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.
It’s important to see your healthcare provider if your cough is severe or lasts more than three weeks.
Ellen Lindner / Verywell
They may prescribe antibiotics if your cough isn’t getting better.
Ellen Lindner / Verywell
What Does Having a Productive Cough Mean?
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.
The dry cough is due to ongoing irritation of the airways that makes them more sensitive.
More serious causes includeheart failure,pneumothorax(a collapsed lung).
Causes
A productive cough is a symptom of many diseases, infections, and medical conditions.
Some are relatively mild and others can be potentially serious.
Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19.
Most often, a COVID-19 cough is dry or unproductive.
People withCOVID-19may also develop a wet cough if the infection moves into the lungs and causes pneumonia.
How Pneumonia Occurs
How Can I Treat a Productive Cough?
The treatment of a productive cough varies according to the cause.
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.
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American Lung Association.Diagnosing and treating cough.
