The latest research shows that ambroxol is a kind of new mucus solvent. In addition to its expectorant effects, there are a variety of pharmacological effects. This paper reviews the application of aerosol inhalation of ambroxol in prevention and treament of pulmonary complications of postoperative patients in recent years, focused on its mechanism, efficacy, timing of medicine, adverse reaction, incompatibility of drugs in a prescription, and so on.