Though many of us would prefer to avoid coughing, this natural reflex actually helps protect our lungs and airways against certain irritants, such as dust, germs, pathogens, and mucus buildup.1
While it is a natural and often beneficial response, not all coughs are the same. Understanding the differences between productive and non-productive coughs can help you better understand what’s going on and when to seek medical attention.
Why Do We Cough?
Think of the last time you drank too fast and started coughing. While many of us are quick to say it went “down the wrong tube,” the water was likely blocking your windpipe. So, to help prevent you from choking, your body coughed the water up and out.
Coughing isn’t always a bad thing. However, when it becomes persistent or causes other symptoms like shortness of breath or wheezing to develop, it could be a sign of something that requires medical attention.
In this article, we’ll break down productive vs. non-productive cough, what each type means, and why our bodies trigger these types of responses.
Productive vs. Nonproductive Cough
A simple way to remember the difference between the two types of coughs? A productive cough clears mucus from your lungs, while a non-productive cough is often the result of other underlying conditions. But let’s look at both individually.
Productive Cough Meaning
When you experience a productive cough, your airways and lungs work together to produce mucus or phlegm and propel it out of your body.
Another way to think about a productive cough is as a “wet cough.” Though it might sound or feel unpleasant, it should be a relief. It’s a sign that your lungs are trying to expel foreign contaminants (dust, germs, etc.) from your body.
Why Do We Experience Wet Coughs?
A wet cough could be triggered by:
- Recent respiratory infection, such as the common cold or the flu
- Congestive heart failure
- Pre-existing chronic lung conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or bronchiectasis2
Is a Wet Cough Good?
While coughing can be uncomfortable, a wet cough is good in some ways—it’s a sign that your body is breaking the mucus up, making it easier to get up and out of your lungs.
Non-Productive Cough Meaning
With a non-productive cough, the airways and lungs cannot successfully move mucus or phlegm up and out, which can lead to a respiratory infection.3
As you’ve probably guessed, a non-productive or dry cough is the opposite of a wet one.4
“A dry cough doesn’t produce mucus. Because there isn’t mucus blocking the lungs or airways, nothing comes out when you cough. This lack of mucus (phlegm) makes it an unproductive cough.”5
Why Do We Experience Dry Coughs?
Certain underlying conditions, including asthma, can narrow the airways in the lungs and lead to dry coughing. Post-nasal drip (when mucus from your sinuses drips to the back of your throat, causing irritation) can also contribute to dry cough symptoms.6
Coughs, whether wet or dry, can be painful, especially in your chest, back and the rest of your body. That’s a big reason why some people may experience fatigue after a coughing spell:
“When coughing, a person uses many muscles in the chest, back, and abdomen. An intense cough or many days of coughing can exhaust these muscles, making them feel sore or painful.”7
It’s recommended that if your cough lasts more than eight weeks, it could be a sign of a severe condition, such as COPD or bronchiectasis.8
Does COVID-19 Produce a Wet or Dry Cough?
Most coughs related to COVID-19 are dry or unproductive, but in more severe cases, a wet cough can develop.9
What To Do About a Wet Cough
Though it can feel and sound painful, remember that a wet or productive cough helps break up mucus and prevent a thick, sticky buildup of phlegm in the lungs.
There are treatments to help improve the effectiveness of a wet cough, such as airway clearance: “Airway clearance devices…use pressure and vibration to help shift phlegm from the airways during exhalation. This helps improve cough efficiency.”10
Airway clearance is often recommended for wet coughs from an underlying condition that causes mucus buildup in the lungs. Bronchiectasis, for instance, can repeatedly (and permanently) damage the bronchial tubes that carry air, leading to widening airways and lung inflammation and irritation.
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“[Bronchiectasis] produces excess mucus, which can trigger a wet cough. Excess mucus production, leading to a buildup within the bronchial tubes, also increases the risk of a lung infection” 11. Airway clearance helps bronchiectasis patients manage their chronic cough and inflammation symptoms to prevent the onset of infection.
For a wet cough from a cold or flu, your doctor may recommend the following home remedies:
Drink Warm Fluids
Staying hydrated is crucial, even if you’re not feeling under the weather. But if you are sick and experiencing a wet cough, fluids can loosen up mucus and keep it moving so it doesn’t build up and worsen symptoms.
Warm, non-caffeinated beverages—herbal teas, clear broths, and water—can help alleviate cold or flu symptoms, which may include sore throat or fatigue.12
Introduce Steam Into Your Sinuses
A hot bath, shower, or homemade steam bowl allows steam to enter your airways gently and relieve chest congestion symptoms.13 After you finish, drink a glass of water to help prevent dehydration.
A bedside humidifier can also help by adding moisture to prevent irritation in your lungs or airways. This is especially helpful if you live in a dryer climate or during the cold, dryer months of the year.
Gargle Salt Water
If you’re also experiencing a sore throat alongside your wet cough, your clinician may advise you to gargle salt water: “Salt water reduces phlegm and mucus in the back of the throat, which can lessen the need to cough.”14
How to Gargle Salt Water: Mix half a teaspoon of salt into an 8-oz glass of warm water. After the mixture dissolves and is cool enough, take a sip, and without swallowing the substance, allow it to sit at the back of your throat for a minute or two. Gargle the water gently before spitting it into the sink. Don’t drink any of the salt water.
Sleep With Your Head Elevated
Sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce coughing at night by preventing mucus from pooling in your throat.15
When to Contact Your Doctor
If you experience a persistent wet cough (a cough that lasts longer than a few days) or you’re experiencing:
- Green or yellowish phlegm
- Mucus with a distinct odor
- Significant fever or chills
- Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet
- Chest pain
it could indicate something more serious, such as an underlying lung or heart condition, and you should contact your doctor.16
If you’re unsure about your symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and explain what you’re experiencing. They can prescribe the best treatment plan to help alleviate symptoms.
What To Do About a Dry Cough
As mentioned, most dry coughs result from an underlying condition. For that reason, we recommend consulting your clinician before using over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines.17
You may also decide to try a few home remedies to help relieve your dry cough. As with a wet cough, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking water and using a humidifier.18
Adults can also try swallowing a spoonful of honey. Studies have shown that honey can stop coughs in adults, often better than OTC medicines, such as cough drops.19
When to Contact Your Doctor
According to experts, contact your clinician if a persistent dry cough leads to chest pain, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, or wheezing.
If your cough produces blood, contact your healthcare team immediately and follow their instructions!
Get More Healthy Lungs Resources
If you want to learn more, feel free to browse through our extensive library of resources, including:
- Airway clearance
- COPD
- Bronchiectasis
- And more!
Request a free informational packet to learn more about the benefits of airway clearance via the SmartVest Airway Clearance System, including relieving mucus buildup. You can also contact our Patient Care Advocate team at 1.855.528.5690 to discuss if SmartVest could be an option for you.
Resources:
[1] American Lung Association. “Learn About Cough.” Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/warning-signs-of-lung-disease/cough/learn-about-cough
[2] Medical News Today. “Wet Coughs: What to Know.” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327442
[3] Medical News Today. “What to Know About a Cough with Mucus.” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cough-with-mucus
[4] Medical News Today. “Wet Coughs: What to Know.” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327442
[5] Cleveland Clinic. “Dry Cough and Chest Tightness.” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21888-dry-cough-and-chest-tightness
[6] Medical News Today. “What Can Cause Dry Cough.” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324912
[7] Medical News Today. “Why Does My Chest Hurt When I Cough.” Retrieve from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chest-hurts-when-i-cough
[8] Mayo Clinic. “Chronic Cough.” Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-cough/symptoms-causes/syc-20351575
[9] Medical News Today “Tips for Clearing Phlegm with COVID-19” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mucus-in-chest-that-wont-come-up-covid
[10] Medical News Today: “Medical News Today. “Wet Coughs: What to Know.” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327442
[11] Medical News Today. “Medical News Today. “Wet Coughs: What to Know.” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327442
[12] Medical News Today. “What Can I Do To Make My Cough Go Away?” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322394#twelve-natural-cough-remedies
[13] Medical News Today. “What Can I Do To Make My Cough Go Away?” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322394#twelve-natural-cough-remedies
[14] Medical News Today. “What Can I Do To Make My Cough Go Away?” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322394#twelve-natural-cough-remedies
[15] Medical News Today. “Coughing at Night” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319498
[16] Medical News Today: “Medical News Today. “Wet Coughs: What to Know.” Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327442
[17] Cleveland Clinic. “Dry Cough and Chest Tightness.” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21888-dry-cough-and-chest-tightness
[18] Cleveland Clinic. “Dry Cough and Chest Tightness.” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21888-dry-cough-and-chest-tightness
[19] Cleveland Clinic. “Dry Cough and Chest Tightness.” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21888-dry-cough-and-chest-tightness