Cold & Flu Symptoms What’s Causing This Productive Cough? A Wet Cough That Brings Up Phlegm or Sputum By Kristina Duda, RN Kristina Duda, RN Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 11, 2023 Medically reviewed by Sameena Zahoor, MD Medically reviewed by Sameena Zahoor, MD LinkedIn Sameena Zahoor, MD, is a board-certified specialist in family medicine. She works at the Hope Clinic, which provides free primary medical care to uninsured and under-insured patients, as a physician and is based in Michigan. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Characteristics Causes Treatment When to Call a Provider A productive cough, also known as a wet cough, is one that brings up mucus (phlegm). 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. In contrast, a nonproductive (dry) cough does not bring up phlegm and is more common with asthma, allergies, flu, COVID-19, and medication side effects. This article describes the common causes of a productive cough, as well as how the symptoms are treated and when it is time to see a healthcare provider. Ellen Lindner / Verywell What Are the 3 Types of Coughs? What Does Having a Productive Cough Mean? A productive cough is one that brings up phlegm or saliva mixed with phlegm (sputum). It is often called a “chesty” or “wet” cough because you can hear a gurgling or rattling sound while you are coughing. A productive cough usually happens when something irritates the lungs or airways, causing inflammation. 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. Depending on the cause, the symptom may be acute (sudden, severe, and generally short-lived) or chronic (long-lasting or recurrent). Wet Cough vs. Dry Cough Dry coughs are more commonly associated with allergies, flu, COVID-19, and medications such as ACE inhibitors. More serious causes include heart failure, pneumothorax (a collapsed lung). and lung cancer. How to Get Rid of a Dry Cough What Causes a Productive Cough? A productive cough is a symptom of many diseases, infections, and medical conditions. Some are relatively mild and others can be potentially serious. Possible causes of a wet cough include: Bronchiectasis: The permanent enlargement of the airways by many causes Bronchitis: Inflammation of the large airways of the lungs (bronchi) Bronchiolitis: Inflammation of the smaller airways of the lungs (bronchioles) Common cold: An upper respiratory infection caused by a variety of viruses Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A progressive lung disease strongly associated with cigarette smoking Croup: A group of conditions in children that cause breathing problems and a barking cough Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disease that causes the excesses production of mucus in the lungs and other parts of the body Pneumonia: A lower respiratory infection that causes the air sacs of the lungs (alveoli) to fill with mucus and fluid Postnasal drip: The drainage of mucus from the nasal passages to the airways caused by allergies and upper respiratory infections Toxic exposure: Caused by the inhalation of smoke, industrial fumes, and other aerosolized toxins Whooping cough: A childhood bacterial respiratory infection, also known as pertussis How do you tell if a productive cough is from COVID? Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Most often, a COVID-19 cough is dry or unproductive. Some patients with COVID-19 do experience a wet cough, but the only way to know if this symptom is related to COVID-19 is to take a COVID test. People with COVID-19 or the flu may also develop a wet cough if the infection moves into the lungs and cause pneumonia. 2:29 How Pneumonia Occurs How to Get Rid of a Rattly, Productive Cough The treatment of a productive cough varies according to the cause. Even so, many cases can benefit from an over-the-counter (OTC) expectorant that helps loosen and thin mucus so that it is easier to cough up. Guaifenesin is the most common expectorant used in OTC medications like Mucinex and Robitussin. Wet coughs can often be treated at home with remedies like: Humidifiers or vaporizers to increase air moisture and ease chest congestion Steam inhalation in a shower or over a steaming pot of water to help loosen phlegm Warm tea with honey to help ease coughing Cough drops containing menthol, eucalyptus oil, or honey OTC pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) OTC antihistamines like Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine) to ease postnatal drip OTC decongestants like Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) to ease chest congestion If these don't help (or your symptoms are chronic or severe), your healthcare provider may recommend prescription drugs, including: Cough syrups containing the opioid drug codeine and the antihistamine promethazine Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections Bronchodilators like albuterol to open narrowed airways Oral or inhaled corticosteroids (steroids) to reduce lung inflammation Chronic coughs associated with COPD and cystic fibrosis may require ongoing treatment with bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Don't Use Cough Suppressants A cough suppressant can make a productive cough worse because it reduces the excretion of mucus from the lungs. In some cases, using a cough suppressant for a wet cough can turn a minor illness like a cold into a more serious one, like pneumonia. How to Pick OTC Cough Medicine If a Productive Cough Is Not Getting Better A productive cough from a cold or minor respiratory infection typically lasts a week or two and can often be treated at home. However, it is important to see a healthcare provider if: Your cough is severe Your cough lasts longer than three weeks You cough up yellowish-green phlegm (a sign of a severe lung infection) You cough up pink or red sputum (a sign of bleeding) You have a fever over 103 degrees F To diagnose the cause of your cough, the healthcare will review your medical history and perform a physical exam, paying close attention to lung sounds on their stethoscope. Other tests may be ordered, including: Complete blood count (CBC): A blood test that can check for signs of infection Arterial blood gas (ABG): A blood test that checks oxygen levels in the blood Sputum culture: Used to identify specific infections or respiratory diseases Chest X-ray: Used to check for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or pneumonia Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): A battery of breathing tests that help analyze and measure the volume and strength of your lungs When to Call 911 Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if: You are coughing up blood You have a high fever accompanied by shortness of breath and wheezing You are unable to swallow You have severe chest pains When to Seek Treatment for a Cough Summary A productive (wet) cough is one that produces phlegm. 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. 7 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. MedlinePlus. Cough. National Health Service (UK). Cough. Hughes R, Rapsomaniki E, Janson C, et al. Frequent productive cough: symptom burden and future exacerbation risk among patients with asthma and/or COPD in the NOVELTY study. Respiratory Med. 2022;200:106921. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2022.106921 Ding H, Shi C, Xu X, Yu L. Drug-induced chronic cough and the possible mechanism of action. Ann Palliat Med. 2020;9(5):3562-3570. doi:10.21037/apm-20-819 Martin MJ, Harrison TW. Causes of chronic productive cough: An approach to management. Respiratory Med. 2015;109(9):1105-13. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2015.05.020 Song WJ, Hui CKM, Hull JH, et al. Confronting COVID-19-associated cough and the post-COVID syndrome: role of viral neurotropism, neuroinflammation, and neuroimmune responses. Lancet Respir Med. 2021;9(5):533-544. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(21)00125-9 American Lung Association. Diagnosing and treating cough. By Kristina Duda, RN Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit