Mucolytics: when dispensable, when necessary?

Many patients with chest disease have difficulty in clearing their chests of sputum. A variety of substances have been used in an attempt to help them. Mucolytic drugs can alter the rheological properties of mucus by acting directly on the secretions or by modifying the metabolic activity of the mucus secreting cells. Many physicians and patients are certain to reap a benefit. This paper will discuss the effectiveness of mucolytic therapy.