Mucolytic: meaning, definitions and examples
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mucolytic
[ mjuːˈkɒlɪtɪk ]
medical treatment
Mucolytic refers to a type of medication or substance that breaks down mucus, making it thinner and easier to expel from the respiratory tract. These agents are commonly used to treat conditions that involve excessive mucus production, such as chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The doctor prescribed a mucolytic to help clear my chest congestion.
- Mucolytic agents can be beneficial for patients with asthma.
- During the cold season, many people use mucolytic syrups.
- The efficacy of mucolytic therapy was evaluated in the clinical study.
Etymology
The term 'mucolytic' is derived from the Greek word 'mucus,' which means 'slime' or 'snot,' and 'lytic,' which comes from the Greek word 'lytikos,' meaning 'able to loosen' or 'dissolve.' This formation reflects the drug's function of breaking down mucus, thus easing its elimination. The use of mucolytics in medicine has evolved over the years, with early applications observed in respiratory diseases where mucus clearance is essential to alleviate coughing and improve breathing. As medical understanding of the respiratory system grew, the development of various mucolytic agents became important in treating conditions characterized by thick or retained mucus. This progression has led to the synthesis of numerous mucolytic compounds in contemporary pharmacology, tailored to address specific health needs.