Productive cough
Productive Cough
A productive cough is a type of cough that produces phlegm or sputum from the lungs. It is distinct from a non-productive cough, or dry cough, which does not produce phlegm or mucus.
Contents
Causes[edit | edit source]
Productive coughs can be caused by a number of conditions, primarily those affecting the respiratory system. These include:
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
In addition to the production of phlegm or mucus, symptoms of a productive cough may include:
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for a productive cough depends on its cause. It may include:
- Antibiotics, if the cough is caused by a bacterial infection
- Cough suppressants, to help control the cough
- Expectorants, to help loosen and expel mucus from the lungs
- Inhalers, for conditions such as asthma or COPD
See also[edit | edit source]
| Upper RT (including URTIs, common cold) |
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| Lower RT/ lung disease (including LRTIs) |
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| Pleural cavity/ mediastinum |
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| Other/general | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
