Efficacy of the use of phytotherapy – thyme and ivy liquid extract – in rehabilitation after coronavirus infection
Abstract. The development of effective rehabilitation methods after coronavirus infection as a preventative measure for arising of chronic bronchopulmonary pathology is an actual point in medical practice. In this context, phytotherapy using thyme and ivy liquid extract, which has a complex effect – expectorant, secretolytic, broncholytic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral – is of interest.Chelnokova O.G.
The aim: to evaluate the efficacy of thyme and ivy liquid extract in rehabilitation of patients after coronavirus infection still having persistent cough.
Material and methods. A non-randomized prospective cohort study was performed among 281 patients aged 18 to 72 years who had recovered from mild to moderate COVID-19 infection and still had persistent cough. 73 patients with bacterial pneumonia and 46 individuals with newly diagnosed chronic bronchopulmonary disease were excluded from the study. Patients were seeking medical care as outpatients in real clinical practice. 49 participants were treated with oral ambroxol, 56 with acetylcysteine, and 57 with liquid ivy leaf extract and thyme herb extract (Bronchipret® syrup). The duration of therapy in all cases was 10–14 days.
Results. Mucolytic therapy for acute bronchitis after coronavirus infection that was used in the study demonstrated a positive clinical effect in 82–84% of cases, in case of good tolerability of the drugs. At the same time, the efficacy of the mucolytics used varied. Thyme and ivy liquid extract demonstrated several advantages over ambroxol and acetylcysteine, including its higher overall efficacy, with complete relief of respiratory complaints in 73.2% of patients, significant resolution of opal-glass opacities in 75%, and also accelerated regression of respiratory symptoms within a week, which prevented post-COVID syndrome.
Conclusion. Use of phytotherapy with thyme and ivy liquid extract for persistent respiratory complaints following coronavirus infection is an effective and safe rehabilitation method due to the multifunctionality of the components of the drug.
Keywords
coronavirus infection
rehabilitation
phytotherapy
thyme and ivy extract
respiratory complaints
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About the Authors
Olga G. Chelnokova, MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), associate professor, head of the Department of phthisiology, Yaroslavl State Medical University of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia. Address: 150000, Yaroslavl, 5 Revolyutsionnaya St.E-mail: chelnokova@bk.ru
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8774-5990
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