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 important defense mechanisms. Coughing helps maintain healthy lungs. 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.^1,2 Knowing which kind of cough you have can help determine how to best deal with it.

Productive cough

A cough is called a productive cough if it brings up mucus, or phlegm, from the lungs or throat.^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 and may be described as dry, tickly or irritating.  A dry cough can be the result of a cold, flu, sinus problem, or after exposure to respiratory irritants such as cigarette smoke or air polution.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. These medicines are often available over-the-counter.

As coughs usually resolve on their own,^2,3 you may not need to take any medications, but just let it run its natural course.^3,4  However, if the coughing is bothering you may wish to take a medicine that will help relieve your symptoms.

Australian health authorities recommend that cough and cold medicines should not be given to children younger than 6 years old, and should only be given to children aged 6 to 11 years on the advice of a doctor, pharmacist or nurse practitioner.⁴

Dry coughs can also be controlled with cough suppressants as these can lessen the urge to cough – though these may cause drowsiness.²

Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air can also help,¹ especially if 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 by itself in 2 to 3 weeks.^{1, 2} If a cough persists longer or is associated with other symptoms, check with your doctor or pharmacist.^1,2

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