Coughs Explained

Coughs Explained - How a bad cough can begin

Phlegm cough

When phlegm builds up in the chest, it can be hard to get rid of by coughing, so it’s helpful to have something that helps to loosen the phlegm and relieve the feeling of tightness on your chest. A phlegm cough can also be referred to as a chesty cough.


Chesty cough

Chesty coughs are caused by a build-up of phlegm or mucus in the lungs. The cough mechanism kicks in to try and get rid of it. A chesty cough can also be referred to as a phlegm cough.


Dry cough

Dry coughs are caused by an inflammation of the upper airways caused by dust, foreign bodies or a throat infection. There is no mucus or phlegm produced.

Broadly speaking, coughs are either productive (producing excess phlegm or mucus) or unproductive (producing no phlegm or mucus).

Chesty coughs and phlegm coughs are productive, whereas dry coughs are unproductive.

Did you know?

  • When you cough, your voice box (or larynx) briefly closes.
  • When you cough you can produce a blast of air that is stronger than a hurricane!
Tips & Advice on Medicine Remedies for coughs

Some tips & advice