How does cough medicine break up the mucous in the lungs?

Question

How does cough medicine break up the mucous in the lungs?

In: 31

Answer 1

If you’re talking about true cough suppressant (q.v. dextromethorphan), it doesn’t. It actually interferes with your brains ability to detect tiny foreign objects and irritation in your throat. Expectorants (q.v. guaifensen) increase the amount of moisture secreted in your throat and lungs, thereby making it easier to cough up the resulting mucous.