A wet cough (sometimes called a chesty or productive cough) is one that brings up mucus or phlegm from the chest or throat. While coughing can be uncomfortable, it’s actually one of the body’s natural ways of protecting the airways and clearing out unwanted material.

What causes a wet cough?

Wet coughs are most commonly linked to infections such as the common cold, flu, or chest infections (bronchitis). When the respiratory system recognises irritants or viruses, it responds by increasing mucus production, trapping germs and helping the body to expel them. 

Common triggers for a wet cough include:

• respiratory infections (viral or occasionally, bacterial)

• smoking or exposure to pollutants

• asthma or chronic lung conditions

• reflux or allergies

A wet cough that develops alongside other symptoms like a runny nose, mild fever or mild chest tightness often improves as the underlying infection resolves.

Managing at home

The best approach to managing a wet cough is to support the body’s natural clearing process, while also ensuring comfort and adequate rest. Useful tips include:

• drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear

• use steam inhalation or a warm shower to ease chest congestion

• rest as much as possible to help the immune system recover

• try propping up the head when resting to keep airways clearer

• avoid smoke, dust and other irritants, as these can make coughing worse

When to see a doctor

See a healthcare professional if:

• the cough lasts longer than 3 weeks

• you have a high fever

• mucus is yellow/green, thick or bloody

• breathing is difficult

• you have persistent chest pain

• there are underlying health concerns such as asthma or weakened immunity