Health Info > Coughs Published on : February 18, 2025

Productive cough: Causes and treatment at home

Written by editorial staff writer at Hola.
Medically reviewed by Dr Mark Mellor, FRACGP DCH MBChB BSc

A productive (wet) cough is characterised by mucus in the upper airways which is expelled as sputum indicating your body is working to eliminate irritants and germs from the respiratory tract. Although it can be uncomfortable and annoying, a productive cough is a sign that your body is actively working to defend itself. Let’s explore what causes this cough and uncover some simple yet practical ways to deal with it right from home.

What is sputum?

A productive cough is often associated with bronchitis (inflammation of the upper airways - bronchi). It can be caused by viral infections like the common cold or COVID-19. Sputum (also known as phlegm) is a viscous glycoprotein mixture produced by the lining of the respiratory tract to trap and expel irritants like dust, bacteria, viruses and allergens. When the body senses these particles in the airways it produces sputum to help flush out these harmful elements. Coughing is the body’s mechanism for clearing sputum from the lungs and throat, keeping the air passages clear and reducing the risk of infection taking hold.

Possible causes of a productive cough

Several factors can lead to a productive cough, including infections and lung conditions:

Infections – bacterial, viral or fungal
Allergies
Chronic lung disease (e.g., COPD)
Environmental irritants
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
Sinus and nasal discharge

Also read: How do I know if my cough is serious?

The colour of sputum and what it means

The colour of sputum can provide clues about your respiratory health. Here’s what different colours might suggest:

Clear: Clear sputum is usually considered normal, but increased volume may be associated with irritants like dust or allergens.
White or cloudy sputum: may indicate for example a viral infection.
Yellow: often suggests that your immune system is fighting an infection, e.g., against bacteria and viruses.
Green: your immune system is likely actively fighting a viral or bacterial infection.
Red or pink: may signal the presence of blood, potentially resulting from infection, airway injury.
Brown: may be caused by dried blood or exposure to irritants like smoke or air pollution.
Black: may be present in heavy smokers or those exposed to air pollution. It may also indicate a fungal chest infection.

If your sputum is discoloured or contains blood, or you have a persistent productive cough, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

How to get rid of a chesty cough? Home treatments

A chesty cough often results from excess mucus in the upper respiratory tract, typically due to a viral or bacterial infection. Here are some effective home treatments to help relieve it:

Maintain adequate hydration: It is important to consume a sufficient quantity of water, herbal teas, or broths, as these fluids assist in thinning mucus and facilitating its expulsion. Additionally, warm liquids such as honey-lemon tea or ginger tea can comfort the throat.
Inhale steam: One effective method for relieving congestion involves leaning over a bowl of hot water while covering the head with a towel or utilising a humidifier. The inclusion of eucalyptus or menthol may offer further alleviation of symptoms.
Try honey: A spoonful of raw honey, either taken directly or mixed into warm water or tea, can be beneficial. Honey possesses antimicrobial properties and provides relief to the throat.
Gargle with salt water: Dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water for gargling can help soothe a sore throat.
Use a humidifier: Maintaining moisture in the air of the living space is essential to avoid throat dryness and minimise mucus accumulation.
Maintain an upright posture: Remaining upright following meals or during sleep is advisable to prevent the accumulation of mucus in the throat. Elevating the head while sleeping can also enhance comfort.
Prioritise rest: Allowing the body ample time to recover is essential for effective mucus expulsion.

What does sputum in a cough indicate?

Sputum in a cough usually indicates that the body is attempting to remove irritants or infection from the respiratory tract. The presence of discoloured sputum suggests inflammation or infection in the airways, with the body generating more mucus to trap and remove foreign particles. Here’s what sputum in a cough may signify:

Infections
Allergies
Chronic respiratory conditions
Postnatal drip
Environmental irritants
Gastro-oesophageal reflux

Also read: Chesty cough: What can help and when to worry

Is a productive cough a symptom of COVID?

A productive cough may indicate the presence of COVID-19; however, it is important to note that a dry cough is more frequently observed. If you have COVID-19 and your cough changes from dry to productive, it may indicate progression of the condition or a secondary bacterial chest infection. You should remain vigilant for changes in symptoms and new symptoms, including fever, fatigue, or shortness of breath. It is imperative to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain or high fever.

Given that the symptoms of COVID-19 can resemble those of other conditions, such as influenza or viral bronchitis, testing remains critical if exposure has occurred or if one resides in high-risk areas. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended to obtain an accurate diagnosis and ensure the appropriate management of symptoms.

How long does a cough with sputum last?

A productive cough generally persists for 3 to 10 days when caused by a viral upper respiratory tract infection, typical of the common cold. In certain instances, the cough may last longer. Allergies, asthma, or chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can contribute to a prolonged productive cough.

It is advisable to seek help if the cough continues beyond 3 weeks, gets worse, or is associated with other symptoms, including fever, chest pain, shortness of breath or the presence of blood in the sputum.

When to call the doctor

It is advisable to consult a doctor if a productive cough lasts for more than three weeks or gets worse. Urgent medical attention is warranted if symptoms are severe or includes difficulty breathing, chest pain, or blood in the sputum. Additional warning signs that require consideration are a high fever, unintentional weight loss, or changes in sputum such as colour, volume, or odour, as these may signify the presence of an infection or another serious underlying cause. Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a compromised immune system, should seek medical advice at the earliest opportunity.

A thorough evaluation by a medical professional is necessary if the cough is accompanied by symptoms such as persistent fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, or other alarming indicators that may suggest a more severe underlying health issue.

How can telehealth with an online doctor help?

Telehealth services facilitate the consultation of a medical professional regarding respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, from the privacy and convenience of one’s residence. Utilising video or telephone communication, a doctor can assess the presenting symptoms, inquire about the patient’s medical history, and ascertain whether the cough is of viral, bacterial, or allergic origin, or related to other conditions such as asthma.

In instances classified as mild, the doctor may provide recommendations for home remedies, suggest over-the-counter medications, or advise on lifestyle alterations to alleviate the symptoms over a telehealth appointment. Should the circumstances require additional scrutiny, the online doctor or health practitioner may prescribe appropriate medications or recommend laboratory tests and imaging procedures. Telehealth services are useful if going to a clinic is a hassle for a Dr certificate, instant consult and online scripts.

Hola Health’s telehealth platform provides a convenient and supportive approach to managing productive cough and respiratory symptoms. With our 24/7 service, you can benefit from:

Telehealth appointments: Connect with an experienced doctor to discuss your symptoms, whether it’s a persistent cough, excess mucus, or chest discomfort. Your online doctor will assess your condition and provide professional advice on treatment and management.
Instant scripts: If treatment is required, such as cough suppressants, expectorants, or other medications, your doctor can provide online prescriptions. These can be collected at your local pharmacy or ordered online with same-day pharmacy delivery options.
Doctor’s referrals: Should your doctor identify the need for further investigation or specialist care, they can issue a referral for diagnostic tests or a consultation with a respiratory specialist.
Medical certificate online: If your productive cough requires you to rest at home or avoid work, Hola Health’s online doctor service can provide a same day medical certificate and multi-day medical certificate online tailored to your situation.

In conclusion, a productive cough can be bothersome, but it’s your body’s way of cleaning itself. You can alleviate that cough by staying well-hydrated, using steam, and incorporating calming natural remedies. However, if the cough persists or is accompanied by additional troubling symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor. With the right care, most productive coughs will resolve, allowing you to breathe freely again!

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