Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCharacteristicsCausesTreatmentWhen to Call a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Characteristics
Causes
Treatment
When to Call a Provider
A productive cough, also known as a wet cough, is one that brings up mucus (phlegm). These coughs are common with colds and other respiratory tract infections. Chronic lung diseases like COPD and cystic fibrosis can also cause a productive cough.
In contrast, a nonproductive (dry) cough does not bring upphlegmand is more common with asthma, allergies, flu, COVID-19, and medication side effects.
A productive cough can often be treated at home with humidifiers, warm tea, over-the-counter medications, and cough drops. It’s important to see your healthcare provider if your cough is severe or lasts more than three weeks. They may prescribe antibiotics if your cough isn’t getting better.
Ellen Lindner / Verywell
What Does Having a Productive Cough Mean?
A productive cough is one thatbrings up phlegmor saliva mixed with phlegm (sputum).It is often called a “chesty” or “wet” cough because you can hear a gurgling or rattling sound while you are coughing.
A productive cough usually happens when something irritates the lungs or airways, causinginflammation. With inflammation, tissues of the respiratory tract will swell and produce excess mucus. Coughing is a way for the body to expel the accumulated mucus.
Respiratory infections, chronic lung diseases, and inhaled irritants can trigger inflammation. Depending on the cause, the symptom may beacute(sudden, severe, and generally short-lived) orchronic(long-lasting or recurrent).
Wet Cough vs. Dry CoughDry coughs are more commonly associated with allergies, flu, COVID-19, and medications such asACE inhibitors. More serious causes includeheart failure,pneumothorax(a collapsed lung). andlung cancer.
Wet Cough vs. Dry Cough
Dry coughs are more commonly associated with allergies, flu, COVID-19, and medications such asACE inhibitors. More serious causes includeheart failure,pneumothorax(a collapsed lung). andlung cancer.
A productive cough is a symptom of many diseases, infections, and medical conditions. Some are relatively mild and others can be potentially serious.
Possible causes of a wet cough include:
How do you tell if a productive cough is from COVID?Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Most often, a COVID-19 cough is dry or unproductive. Some patients with COVID-19 do experience a wet cough, but the only way to know if this symptom is related to COVID-19 is to take a COVID test.People withCOVID-19may also develop a wet cough if the infection moves into the lungs and causes pneumonia.
How do you tell if a productive cough is from COVID?
Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Most often, a COVID-19 cough is dry or unproductive. Some patients with COVID-19 do experience a wet cough, but the only way to know if this symptom is related to COVID-19 is to take a COVID test.People withCOVID-19may also develop a wet cough if the infection moves into the lungs and causes pneumonia.
Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Most often, a COVID-19 cough is dry or unproductive. Some patients with COVID-19 do experience a wet cough, but the only way to know if this symptom is related to COVID-19 is to take a COVID test.
People withCOVID-19may also develop a wet cough if the infection moves into the lungs and causes pneumonia.
2:29How Pneumonia Occurs
2:29
How Pneumonia Occurs
How Can I Treat a Productive Cough?
The treatment of a productive cough varies according to the cause.
Even so, many cases can benefit from an over-the-counter (OTC)expectorantthat helps loosen and thin mucus so that it is easier to cough up.Guaifenesinis the most common expectorant used in OTC medications likeMucinex and Robitussin.
Wet coughs can often be treated at home with remedies like:
If these don’t help (or your symptoms are chronic or severe), your healthcare provider may recommend prescription drugs, including:
Chronic coughs associated with COPD and cystic fibrosis may require ongoing treatment with bronchodilators, inhaled steroids,oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Don’t Use Cough SuppressantsAcough suppressantcan make a productive cough worse because it reduces the excretion of mucus from the lungs. In some cases, using a cough suppressant for a wet cough can turn a minor illness like a cold into a more serious one, like pneumonia.
Don’t Use Cough Suppressants
Acough suppressantcan make a productive cough worse because it reduces the excretion of mucus from the lungs. In some cases, using a cough suppressant for a wet cough can turn a minor illness like a cold into a more serious one, like pneumonia.
If a Productive Cough Is Not Getting Better
A productive cough from a cold or minor respiratory infection typically lasts a week or two and can often be treated at home. However, it is important tosee a healthcare providerfor the following:
To diagnose the cause of your cough, the healthcare provider will review your medical history and perform a physical exam, paying close attention tolung soundson their stethoscope.
Other tests may be ordered, including:
When to Call 911
Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if:
Summary
A productive (wet) cough is one that produces phlegm. Common causes include colds, COPD, and pneumonia. Mild cases can usually be treated at home with over-the-counter expectorants and steam inhalation. Severe or chronic coughs may require prescription drugs and other therapies.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Cough.National Health Service (UK).Cough.Hughes R, Rapsomaniki E, Janson C, et al.Frequent productive cough: symptom burden and future exacerbation risk among patients with asthma and/or COPD in the NOVELTY study.Respiratory Med. 2022;200:106921. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2022.106921Ding H, Shi C, Xu X, Yu L.Drug-induced chronic cough and the possible mechanism of action.Ann Palliat Med. 2020;9(5):3562-3570. doi:10.21037/apm-20-819Martin MJ, Harrison TW.Causes of chronic productive cough: An approach to management.Respiratory Med. 2015;109(9):1105-13. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2015.05.020Song WJ, Hui CKM, Hull JH, et al.Confronting COVID-19-associated cough and the post-COVID syndrome: role of viral neurotropism, neuroinflammation, and neuroimmune responses.Lancet Respir Med. 2021;9(5):533-544. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(21)00125-9American Lung Association.Diagnosing and treating cough.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Cough.National Health Service (UK).Cough.Hughes R, Rapsomaniki E, Janson C, et al.Frequent productive cough: symptom burden and future exacerbation risk among patients with asthma and/or COPD in the NOVELTY study.Respiratory Med. 2022;200:106921. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2022.106921Ding H, Shi C, Xu X, Yu L.Drug-induced chronic cough and the possible mechanism of action.Ann Palliat Med. 2020;9(5):3562-3570. doi:10.21037/apm-20-819Martin MJ, Harrison TW.Causes of chronic productive cough: An approach to management.Respiratory Med. 2015;109(9):1105-13. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2015.05.020Song WJ, Hui CKM, Hull JH, et al.Confronting COVID-19-associated cough and the post-COVID syndrome: role of viral neurotropism, neuroinflammation, and neuroimmune responses.Lancet Respir Med. 2021;9(5):533-544. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(21)00125-9American Lung Association.Diagnosing and treating cough.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Cough.National Health Service (UK).Cough.Hughes R, Rapsomaniki E, Janson C, et al.Frequent productive cough: symptom burden and future exacerbation risk among patients with asthma and/or COPD in the NOVELTY study.Respiratory Med. 2022;200:106921. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2022.106921Ding H, Shi C, Xu X, Yu L.Drug-induced chronic cough and the possible mechanism of action.Ann Palliat Med. 2020;9(5):3562-3570. doi:10.21037/apm-20-819Martin MJ, Harrison TW.Causes of chronic productive cough: An approach to management.Respiratory Med. 2015;109(9):1105-13. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2015.05.020Song WJ, Hui CKM, Hull JH, et al.Confronting COVID-19-associated cough and the post-COVID syndrome: role of viral neurotropism, neuroinflammation, and neuroimmune responses.Lancet Respir Med. 2021;9(5):533-544. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(21)00125-9American Lung Association.Diagnosing and treating cough.
MedlinePlus.Cough.
National Health Service (UK).Cough.
Hughes R, Rapsomaniki E, Janson C, et al.Frequent productive cough: symptom burden and future exacerbation risk among patients with asthma and/or COPD in the NOVELTY study.Respiratory Med. 2022;200:106921. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2022.106921
Ding H, Shi C, Xu X, Yu L.Drug-induced chronic cough and the possible mechanism of action.Ann Palliat Med. 2020;9(5):3562-3570. doi:10.21037/apm-20-819
Martin MJ, Harrison TW.Causes of chronic productive cough: An approach to management.Respiratory Med. 2015;109(9):1105-13. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2015.05.020
Song WJ, Hui CKM, Hull JH, et al.Confronting COVID-19-associated cough and the post-COVID syndrome: role of viral neurotropism, neuroinflammation, and neuroimmune responses.Lancet Respir Med. 2021;9(5):533-544. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(21)00125-9
American Lung Association.Diagnosing and treating cough.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
