Which medication is an expectorant used to loosen secretions in chronic bronchitis?

Which medication is an expectorant used to loosen secretions in chronic bronchitis?

• A. Guaifenesin
• B. Diphenhydramine
• C. Albuterol
• D. Acetaminophen

Answer: (A)

An expectorant to loosen secretions helps clear the airways by thinning and hydrating mucus, making it easier to cough up. Guaifenesin works by increasing the hydration of the secretions, reducing their viscosity so cilia can move mucus toward the mouth more readily. In chronic bronchitis, where a productive cough with thick mucus is common, this helps mobilize secretions and improve airway clearance. The other medications don’t fit this purpose: diphenhydramine dries secretions and can actually thicken mucus, albuterol treats bronchospasm by bronchodilating but doesn’t directly thin secretions, and acetaminophen doesn’t affect mucus or coughing.

An expectorant to loosen secretions helps clear the airways by thinning and hydrating mucus, making it easier to cough up. Guaifenesin works by increasing the hydration of the secretions, reducing their viscosity so cilia can move mucus toward the mouth more readily. In chronic bronchitis, where a productive cough with thick mucus is common, this helps mobilize secretions and improve airway clearance. The other medications don’t fit this purpose: diphenhydramine dries secretions and can actually thicken mucus, albuterol treats bronchospasm by bronchodilating but doesn’t directly thin secretions, and acetaminophen doesn’t affect mucus or coughing.