Glossary

Acute
Description of a disease or symptoms of short duration that are not expected to repeat, in contrast to a chronic condition.

Airways
The organs of the upper and lower respiratory tract that enable air to move into and out of the body

Allergy
A physical reaction against and normally harmless substance (known as an allergen) which causes the immune system to overreact e.g. with watering eyes, red swellings on the skin, sneezing or coughing.

Antibiotic
Medicine that fights a bacterial infection. Antibiotics will not help with a viral infection such as cold or flu.

Antitussive
Another term for cough suppressant. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide is one example used in Bisolvon Dry

Asthma
A chronic condition often starting in childhood that requires expert medical attention. It involves inflammation of the airways which leads to episodic constriction of the airways. This can become life-threatening. Professional medical advice is required.

Bacteria
Microorganisms some of which can attack the human body and cause infections. Cough with yellow or green phlegm might be a symptom of a bacterial infection.

Bromhexine hydrochloride
The active ingredient in Bisolvon Chesty. It is a mucolytic, and is proven to be effective in breaking down excess mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear the chest.

Bronchitis
An inflammation of the bronchi usually caused by viral infection. Symptoms include persistent cough with mucus.

Chesty cough
A wet cough that produces mucus.

Chronic
Description of a persistent illness. If referring to a cough: lasting more than three weeks. All chronic health conditions require professional medical assistance.

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide
The active ingredient in Bisolvon Dry. It is a cough suppressant (also known as antitussive) that works by stopping the urge to cough, and has a proven history as an effective way to relieve a dry cough.

Expectorant
Medicine that increases the volume of mucus in the airways to make it easier to remove by coughing.

Fever
Fever is the body's reaction to infection and other illnesses. Normal body temperature is between 36.1 and 37.5 °C measured with an thermometer in the oral cavity. A person whose temperature is 37.5 °C or above, has a fever.

Hay fever
An allergy reaction to the pollen of plants that causes symptoms similar to a cold.

Immune system
The complex body system of organs, tissues, cells, and cell products (e.g. mucus) that protects the body from potentially harmful organisms or substances and help to fight against invaded microorganisms.

Inflammation
The redness, swelling and pain in a part of the body that results from infection. Inflammation in the airways can lead to cough, nasal congestion and fever.

Lungs
The main organs of the respiratory system where the exchange of oxygen into the blood stream and removal of waste carbon dioxide from the blood stream takes place.

Mucolytic
Type of medicine that helps thin mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear the chest

Mucus
Also known as phlegm, mucus is a slippery secretion that aids in the protection of the lungs by trapping foreign particles that enter the airways during normal breathing.

Obstruction
Object (food, parts of toys etc) can accidentally block someone’s airways and cause an obstruction. Seek emergency help immediately.

Phlegm
See Mucus

Productive cough
Same as “chesty cough”

Respiratory
To do with breathing.

Soluble
Dissolves in water

Viral
Illness or reaction caused by a virus

Virus
A microscopic agent, smaller than bacteria, that infects living cells and uses the cell to keep itself alive and to reproduce. Some kinds of viruses cause respiratory diseases such as influenza and the common cold.