms that are not indicated in the instructions, it is recommended to immediately report them to the doctor. Probably, althea syrup is not suitable, and it must be replaced with another remedy.

Overdose is observed in rare cases and only with malicious violations of the regimen. The body’s usual reaction to this is nausea and vomiting. If the patient has severe intoxication, gastric lavage is required.

Althea home remedies

It is easy to prepare funds based on althea at home. Folk doctors offer syrups, tinctures and infusions, teas and juices.

For tea, leaves or roots are taken. To dilute the unpleasant taste, it is recommended to add something sweet to the drink. Both sugar and its substitute will do.

You can also mix heated sugar syrup with althea root powder. The latter is also sometimes combined with water and honey, it helps to relieve coughing. The resulting product is suitable for gargling. A leaf-based infusion is ideal for improving the condition during pneumonia or severe flu.

Questions and answers

For the treatment of which cough is althea prescribed?

Althea facilitates the release of sputum from the respiratory tract, so it is advisable to prescribe it for coughing, when it is separated with difficulty. It is effective for bronchitis, whooping cough, inflammation of the lungs, to mitigate severe attacks.

Does althea have contraindications for use?

The main contraindication is intolerance to the components that make up the composition. Also, do not take syrup in diabetes mellitus and together with other antitussive drugs. It is also not recommended for pregnant and lactating women.

Is althea prescribed for the treatment of diseases of the digestive system?

The enveloping properties of althea allow it to be used in diseases of the digestive system such as gastritis, stomach ulcer or 12 duodenal ulcer. In addition, althea root reduces the acidity of gastric juice and treats diarrhea.

Is it allowed to drink althea syrup with a dry cough?

Can be taken with any type of cough.

How to take althea for children, for adults?

Adults or children over 14 years of age – 1 tablespoon (15 ml) 4-6 times a day.

Children from 2 years old – a teaspoon up to 4-6 times a day pre-diluted with boiled water.

Should I take expectorants during the day or at night?

Althea and other expectorants work best during the daytime. An expectorant will intensify the cough to clear the airways. Although you can take it at night, but this will adversely affect the quality of sleep.

Which is better: the root of the licorice or alteen syrup?

Licorice root has a wider range of applications and indications. But at the same time, it has many side effects and contraindications. Althea syrup is safer.

There is no definitive answer. The best drug is selected individually, depending on the clinical picture.

Is althea syrup prescribed during pregnancy?

No.

What are the possible side effects of taking althea?

The main side effect is allergies. In case of an overdose, symptoms of poisoning are observed.

Is althea used in cosmetology?

Yes, althea helps to restore the skin, and also reduces the severity of inflammation. It is often prescribed for increased dryness. Also, the medicinal plant improves the condition of the hair and reduces their loss.

A list of references where there are scientific conclusions regarding the therapeutic use of althea root:

  1. Assessment report on Althaea officinalis L., radix Final. 12 July 2016. EMA/HMPC/436680/2015. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC).
  2. WHO MONOGRAPHS ON SELECTED MEDICINAL PLANTS, VOLUME 2.
  3. E/S/C/O/P Monographs: The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products.
  4. British Herbal Medicine Association. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, 4th ed. Exeter, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association; 1996.
  5. Althea. HerbalGram. The Journal of the American Botanical Council. issue75/ Nov. 1, 2007.
  6. Instructions for medical use of the drug althea root syrup.

Author: Natalia Kandybey, Candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Quality Director of the Pharmaceutical Factory “Viola”

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