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Acute

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

Adhatoda vasica

A shrub that grows on the plains of India; it has been used in traditional Indian medicine for millennia to treat respiratory disorders. It contains the active ingredient vasicine.

Airways

The organs of the upper and lower respiratory tract that enable air to move into and out of the body: the mouth, nasal cavity, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli.

Alveoli

Tiny, balloon-like organs in the lungs that enable the exchange of fresh oxygen from inhaled air into the blood stream, and waste carbon dioxide out of the blood stream into the air to be exhaled.

Allergy

A physical reaction against an external irritant (allergen) which causes the immune system to overreact e.g. with watering eyes, red swellings on the skin, sneezing or coughing.

Ambroxol

The active ingredient in Mucosolvan®; an expectorant that enhances the bronchial secretions thereby loosening congested phlegm. Ambroxol increases the body's production of surfactant. Furthermore, Ambroxol has been shown to have local aesthetic properties which contribute to its soothing effect.

Antitussive

Another term for cough suppressant.

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.

Ayurveda

Ancient Indian traditional medicine system. The word comes from the Hindu language and refers to "life" or "long life" (ayus) and "knowledge" (veda). See also: Adhatoda vasica.