Understanding Why Cough and Breathing Difficulty Occur

A cough is not a disease on its own — it is a symptom that appears in response to various underlying conditions affecting the respiratory system. In many cases, especially with colds, flu, and bronchial infections, a wet or productive cough develops as the body tries to clear excess mucus from the airways.

As discussed in our previous article, the body increases mucus production during respiratory infections as part of its natural immune defense. This mucus is designed to trap bacteria, viruses, and irritants so they can be expelled.

However, when too much mucus accumulates, it can become problematic.

How Mucus Build-Up Affects the Airways

When mucus builds up in the throat and lungs, it leads to congestion. In more severe cases, it can cause noticeable difficulty in breathing.

This happens because the excess mucus:

• Lines the walls of the airways

• Reduces the internal space through which air can pass

• Causes the air passages to become narrower and restricted

As the airways narrow, airflow becomes limited. This makes each breath feel heavier, shallower, and more effortful. In order to restore comfortable breathing and relieve symptoms, it is essential to both clear the mucus and open the airways.

Why Widening the Airways Is So Important

The airways are surrounded by smooth muscles that can tighten in response to inflammation, irritation, or infection. When these muscles contract:

• The airways become even narrower

• Breathing becomes more difficult

• Coughing may intensify

• Chest tightness may be felt

This narrowing can be especially uncomfortable in people with sensitive airways, children, and those suffering from respiratory conditions.

Widening the airways helps:

• Improve airflow in and out of the lungs

• Reduce the feeling of tightness in the chest

• Support more effective coughing and mucus clearance

How Prospan® Supports Airway Widening

Prospan® supports recovery by working with the body’s natural mechanisms. It does not simply suppress symptoms, but helps the respiratory system function more efficiently.

Prospan® acts through:

• Liquefaction of mucus, which makes phlegm easier to move and expel

• Relaxation of the airway muscles, which leads to the widening (dilation) of the airways

By relaxing the smooth muscles around the airways, Prospan® allows the passages to open up, making it easier for air to flow freely in and out of the lungs.

The Combined Benefit: Easier Breathing and Better Mucus Clearance

When the airways are widened and mucus is liquefied at the same time:

• Mucus is expelled more easily

• Congestion is reduced

• Breathing becomes deeper and more comfortable

• The chest feels lighter and less tight

This dual action is particularly helpful in cases of wet cough, where both mucus buildup and airway narrowing are present.

Patients often notice:

• Less effort when breathing

• Reduced wheezing or tightness

• A more productive cough

• Faster relief from chest congestion

Why This Effect Is Especially Important for Children and Infants

Newborn babies and young children naturally have much smaller airway passages than adults. Even a small amount of mucus or swelling can significantly reduce airflow.

In such cases, airway narrowing can:

• Quickly lead to breathing difficulty

• Cause distress and restlessness

• Interfere with feeding and sleep

By helping to widen the airways and liquefy mucus, Prospan® supports gentle and effective relief, making breathing easier for children and infants during respiratory infections.

Prospan® and Respiratory Conditions

Thanks to its unique dual action on mucus and airway muscles, Prospan® has been found to be helpful in many acute and chronic respiratory conditions.

Clinical studies have shown that Prospan® can support recovery in:

• Acute bronchitis

• Upper respiratory tract infections

• Chronic cough conditions

Research has also indicated that people with asthma may experience additional comfort when using Prospan® alongside their prescribed therapy, as it helps reduce airway tightness and supports mucus clearance.
Prospan® does not replace prescribed asthma medications but can be used as supportive care.

Prospan®’s Proven 4-Fold Effect

Prospan® works through four complementary actions that support the respiratory system:

• Liquefies mucus – making thick phlegm easier to expel

• Widens the airways – allowing air to flow more freely

• Alleviates inflammation – soothing irritated airways

• Relieves coughing – supporting effective, productive cough

Together, these effects help restore breathing comfort and support natural healing.

A Natural Approach to Easier Breathing

By opening the airways and helping clear mucus, Prospan® supports:

• Better airflow

• Reduced congestion

• Less chest tightness

• A smoother, more comfortable recovery

Instead of forcing the body, Prospan® works in harmony with your natural defenses.

Final Thoughts

Breathing should feel easy and natural. When mucus buildup and airway narrowing interfere with this process, discomfort and fatigue quickly follow. With its unique widening effect, Prospan® helps open the airways, clear congestion, and support the body’s natural healing process.

Thank you for reading.
We hope your days remain clear, comfortable, and cough-free.