Fact Checked
A wet cough is a common symptom of allergies, respiratory infections and conditions that affect the heart. Wet cough is also known as productive cough due to the presence of mucus or other fluid found within the upper or lower respiratory tract. It can be caused by certain conditions that affect one or both lungs, the larynx, the bronchi or the pharynx. It can also be caused by conditions such as hay fever, common cold or the flu.
Wet cough can be caused by inflammation and infection of the lungs or pneumonia as well as bronchitis. It can also be caused by other conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis which is the destruction and widening of the large airways.
Common symptoms of wet cough
- There is chest pain or pressure
- Absence of breathing
- Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
- Coughing up mucus that is colored pink and frothy
- Coughing up clear, light brown, yellow or green mucus
- Presence of blood in the cough or hemoptysis
- There is rapid breathing or tachypnea
- Wheezing or whistling sound while breathing and the cough becomes worse over time.
Common causes of wet cough
- Asthma or allergies
- Common cold or viral respiratory infection
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD which include emphysema and chronic bronchitis
- Flu
- Destruction and widening of the airways or bronchiectasis
- Acute bronchitis
- Presence of thick mucus found in the lungs or the digestive tract which is also known as cystic fibrosis
- Bronchiolitis which is the inflammation of the smallest airways found in the lungs.
Treatment and home remedies of wet cough
- Drink plenty of fluids in order to help flush out the infection cause by wet cough from the system. Remember that fluids help the body stay hydrated for long periods of time and also helps loosen the phlegm. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day and drink plenty of fruit and vegetable juices in between.
- Cut a piece of raw ginger and extract the juice. Mix it with a tablespoon of honey and heat until lukewarm. Consume this mixture at least three times every day to order to help minimize wet cough. Another option is chewing raw ginger since this helps in stimulating the flow of mucous and phlegm. Drinking ginger tea at least two cups every day is also helpful with wet cough. Ginger has antibacterial properties that help in minimizing the fungal and bacterial infections in the body.
- Extract a juice from one onion and mix it with 1 tablespoon of honey and let it settle for 5 hours. Consume this solution at least 3 times a day until the severity of wet cough is minimized.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of salt in a cup of lukewarm water. Add baking soda for extra benefits and stir the solution until completely dissolved. Gargle this solution at least three times every day to help in minimizing the symptoms of wet cough.
- Sip chicken soup since it helps in relaxing the irritated throat and minimizes the symptoms of wet cough. Drink at least three cups of warm chicken soup every day to promote fast recovery from the condition.