Cough drops are small lozenges designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth, providing temporary relief for throat irritation and cough discomfort. They work primarily by delivering soothing ingredients that coat the throat and temporarily reduce the cough reflex. Many people reach for these products hoping they will also help with a productive cough involving phlegm, a thicker mucus produced by the lower respiratory tract. Understanding the mechanics of lozenges versus mucus clearance is important for selecting the right approach to symptom relief.
The Primary Function of Cough Drops
The main purpose of a standard cough drop is to soothe the irritated lining of the throat. This is achieved through physical and chemical actions that target the cough reflex. Sucking on a lozenge stimulates saliva production, which naturally moistens the throat and reduces the dryness or scratchiness that often triggers a cough.
Active ingredients like menthol or mild anesthetics such as benzocaine provide a local, temporary numbing effect. Menthol activates the cold receptors in the mouth and throat, creating a cooling sensation and reducing the sensitivity of nerve endings responsible for sending cough signals to the brain. This topical action primarily addresses the symptom of irritation, suppressing the urge to cough that originates from the throat.
These drops function as demulcents or local anesthetics, coating the throat or dulling pain receptors. They are highly effective for a dry, irritating cough where the throat tickle is the problem. However, this mechanism does not chemically alter the volume or consistency of phlegm located deeper in the chest or airways.
Addressing Mucus: The Role of Specific Ingredients
For a cough to bring up phlegm, the respiratory system requires an expectorant, a substance that helps to thin and loosen secretions. The drug guaifenesin is the most common ingredient used to achieve this effect, working to increase the volume and reduce the stickiness of respiratory secretions, making them easier to expel. True expectorants systematically treat the mucus itself.
Cough drops, however, rarely contain guaifenesin, and if they do, the dose is often significantly lower than what is found in dedicated cold medicines. Therefore, a standard lozenge’s primary function remains cough suppression and soothing the throat, not mucolytic action. Ingredients like menthol may create a sensation of clearer airways due to the cooling effect on sensory nerves, but this is a sensory illusion, not a physical change to the phlegm.
The perception of improved breathing results from the stimulation of nasal cold receptors, making the user feel as if their airways are more open. While menthol suppresses the cough reflex, some studies suggest that overuse of high-concentration menthol drops might potentially lead to a “rebound” effect, worsening the cough severity or duration in some individuals.
Non-Medicinal Strategies for Mucus Relief
Since traditional cough drops do not chemically target phlegm, people with a chesty or productive cough can focus on non-medicinal, physical strategies to thin and move the mucus. The most straightforward approach is to maintain high levels of hydration throughout the day. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm liquids like broth or decaffeinated tea, helps to increase the water content in the respiratory secretions, which naturally reduces their viscosity.
Inhaling warm, moist air is another effective technique for loosening thick phlegm. Using a humidifier in the bedroom or spending time in a steamy bathroom during a hot shower can help moisturize the upper and lower airways. The inhaled moisture helps the phlegm become less sticky, making it easier for the body’s natural ciliary action to move it up and out of the lungs.
Simple postural adjustments can also assist in drainage by relying on gravity. Elevating the head of the bed or lying in specific positions can encourage mucus to move out of the smaller airways. Additionally, gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat while also potentially loosening phlegm that is caught in the back of the throat.