What should you know about a wet cough?

A wet cough brings up mucus as the airways clear irritation or infection, but persistent or severe symptoms need assessment. Mucus may be clear, white, yellow, or green, and colour alone does not show whether antibiotics are needed. A wet cough can occur with a common cold, acute bronchitis, asthma, post-nasal drainage, or other airway conditions.

Coughing helps move mucus out of the breathing tubes. Allergic rhinitis can drain mucus from the nose into the throat, while acid reflux can irritate the throat and trigger coughing. Bronchiectasis may cause repeated mucus-producing coughs, and bronchiolitis is a consideration in young children. A cough is a symptom, so its duration, breathing effect, fever, chest pain, and smoking or workplace exposure provide useful clues.

Drink fluids, rest, and avoid smoke, vaping, dust, and strong fragrances. Warm drinks may soothe the throat. Keep the room comfortably humid without creating dampness or burns. Do not give cough medicines or honey to a young child without checking age guidance; honey is not suitable for infants. Follow prescribed inhalers or other treatment plans, and arrange a review if mucus and coughing keep returning.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, coughing blood, sudden chest pain, or inability to speak in full sentences. Get prompt medical advice for wheezing, dehydration, high or persistent fever, worsening symptoms, or a cough in someone with significant lung disease or reduced immunity. Babies with difficult breathing need immediate assessment.

Ask what may be causing the mucus, whether your lungs need examination or testing, and which treatments are suitable. Explain how long the cough has lasted, the mucus colour and amount, breathlessness, fever, reflux or nasal symptoms, smoking exposure, and any medicines.