Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) has been investigated as a supportive treatment for asthma primarily due to its mucolytic and antioxidant properties. NAC is a precursor to glutathione, a major intracellular antioxidant, and can decrease the viscosity of mucus by disrupting disulfide bonds in mucoproteins. This theoretical basis is supported by several small clinical studies and preclinical research suggesting that NAC may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the airways—factors implicated in asthma pathophysiology.

However, the clinical evidence for its efficacy in asthma is limited and somewhat inconsistent. Some studies have reported modest improvements in airway function or symptoms, particularly in patients with chronic bronchitis or asthma with excessive mucus production. A few older randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have suggested possible benefits in airway clearance, but these findings are not robust or universally replicated. Moreover, major asthma treatment guidelines do not recommend NAC as a standard therapy for asthma, and most large, contemporary RCTs focus on its use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not asthma.

In summary, there is a scientific rationale and some clinical research supporting the use of NAC as an adjunctive therapy in asthma, particularly for its mucolytic effect. However, the overall quality and quantity of evidence are low, and routine use is not widely endorsed by asthma management guidelines.

More about N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
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