Why productive cough

Airway clearance devices, such as the oscillating positive expiratory pressure PEP device, use pressure and vibration to help shift phlegm from the airways during exhalation. This helps improve cough efficiency. A review investigated the efficacy of PEP therapy in the treatment of stable bronchiectasis. The review included seven studies involving a total of participants. The researchers found that PEP therapy improved cough effectiveness and sputum expectoration compared with no treatment.

Gargling with salt water is an easy home remedy that may help alleviate a wet cough. The salt water may decrease mucus in the back of the throat, thereby reducing the need to cough.

A range of different salt water recipes are available. Most, including that of the American Dental Association , recommend mixing half a teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water. People should consider gargling this a few times per day to reduce phlegm. The treatment options for a wet cough also depend partly on the cause. Some more specific treatments include:. Antibiotics are helpful for a wet cough that occurs due to a bacterial infection. One review found that taking appropriate antibiotics can improve a chronic wet cough among children with bacterial bronchitis.

People who experience a wet cough due to CHF may receive drugs called diuretics, which help relieve fluid retention. This, in turn, can reduce the amount of fluid in the lungs, which can help alleviate a wet cough. In some cases, a wet cough may indicate a serious underlying health condition, such as a lung or heart condition. If a person is in any doubt as to the cause of their wet cough, they should make an appointment to see their doctor.

People should see a doctor as soon as possible if they experience any of the following symptoms alongside a cough:. A wet cough occurs as a result of excess fluid or mucus in the airways.

A range of conditions can cause a wet cough, including respiratory infections, chronic lung conditions, and CHF. Once a doctor has diagnosed the underlying cause of a wet cough, a person can begin appropriate treatment. The treatment will depend partly on the cause of the wet cough. If your wet cough has been going on for more than a few weeks, it could be caused by:. In children, coughs are caused by a viral infection most of the time. The next most common cause is asthma. All other causes of wet cough in children, such as the following, are rare :.

Most coughs can be diagnosed with a simple physical exam. If your cough is long-lasting or severe, or you have other symptoms like fever, weight loss, and fatigue, your doctor may want to order additional tests. For the majority of wet coughs caused by a virus such as a cold or flu, treatment is unnecessary. Viruses must simply run their course. Bacterial causes require antibiotics. If you or your child is having trouble sleeping, you may want to use something to help lessen phlegm and cough.

Dry coughs can be painful and difficult to control. They happen when your respiratory system is inflamed or irritated, but not producing excess mucus. Dry coughs are common in the weeks following a respiratory infection.

Once the excess mucus is cleared, a dry cough can linger for weeks or even months. Consult a doctor if your cough has been going on for more than two weeks. Mucus with a foul smell can also be a sign of a more serious infection. Wet coughs are most often caused by minor infections. If your cough has been going on for two weeks or more, see your doctor.

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Productive Coughs. Topic Overview A productive cough helps clear mucus sputum and foreign material from the airways.

A productive cough is a more serious when: It produces sputum from the lungs not postnasal drainage. The sputum is rust-colored or contains bright red blood. It lasts longer than 10 days. A productive cough is a more serious when: It produces sputum from the lungs not post-nasal drainage. The sputum is rust-coloured or contains bright red blood.

It lasts longer than 10 days. It occurs with other symptoms. These may include: Fever and chills. Shortness of breath. Chest pain. Night sweats. Weight loss.