A fatty cough, also called a productive cough, is manifested by the presence of sputum, or consecutive sputum, from the throat or lungs unlike a dry cough, called “non-productive”.

The main culprit is the presence of mucus, a kind of porridge composed of bacteria, viruses and white blood cells, these secretions constitute a more or less thick liquid that can be expelled by the mouth during the cough in the form of mucus and sputum.

It differs in this from a dry cough, characterized by the absence of secretions and often linked to irritation of the respiratory tract.

A fatty cough is not a disease but a symptom: it is usually present in case of infection of the nose and throat which can be complicated by an attack bronchial or Chronic obstructive bronchitis of various causes such as those related to smoking. The bronchi produce secretions which, thanks to the cough, allow these secretions loaded with microbes, pus, or fine particles to be evacuated.

Do not try to stop the production of these mucus, which is part of a natural defense mechanism of the body and whose goal is to clean the lungs: this is called theexpectoration.

As with vomiting, the cough reflex is an essential defense mechanism, it is important to respect a fatty cough and not necessarily try to stop it.

It is therefore not recommended to take antitussive drugs (= against cough), especially in children who can cause a false route and serious respiratory problems. These block the cough reflex, they can cause a buildup of mucus in the bronchi and lungs, which may further clutter the airways. In general, the treatment of a fatty cough varies depending on the cause and the origin of the disease is treated. Treatments are simply to promoteexpectoration of pulmonary phlegm. The doctor will offer to treat the origin of the disease. The treatments simply consist in promoting the expectoration of mucus of upper respiratory origin (nose, throat) or lower (bronchi and lungs).

Should we use bronchial thinners?

The thinners have no other efficacy than the placebo. As they have side effects, sometimes serious (allergies, respiratory problems), they are prohibited in children under 2 years old. Their use is also not justified in children and adults.¹

The treatment of a fatty cough consists of:

• Stay well hydrated, drink at least 1,5 l of water per day so that the sputum is sufficiently fluid to be well evacuated but especially the hyperproduction of mucus mainly composed of water can quickly cause dehydration.
• Use disposable tissues so as not to contaminate those around you.
• Air the room where we sleep and in general, the place of life.
• Use an air humidifier as long as it is well maintained.
• In particular, do not smoke or be in the presence of a smoker or any other irritant factor in the ambient air.
• Unclog the nose with physiological serum or salt water several times a day to hydrate the nasal cavities and decrease the maintenance of the inflammatory phenomenon.
• For infants, the doctor may consider respiratory physiotherapy with bronchial drainage necessary.

If the fatty cough is generally benign, it can also reveal more serious pathologies (chronic bronchitis, significant bacterial infection, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, tuberculosis, asthma, etc.). In case of prolonged fatty cough, purulent appearance of the secretions or even cough accompanied by blood, vomiting, or fever, severe fatigue or rapid onset weight loss, it is important to consult a doctor at most quick.

You cannot prevent the cough itself, only prevent illnesses associated with the symptom, such as respiratory infections.

It should, for example:

• d’avoid the use of air conditioners, which dry out the air and the respiratory tract,
• to ventilate your house regularly,
• not to overheat your interior
• not to cough without putting your hand in front of your mouth,
• not to shake hands if you are sick or with a sick person,
• to wash your hands regularly,
• use paper tissues to cover up and / or spit out and throw them away immediately.

A feverish cough is one of the most suggestive symptoms of Covid 19. It may or may not be productive, associated with loss of taste and smell and severe fatigue. 

The cough present in this viral infection is linked to the destruction of the cilia of the walls of the bronchi which causes a significant production of phlegm but also an inflammation of the pulmonary tissue (which surrounds the bronchi) with a more or less important respiratory discomfort.

As seen above, anti-cough suppressants should not be used but quickly consult a doctor to assess the risk and seriousness of the diagnosis because taking the right treatment at the right time can in some cases prevent serious forms. 

Antibiotic therapy is not systematic in covid 19 viral infection.

The most important message is to isolate yourself at the onset of symptoms and consult your doctor. If the symptoms are not too noisy, it is good to be tested by PCR or antigen test.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy offers, for example, treatments such as 3 granules three times a day in 9 CH:

• if the cough is particularly severe and is accompanied by a lot of yellow mucus, take Ferrum phosphoricum,
• if it is very oily during the day but dries up at night, take Pulsatilla,
• if the cough does not allow you to expectorate properly and breathing is difficult (such as asthma), take Blatta orientalis,
• if the cough is spasmodic with a feeling of suffocation because the cough is so severe, take Ipeca.

aromatherapy

The essential oils (ET) used to fight against a fatty cough are:

• star anise (or star anise) EO 2 or 3 drops inhaled in a bowl of hot water,
• the EO of Cypress at the rate of 2 drops in a spoonful of honey,
• the EO of rosewood mixed with vegetable oil (olive for example) that it is possible to use in children (with precautions all the same).

Phytotherapy

To fight against fatty cough, make an herbal tea:

• thyme, using 2 g for 200 ml of water, to let infuse for ten minutes,
• anise, at the rate of one teaspoonful of dry anise for 200 ml of water, to let infuse for ten minutes.

Drink the chosen preparation at least three times a day.

Read also : 

• Dry cough
• Symptoms of Covid-19
• Pneumonia