A<unk>  is any agent which dissolves thick mucus usually used to help relieve respiratory difficulties. (hydrolyzing glycosaminoglycans: tending to break down/lower the viscosity of mucin-containing body secretions/components).  The viscosity of mucous secretions in the lungs is dependent upon the concentrations of mucoprotein, the presence of disulfide bonds between these macromolecules and DNA.<unk> s:
N-acetylcysteine: an aerosolized<unk>  often used as adjunctive therapy for pulmonary complications of cystic fibrosis (CF) in combination with vigorous chest physiotherapy.  N-acetylcysteine acts to split the sulfide bonds in the macromolecules thereby decreasing viscosity, allowing for removal by normal chest physiology. The action of N-acetylcysteine is pH dependent.<unk>  action is significant at ranges of pH 7-9.(1)
Natural<unk> s:
Mugwort
Bromelain
Papain
Clerodendrum
Non-Mucolytics:
Guaifenesin: increases volume and decreases viscosity of respiratory tract secretions.  (Robitussin)
EXPECTORANTS should not be confused with a<unk> . Expectorants increase mucous production.
Mucolytic agent
Immunostimulator
Marine toxins
Hemostatic agent
Carcinogen
Food additive
Microorganism
Allergen