A productive or ‘wet’ cough can be treated using expectorants, decongestants, mucolytics or steam inhalation. The aim of treatment here is not to suppress the cough, which is an important way of clearing infected secretions from the lungs, but to improve the efficiency of the cough and thus clear the airways.
Expectorants are substances that help to expel mucus from the lungs. They include guaifenesin (most common), and ammonium chloride.
Combination expectorant and decongestant products are also available from your pharmacist. Some people should take care with combination products because:
Mucolytics, such as bromhexine, help break down thick, sticky chest phlegm, making it easier to cough up. Some products contain a combination of mucolytic and expectorant agents.
Steam is also good at breaking down the mucus and helping you to cough it up. Your pharmacist can advise you about the steam inhalation products available for general sale.
To help clear secretions from the lungs, physiotherapists get people to blow out as long and as hard as they can against resistance — such as through a lightly pinched straw. This triggers a deep cough, which can help clear the lungs.
The following supplements may also help:
Last Reviewed: 25 March 2009