Does Albuterol help in breaking up mucus? (5+ methods)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether Albuterol helps in breaking up mucus or not, how Albuterol helps in breaking up mucus, and clinical research studies. We will also explore available treatment options for mucus clearance
Does Albuterol help in breaking up mucus?
No, Albuterol does not help in breaking up mucus. However, it does help in opening up the airways which in turn makes it easier to cough and remove mucus (1).
Albuterol is not primarily prescribed for breaking up mucus. For this purpose, there are other pharmacological and non-pharmacological ways that can be considered.
How can Albuterol help in mucus clearance?
Albuterol, a quick relief medication, is not mainly prescribed for mucus clearance but it can help in various respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treating wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest congestion (2).
It works by relaxing smooth muscles in the airways, breaking up mucus, and leading to ease in breathing. It is most commonly administered through inhalers and nebulizers (2).
It is important to consult your healthcare provider before taking Albuterol. Always stick to the dose prescribed and check the expiry date before using the drug.
What does research suggest?
Various research studies have shown that Albuterol is effective in relaxing airways which ultimately leads to the elimination of mucus by coughing. Thus, it helps in conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and COPD.
A study on one hundred adult patients with acute asthma, when treated with an Albuterol metered dose inhaler showed ease in symptoms and can be given at 60-min intervals with reduced adverse effects (3).
Another study revealed that patients who were treated with a standard dose continuous treatment regimen showed betterment in symptoms with minimum side effects (4).
What are the available treatment options for mucus clearance?
If you are looking for treatment options available for mucus clearance, consider the following pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods:
Pharmacological methods:
There are plenty of pharmacological methods to break up mucus. These are (5,6):
- Mucoregulators such as anticholinergic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and some macrolide antibiotics are much more effective for this purpose.
- Expectorants like Mucinex and Robitussin help in mucus clearance.
- Substances like surfactants e.g. Exosurf, Curosurf, and Infasurf act as adhesiveness reducers, lessening the attachment of mucus to cilia and epithelial tissues, thereby enhancing mucociliary clearance.
- Agents like bronchodilators, tricyclic nucleotides, and Ambroxol, known as microkinetic medications, enhance mucociliary clearance by affecting the function of cilia.
- In individuals with excessive mucus production, aerosolized medications like hyperosmolar saline and mannitol prove to be effective expectorants.
Non-Pharmacological methods:
Here are some non-pharmacological methods used for mucus clearance (7,8):
- Autogenic drainage involves controlled breathing exercises which help in mobilizing the mucus from smaller airways to larger ones, making it easier to cough up.
- A technique called Positive expiratory pressure(PEP) involves using a device to create resistance when exhaling, which helps to keep the airways open and mobilize mucus.
- In flutter valve therapy a handheld device is used that creates vibrations in the airways, helping to loosen and mobilize mucus.
- High-frequency chest wall oscillation and positive expiratory pressure are techniques used to facilitate airway clearance.
- Drinking warm liquids can help to loosen thickened mucus.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that the effectiveness of these treatments can differ based on the specific underlying condition responsible for mucus clearance difficulties. Consulting with a healthcare provider is advised to establish the most suitable treatment approach.
Final words:
In this article, we discussed Albuterol does not help in breaking up mucus but it can relax airway smooth muscles thus leading to mucus clearance. We also explored how Albuterol helps in the clearance of mucus, some research studies, and other treatment options available for mucus clearance.
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References
1.-
Johnson DB, Merrell BJ, Bounds CG. Albuterol. [Updated 2022 Sep 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482272/
2.-
AHFS Patient Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.; c2019. Albuterol; [updated 2020 Jun 24; reviewed 2018 Jul 5; cited 2020 Jul 1]; [about 5 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682145.html
3.-
Karpel JP, Aldrich TK, Prezant DJ, Guguchev K, Gaitan-Salas A, Pathiparti R. Emergency treatment of acute asthma with albuterol metered-dose inhaler plus holding chamber: how often should treatments be administered?. Chest. 1997 Aug 1;112(2):348-56. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0012369215530018#preview-section-snippets
4.-
Shrestha M, Bidadi K, Gourlay S, Hayes J. Continuous vs intermittent albuterol, at high and low doses, in the treatment of severe acute asthma in adults. Chest. 1996 Jul 1;110(1):42-7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0012369215463378
5.-
Rubin BK. The pharmacologic approach to airway clearance: mucoactive agents. Respir Care. 2002 Jul;47(7):818-22. PMID: 12088552. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12088552/
6.-
Balsamo R, Lanata L, Egan CG. Mucoactive drugs. European Respiratory Review. 2010;19(116):127-33. https://err.ersjournals.com/content/19/116/127#page
7.-
Coppolo DP, Schloss J, Suggett JA, Mitchell JP. Non-Pharmaceutical Techniques for Obstructive Airway Clearance Focusing on the Role of Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP): A Narrative Review. Pulm Ther. 2022 Mar;8(1):1-41. doi: 10.1007/s41030-021-00178-1. Epub 2021 Dec 3. PMID: 34860355; PMCID: PMC8640712. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8640712/
8.-
Saketkhoo K, Januszkiewicz A, Sackner MA. Effects of drinking hot water, cold water, and chicken soup on nasal mucus velocity and nasal airflow resistance. Chest. 1978 Oct 1;74(4):408-10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0012369215373876
