Mucolytics are medicines that modulate mucus production and decrease mucus viscosity. Their mucus thinning effects may improve mucociliary transport and thereby facilitate expectoration of mucus out of the distal bronchial tree [1]. Improved clearance and expectoration of mucus can prevent mucus plugging of small airways and may theoretically improve gas exchange and lessen the probability of post-obstructive infection. Through these complementary effects, mucolytics could potentially play a role in reducing exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [2]. Clinical trials have thus far not conclusively demonstrated that mucolytics are effective therapies for COPD http://ow.ly/wbLe30eKB7H

中文翻译：

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慢性阻塞性肺病的粘液溶解剂：谈判滑坡以证明疗效

粘液溶解剂是调节粘液产生和降低粘液粘度的药物。它们的粘液变薄作用可以改善粘液纤毛运输，从而促进粘液从远端支气管树中排出[1]。改善粘液的清除和咳出可以防止粘液堵塞小气道，理论上可以改善气体交换并减少梗阻后感染的可能性。通过这些互补作用，粘液溶解剂可能在减少慢性阻塞性肺疾病 (COPD) 的恶化方面发挥作用 [2]。迄今为止，临床试验尚未最终证明粘液溶解剂是 COPD 的有效疗法 http://ow.ly/wbLe30eKB7H