How to Make a Cough More Productive for Quicker Relief

How to Make a Cough More Productive: At-Home Remedies to Try

There are two types of coughs: productive and non-productive coughs. A non-productive, also known as a dry cough, is triggered by a lack of mucus production in the body. It is typically associated with viral and mild respiratory tract infractions. In contrast, a productive, also known as a wet cough, is triggered by excess mucus production. These are also associated with respiratory tract infractions.

If you don’t know how to make a cough more productive, the key is promoting mucus production. It helps your body clear harmful particles and irritants from its airways. Here are a few at-home remedies to help turn non-productive coughs into productive ones for quicker recovery. 

Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration is essential for thinning mucus to make it easier to cough up. Drink plenty of water and warm, soothing beverages to keep your throat moist and assist in loosening mucus. Hydration can help you maintain optimal respiratory health and ease mucus clearing.

Use a Humidifier

Adding moisture to the air can significantly aid in clearing mucus. Moist air will soothe your throat and improve your ability to breathe, allowing you to cough up mucus more effectively. This is especially useful in dry indoor environments or during the winter when the air is drier.

Over-the-counter (OTC) Cough Remedies

Another effective approach is to use over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines that contain guaifenesin. Guaifenesin is a cough expectorant that helps loosen mucus and make your cough more productive. 

Delsym^® Cough+ Chest Congestion DM Liquid is a maximum-strength formula that relieves the worst of your cough and chest congestion symptoms.

Inhale Steam

Consider inhaling steam by leaning over a bowl of hot water (carefully) or taking a steamy shower. Inhaling warm, moist air will soothe your throat, loosen mucus, and promote a more productive, chesty cough.

What Do Cough Expectorants Do?

Cough expectorants are over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines designed to assist in clearing mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract. These medications work by thinning the mucus, making it easier to expel through coughing. 

A dry cough can be irritating and unproductive. A productive, chesty cough, facilitated by expectorants, helps the body clear excessive mucus and foreign substances from the airways, providing relief and healing.

Cough expectorants are particularly beneficial when dealing with bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or common respiratory infections. However, these medications may not be effective for all types of coughs. 

Talk to your doctor for a proper diagnosis if you have a persistent cough or underlying medical conditions. Healthcare professionals know how to make a cough more productive if it's severe and can provide the best treatment options for your needs.

How Can I Clear Mucus from My Throat?

Clearing mucus from your throat is critical for alleviating coughs or throat irritation. Here are some effective methods to help you clear mucus and breathe easier.

Gargle with Saltwater

A simple and natural remedy is gargling with warm saltwater. This can help break up mucus and provide relief from throat discomfort. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can be done several times daily to help clear mucus from your throat.

What Products are Best for a Non-Productive Cough?

Non-productive (dry) coughs can be uncomfortable as they don't produce mucus or phlegm. Certain OTC products can help alleviate painful effects and promote healing when dealing with a non-productive cough.

Cough Suppressants

Cough suppressants are medications that can be effective for non-productive coughs. They come in liquid cough syrup, pills, or capsules so that you can administer them differently depending on your preference. 

OTC cough suppressants reduce the urge to cough and provide temporary relief. They can be especially beneficial when a cough is persistent, interfering with sleep or causing discomfort.

Delsym^® Maximum Strength Cough Suppressant Caplets suppress the urge to cough and last up to 8 hours day or night.

Throat Lozenges and Hard Candies

Sucking on throat lozenges or hard candies can help soothe the throat and temporarily relieve a dry, irritating cough. Some of these products contain ingredients like menthol or honey, which have mild numbing or soothing properties.

Honey

Honey is a natural cough remedy that can effectively calm a non-productive cough. It has soothing and antibacterial properties that can help reduce irritation and discomfort. A teaspoon of honey, either alone or mixed with warm water or herbal tea, can be taken before bedtime or as needed to ease the symptoms of a dry cough.

Consult a Doctor or Healthcare Professional

While these at-home remedies can relieve non-productive coughs, always use them as directed. Also, consult with a healthcare professional if your cough persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. A non-productive cough can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition, so addressing the root cause for effective treatment is crucial. 

Another underlying cause of a dry, hacking cough may be a class of medicines known as ACE inhibitors, which are used to treat high blood pressure. Your doctor may ask you to stop this type of medication and replace it with another class of medicines for high blood pressure to avoid the side effect of a dry cough.

Turning a non-productive cough into a productive one is the first step in finding quicker relief from the discomfort that excessive coughing can bring. By staying well-hydrated, using an effective expectorant, and practicing other supportive remedies, you can encourage your body to efficiently clear mucus and irritants from your airways.

Resources

• Cleveland Clinic (2023), Guaifenesin Solution
• K Health (2022), What is the Best Medicine for Bronchitis?
• Journal of the COPD Foundation (2019), The Role of Guaifenesin in the Management of Chronic Mucus Hypersecretion Associated with Stable Chronic Bronchitis: A Comprehensive Review
• Mayo Clinic (2020), Is it true that honey calms coughs better than cough medicine does?
• WebMD (2024) Side Effect of High Blood Pressure Medications