Topical aspects of the use of phytopreparations in acute infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract

Abstract

Acute infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract today belong to the category of the most common pathological conditions. Most often they occur in the form of acute nasopharyngitis, acute rhinosinusitis and acute laryngitis, the clinical of which consists of such symptoms as general weakness, hyperthermia, nasal blockage and nasal discharge, dysosmia, pain and tickling in the throat, cough, dysphonia. The need to select a safe and effective mucoactive therapy justifies the use of the phytopreparation in this pathology, the main active ingredient of which is an extract of ivy leaves. Also in the composition of the drug includes anise oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil and levomenthol. The mechanism of action of is associated with α-hederin contained in ivy leaves. This substance, binding to the beta-adrenoreceptors of the bronchi, causes relaxation of their smooth muscles. In addition, thanks to the saponins contained in the leaves of common ivy, a mucolytic and expectorant effect is achieved. Literature data show that ivy leaf preparations significantly reduce the severity of acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract. Virtually none of the patients had severe side effects. Allergic reactions were recorded in less than 0.5% of cases, with no mention of a severe allergic reaction of the anaphylaxis type. Thus, the drug of plant origin in the form of drops can be successfully used in patients with symptoms of acute respiratory diseases.

Keywords

• acute respiratory diseases
• acute rhinosinusitis
• acute nasopharyngitis
• acute laryngitis
• cough
• phytotherapy
• mucolytics
• ivy leaf extract