Is Your Cough a Productive cough?

productive cough

Is your cough a productive cough?

It’s surprising to think that a cough could actually be helpful. But coughing is one of the body’s most important defence mechanisms. Without it dust and dirt could pass directly into the lungs, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. When you cough, it helps to clear the lungs and throat of unwanted particles like secretions, irritants, and other foreign bodies.1,2

In general, common coughs can be divided into two main categories: productive and dry.1 Knowing which kind of cough you have can help determine which treatment is best.

Productive cough

A cough is called a productive cough if it brings up mucus, or phlegm, from the lungs or throat.1

In most cases, people will develop a productive cough as a symptom of the common cold or the flu.1,2 Phlegm often collects in the lungs, or drains down the back of the throat. When this occurs, the body must force the mucus out of the lungs and airways – which it does with a productive cough.

Dry cough

A dry, or unproductive, cough does not produce any phlegm or mucus.  A dry cough is due to inflammation of the throat or upper airways.3 The body reacts to this inflammation the same way it reacts to excess secretions – by trying to cough it out of the airways.

A cough may come on as the result of a cold, flu, sinus infection, or after exposure to respiratory irritants. Other common causes of chronic dry coughing include asthma, allergies, smoking, post-nasal drip, acid reflux disease, the use of certain medications, or other lung diseases.1,2

Should you treat your cough by helping it, or suppressing it?

How best to treat a cough depends on the type of cough it is.

In general, a productive cough should not be suppressed, as it clears phlegm from the lungs and airways.2

An expectorant can help the body clear this mucus by breaking it down,1 thus making it easier for the body to cough it up.2 These medicines are often available over-the-counter.

Dry coughs can be controlled with cough suppressants – though these may cause drowsiness.2

These lessen the urge to cough. Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air can also help,1 especially if it a cough is keeping you awake at night.

For either a dry cough or a productive cough be sure to stay well hydrated with lots of fluids1 and to avoid inhaled irritants. Throat lozenges may additionally help to soothe sore, scratchy throats.1

In most cases, coughs will clear up in 2 to 3 weeks.1, 2 If a cough persists longer or is associated with other symptoms, check with your doctor or pharmacist.1 Coughing up blood can also be a sign of a chronic or serious condition1 and you should consult your physician immediately.

References

  1. Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia. Entry: Cough. U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003072.htm . Accessed September 2010.
  2. UK NHS Choices. Cough. Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cough/Pages/Introduction.aspx. Accessed September 2010.
  3. Common Cold Centre. Cardiff University. General common cold information. Available at: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/biosi/subsites/cold/commoncold.html. Accessed September 2010.