11/25/2024
According to data from the American Lung Association, more than 35 million people in the US suffer from chronic respiratory diseases like Asthma and COPD. These numbers will only increase further if we take into account people suffering from the “Big Five.” The big five include five major respiratory diseases, such as Asthma, COPD, Lower respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis (TB), and Lung cancer. The big five include both acute conditions (like lower respiratory tract infections, Lung cancer, and TB) and chronic conditions (Asthma and COPD). The causes leading to such conditions could be various, such as air pollution, smoking or second-hand smoke, allergens, occupational hazards, etc. All this can cause inflammation of the airways, make breathing difficult, and impact the quality of your life and that of your loved ones.
The respiratory conditions can be tackled with regular chest physiotherapy, breathing exercises, better air quality, lifestyle changes, and medications. One of the popular medications prescribed to clear the mucus from the airways and ensure smooth breathing is the Acetylcysteine tablet. Your healthcare expert will prescribe the right dosage and treatment plan after a thorough analysis. You might be prescribed Acetylcysteine 600 mg Generic Tablet independently or as a combination medication based on your health condition. In this blog, we will learn how Acetylcysteine can be useful in mucus relief and lung health.
Acetylcysteine is an FDA-approved drug available over the counter (OTC) and as a prescription medication. It is available under the brand names Mucomyst and N-acetylcysteine. Although the brand drugs are slightly costlier, one may buy Generic Acetylcysteine 600mg tablets, which are as effective as the brand one. Acetylcysteine belongs to the class of medicines called mucolytics. They effectively clear excessive mucus from the airways caused by various respiratory and lung diseases. In addition to tablet form, Acetylcysteine is also available in solution form for inhalation and injections.
Acetylcysteine makes breathing easier and smoother by effectively clearing the mucous that could be present in the airway due to the conditions mentioned below:
Asthma
COPD
Pneumonia
Bronchitis
Emphysema
Cystic fibrosis
In addition to the above-mentioned conditions, Acetylcysteine may also be used as a remedy for acetaminophen overdose. This drug could also be used for other purposes, as suggested by your doctor.
Due to various lung and respiratory disorders, sticky mucous may be present in the respiratory passage. Acetylcysteine assists in smooth breathing by breaking up and thinning the thick mucous in the airways, making it easier to spit out. A clearer airway allows air to flow freely to the lungs.
Please adhere to your healthcare provider’s instructions and take the medication as prescribed.
The Acetylcysteine 600mg tablet is to be taken orally with water.
In case you have missed a dose, take it at the earliest upon remembrance.
Try to take the medication around the same time every day to avoid forgetfulness.
Do not alter the dosage or the treatment span unless recommended by your doctor.
Do not terminate the treatment plan without your doctor’s consent. Otherwise, symptoms such as wheezing and breathing issues may get worse.
A nebulizer would be required to inhale the acetylcysteine solution. A nebulizer is a device that converts the solution into a mist, which is then inhaled by the mouth.
Acetylcysteine injection should be taken by a professional at a clinic or hospital.
Before you start taking Acetylcysteine, you must exercise certain precautions to get the maximum benefits from this drug and mitigate the risks, if there are any. Kindly follow the guidelines below:
Go through the patient leaflet form before you start taking this medication.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to the active ingredient of this medication or any other drug.
You must inform your doctor about all medications you might be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal drugs, and other supplements. This will help your doctor assess the risk of drug interaction.
Inform your doctor of your present and past medical conditions.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for it.
If you are a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor, as the medication may pass into the milk and may pose a risk to the baby.
People with asthma should be cautious and ensure somebody is around them, as Acetylcysteine may cause breathing issues.
The side effects of Acetylcysteine are bifurcated into common and serious side effects. The common side would wean off within a few weeks. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, please contact your doctor. Some of the symptoms for common side effects are mentioned below:
Fever, nausea and vomiting
Frequent coughing, running nose, and chest congestion
Mouth sores, drowsiness
Wheezing sound
The serious side effects of Acetylcysteine need immediate medical attention. Upon witnessing the below-listed symptoms, stop taking the medication and seek medical help.
Chest Tightness
Facing trouble breathing, racing heart
Swelling of the throat, face, lips, and mouth
Swollen lymph nodes and trouble swallowing
Stomach cramps and pain in the joints.
Besides taking medications, one must incorporate healthier habits in their daily life for better lung function and smooth breathing.
Quitting to smoke is the best gift you can offer to your lungs. This would quickly improve your lung health. Even second-hand smoke may cause respiratory infections.
Regular exercise keeps your heart healthy, and oxygen is transported easily to the muscles and other body parts. Hence, you don’t run short of breath.
Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet. A well-hydrated body helps keep the mucosal lining in the airways and lungs thin, which improves lung function.
Get annual check-ups done to know how your lungs are performing.
Minimize your exposure to air pollution. Try to keep your house free of smoke and other pollutants, which will improve indoor air quality.
Techniques such as deep breathing help the lungs function better and minimize stress.
Just like any other part of our body, even our lungs require proper care. A healthy pair of lungs would keep other parts healthier. Therefore, we must stay physically active, follow a healthy diet, give up on smoking, and get our lungs examined yearly. Practicing these will minimize the risk of breathing conditions and ensure better functioning of our lungs. If lifestyle changes alone do not bring positive results, the drug Acetylcysteine could be of great help. It will help get rid of excessive mucous from the airways and broaden them, allowing free flow of air and making breathing easier and smoother. However, before you buy Acetylcysteine 600mg Tablet and start taking this medication, consult your doctor first.
Comments