Coughs affect almost everyone at some time in their life. A cough that produces mucus is known as productive cough. An allergen or irritant in the air, such as smoke, dust, or pollen, can cause a productive cough. It can also occur as a result of a bacterial infection in the lungs or airways, or as a result of a lung ailment.

Productive cough vs Non-Productive cough

Coughing can be divided into two types, productive or non-productive. A productive cough is one that causes phlegm or mucus to be coughed out. A cough that does not produce any phlegm or mucus is known as a non-productive cough.

Coughing is usually an instinctive response that helps eliminate mucus or irritants from the airways. Coughs usually go away in three weeks and don’t require medical treatment. Certain problems, however, will necessitate medical treatment and management.

When should I concerned about a productive cough?

Counsel a specialist assuming your cough has been happening for over about fourteen days. If you’re experiencing problems breathing, coughing up blood, or notice a blue skin tone, seek medical help right away. A foul-smelling mucus might indicate a more serious illness. These are causes of productive cough.

Treatment of Productive Cough 

When you have a productive cough, the goal of treatment is to increase the cough’s efficacy in clearing the airways, rather than suppressing it. The origin and duration of a productive cough determine the appropriate therapy.

• Medications for cough

Mucosolvan Chesty Cough Syrup & Mucosolvan long-acting (LA) capsules are two medications that can be used to treat productive coughs. There are many cough syrup for children and adults. Cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under the age of six. Cough drugs should not be given to children aged 6 to 11 years old, according to your doctor or pharmacist.

• Expectorants

Expectorants are medications that aid in the loosening and expulsion of mucus from the lungs. It is one of the best medicine for cough. Guaifenesin, ammonia, senega, sodium citrate, and ipecacuanha are among them. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, and rash are all possible side effects.

• There are cough treatments that contain both an expectorant and a mucolytic. Some cold and flu combo products include an expectorant and mucolytic.  Antihistamines, pain relievers, and cough suppressants are some of the other constituents. People with a productive cough should avoid combination products that contain a cough suppressant. Check the active components in any combination product carefully. You risk doubling up on components if you take a combo product and subsequently take additional medications. 

How Do You Know If Your Cough is Productive?

When you cough out mucus or phlegm, you have a productive cough. You may experience congestion and a rattling or tight chest. When you wake up from a nap or chat, your symptoms are usually worse. After a common cold illness, the wet cough may be the last symptom.