Chesty cough: What can help and when to worry

Overview

A chesty cough is a wet or productive cough that expels mucus or phlegm from the lungs. It is very common during cold and flu season or after viral infections.

Usually, it’s your body clearing out irritants, but in some cases, it can signal an underlying health issue that needs attention.

What is a chesty cough?

A chesty cough occurs when coughing brings up phlegm or mucus from the airways. This differs from a dry cough, which does not produce mucus.

The extra phlegm is your body’s way of trapping and clearing viruses, bacteria, or irritants from the lungs. Chesty coughs are common during colds and flu, as well as after recovery from infections such as RSV or COVID-19.

Causes of a chesty cough

The most common causes of a chesty cough include the following.

1. Viral infections (most common)

• Common colds, RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 can trigger a chesty cough as your airways produce extra mucus while healing.

2. Bacterial infections

• Conditions such as pneumonia and bacterial bronchitis can produce thicker mucus and may feel more severe.

3. Asthma (especially in children)

• Asthma can cause wet, wheezy coughs, particularly in children.

4. Smoking or vaping

• Smoking and vaping inflame the airways, leading to increased mucus production and chest congestion.

5. Environmental triggers

• In Australia, exposure to bushfire smoke, pollution, and dust commonly irritates the airways and increases phlegm.

6. Chronic respiratory conditions

• Conditions such as COPD and chronic bronchitis can cause ongoing mucus buildup and a long-lasting chesty cough.

What mucus colour may mean

The colour of mucus can offer clues about what’s happening in your airways, though it should never be used alone to diagnose an infection.

Important: Mucus colour alone cannot diagnose an infection. Duration of symptoms and accompanying signs are more important.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a chesty cough may include the following.

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Fever or body aches (if infection is present)

What helps a chesty cough

Here are some practical ways to help ease a chesty cough and support recovery.

1. Stay hydrated

• Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus, making it easier to cough up.

2. Steam and warm showers

• Warm steam may help loosen mucus and relieve chest congestion.

3. Honey (adults and children over one year)

• Honey can soothe the throat and reduce coughing. Do not give honey to infants under 12 months.

4. Over-the-counter options

• Expectorants: May help thin mucus
• Saline nasal spray: Helps relieve postnasal drip
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen: Helps manage fever or body aches

5. Breathing exercises

• Gentle breathing exercises or chest physiotherapy can help clear mucus from the lungs.

6. Avoid smoking and vaping

• Avoiding airway irritants supports healing and reduces ongoing inflammation.

7. Rest and gentle activity

• Rest helps your immune system recover, while light movement can assist with loosening phlegm.

When treatment depends on the cause

Not all chesty coughs are the same, so identifying the underlying cause is important for effective treatment.

• If viral: Rest, fluids, and self-care are usually sufficient.
• If bacterial (pneumonia or bronchitis): Your GP may prescribe antibiotics.
• If asthma-related: Inhalers or preventer medications may be needed.
• If allergy-related: Antihistamines or nasal sprays can help.
• If reflux-related: Dietary changes and reflux medications may be recommended.

When to worry

Seek urgent GP review if you experience any of the following.

• Cough lasting longer than 3 weeks
• High fever or chills
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood
• Thick green or brown mucus with worsening symptoms
• Symptoms in babies, older adults, or immunocompromised people
• Signs of pneumonia such as breathlessness or a fast heart rate

Chesty cough in children

Chesty coughs are common in children after viral infections, but certain symptoms need urgent attention.

• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Fast breathing or trouble feeding
• Blue lips or extreme lethargy

If you notice any of these signs, seek medical care immediately.

How Hola Health can help

Hola Health offers convenient support for managing a chesty cough through telehealth services.

• Online telehealth consultations for cough assessment
• Prescriptions for asthma, infections, or related conditions
• Medical certificates for work or school
• Referrals for chest X-rays or further tests if required
• Guidance on mucus colour changes and symptom management

Conclusion

A chesty cough is often part of the body’s natural process of clearing mucus after a viral illness. Most cases improve with rest, fluids, and supportive care. However, if your cough persists, worsens, or feels unusual, it’s important to speak with a GP to rule out underlying conditions.

FAQs

How long does a chesty cough last?

A chesty cough commonly lasts from a few days to a few weeks after a cold or flu. If it lasts longer than three weeks or keeps returning, consult a GP.

Is green mucus always an infection?

No. Green or yellow mucus is common during viral infections and does not always indicate a bacterial infection or the need for antibiotics.

Should I take antibiotics?

Antibiotics are only recommended if your GP confirms a bacterial infection such as pneumonia. They are not effective against viral illnesses.

Can allergies cause a chesty cough?

Yes. Postnasal drip caused by allergies can lead to mucus buildup in the chest and a productive cough.

When should I get a chest X-ray?

Your GP may recommend a chest X-ray if your cough is persistent, severe, or suggests pneumonia or another complication.