Many people are confused when they need to purchase a cough syrup. It is important to know the difference between expectorants and cough suppressants, because taking the wrong type of cough syrup can actually keep a person from getting better when he or she is ill. Expectorants cause mucus and other substances blocking the air tubes that go to the lungs to become thinner, so they are easier to cough up.
Expectorants are especially important to take if a person is or needs to cough up mucus.
For example, for someone with pneumonia, coughing is helpful and should not be stopped because it clears the airway of mucus. The result of using an expectorant is that coughing becomes easier and less irritating, and chest congestion is relieved, making breathing easier. Other expectorants that contain the same ingredients also have this advantage. A cough suppressant simply lessens a person's urge to cough and should not be used if the cough is wet sounding and produces mucus. However, if the cough is hacking and does not produce mucus, then a cough suppressant may be useful to allow the person to cough less and make him or her feel generally more comfortable and sleep better.