A productive cough helps clear mucus (sputum) and foreign material from the airways. Mucus may be made in the lungs because of
bronchitis ,pneumonia , orchronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Colds and allergies may produce mucus that drains down the back of the throat (
postnasal drainage ). Home treatment may be all that is needed to provide relief if you have a productive cough and postnasal drainage but do not have other symptoms.A productive cough in a person who smokes is often a sign of lung damage. For smokers, the most effective way to treat a cough is to stop smoking. A change in the cough or in the color or quantity of sputum may mean a bacterial lung infection.
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.
- It occurs with other symptoms. These may include:
- Fever and chills.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
- Night sweats.
- Weight loss.
- You have a known exposure to tuberculosis.
A doctor can evaluate your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
Current as of: August 6, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.