17.02.2 Expectorants

Expectorants aid in removal of sputum from the bronchial passages. The most common used expectorant is water, which is taken as steam from hot water in a basin or in a nebuliser. The medicine used most commonly to remove sputum is the muscarinic receptor antagonist ipratropium bromide, which is administered by inhalation. Both of these agents, water and ipratropium bromide act by thinning secretions and thereby keeping airways and organ ducts patent (open). This is an effective way of combating opportunistic infections.