Which drug class is indicated for treating thick secretions in the airway?

Expectorants are indicated for treating thick secretions in the airway because they work by thinning and loosening mucus in the respiratory tract. This action enhances the clearance of mucus and facilitates a more productive cough, enabling patients to expel mucus more effectively. When respiratory secretions are thick, it can lead to blockages, discomfort, and infection; thus, expectorants are particularly useful to help alleviate these symptoms.

In contrast, antihistamines primarily relieve symptoms related to allergies by blocking histamine, but they can actually thicken mucus, which may exacerbate airway issues. Decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion but do not directly address the viscosity of mucus in the airway. Antitussives are intended to suppress cough, which is not beneficial when the goal is to clear thick secretions; instead, they can lead to retained mucus and potential complications.