ANTITUSSIVE AGENTS Meaning and
Definition
-
Antitussive agents are a class of drugs that are used to alleviate or suppress coughing. Coughing is a natural reflex action that helps to clear the respiratory tract of foreign substances, irritants, or excess mucus. However, persistent or excessive coughing can be distressing and can be a symptom of various underlying conditions such as the common cold, bronchitis, or asthma.
Antitussive agents work by directly acting on the cough reflex in the brain, the respiratory center, or the cough receptors in the airways to reduce the intensity or frequency of coughing. They help to suppress the urge to cough, providing temporary relief and allowing the individual to rest and recover.
There are different types of antitussive agents available, including opioids (such as codeine), non-opioids (such as dextromethorphan), and combination medications that may also contain expectorants or decongestants. Opioids act by depressing the cough reflex center in the brain, while non-opioids work by affecting the signaling pathways involved in coughing.
Antitussive agents should be used cautiously as they can mask the underlying cause of coughing, which may need to be addressed. They are typically used for short-term relief of acute coughing caused by minor respiratory tract infections or irritations. However, if coughing persists or is accompanied by other severe symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Common Misspellings for ANTITUSSIVE AGENTS
- zntitussive agents
- sntitussive agents
- wntitussive agents
- qntitussive agents
- abtitussive agents
- amtitussive agents
- ajtitussive agents
- ahtitussive agents
- anritussive agents
- anfitussive agents
- angitussive agents
- anyitussive agents
- an6itussive agents
- an5itussive agents
- antutussive agents
- antjtussive agents
- antktussive agents
- antotussive agents
- ant9tussive agents
- ant8tussive agents
Etymology of ANTITUSSIVE AGENTS
The word "antitussive" is derived from the Latin word "anti" meaning "against" and the Latin word "tussis" meaning "cough". The term "agent" refers to a substance that produces a specific effect. Hence, "antitussive agents" are substances or drugs that work against coughing.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
