COUGH:PRODUCTIVE - Common Medical Advice

General Information

A productive cough may be characterized by a rattly or tight chest. The patient may experience a feeling of congestion and breathlessness, which are often distressing The cough is accompanied by expulsion of mucus or phlegm Symptoms are usually heightened during waking and when talking.

Signs and Symptoms

Expulsion of mucus or phlegm Feeling of congestion and breathlessness 

Advice to the Customers

• Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water or other liquids regularly.
• Hot steamy showers ill help break down the mucus (phlegm) and make it easier to cough up.
• Keep warm.
• Refrain from smoking, being in cold, dusty, or dry environments.
• Avoid alcohol or caffeine to avoid fluid loss. Fluids are essential in keeping the mucus thin.
• Have plenty of bed rest.
• Paracetamol may be taken for fever and pain that accompanies the cough. However, some cold remedies already contain paracetamol so read the label to avoid an overdose.
• Do not take antihistamines, as these tend to dry up the secretions and leave them in the lung

Prescription Advice

• Instruct the patient on the medication and how to use it properly, i.e.name of the medication, frequency of dosage, etc
• Inform the patient about the possibility of side effects such as dependence and drowsiness caused by some cough preparations.
• In cases where productive cough persists for a long time or is exacerbated, instruct the patient to consult a physician immediately.
• Discuss advice to the customers thoroughly for more information on the prevention and management of productive cough.