Coughs are reflex actions designed to clear the body' s airways of mucus and irritants. Coughs are rarely a sign of anything serious and in most cases, they clear up within three weeks without the need for treatment.

Chesty coughs are sometimes referred to as productive coughs. This type of cough means that mucus is produced to help clear the airways. Chesty coughs are usually caused by a build-up of phlegm in the lungs, which results in chest congestion. Chest congestion is a common symptom of a respiratory tract infection, which can be caused by irritants, viruses or bacteria entering the lungs.

Respiratory tract infections can result in an inflammation of the airways that causes the lungs to produce extra phlegm or mucus. The cough mechanism is the body’s way of then expunging this excess phlegm. Examples of respiratory tract infections include:

• Cold
• Flu
• Bronchitis
• Laryngitis
• Pneumonia
• Sinusitis
• Whooping cough

Rarely, a persistent chesty cough can be caused by a more serious underlying condition, such as lung cancer, heart failure, pulmonary embolism or tuberculosis. If a cough has lasted more than three weeks, or if it starts to get worse instead of better, it is recommended that you contact a GP.

In most cases, chesty coughs are the result of an infection caused by the cold or flu virus. This being the case, it is likely the sufferer may experience other symptoms associated with these viruses. The main symptoms of a chesty cough and its associated symptoms are listed below:

• Persistently coughing up a yellow/green phlegm.
• A sore throat – this is usually caused by the excess mucus irritating the throats lining.
• Mild chest pain – this is due to the muscles in the chest becoming strained and bruised through excessive coughing.
• Muscular pain in the abdomen – as with mild chest pain, coughing can strain the muscles in the abdomen as well.

Mild, short-term coughs do not necessarily require treatment. Typically, they are caused by viral infections, which tend to get better on their own within a few weeks. It is recommended to rest as much as possible and to drink plenty of fluids.

There are medicines available that are designed to relieve the symptoms of a chesty cough; these are known as expectorants.

Expectorants claim to increase the amount phlegm produced by the lungs, making the secretions easier to remove through coughing. Expectorants usually contain the active ingredient Guaifenesin or Ipecacuanha.

Some chesty cough preparations can contain more than one active ingredient. For example, an expectorant may also contain a decongestant, such as Pseudoephedrine. Others preparations instead contain a painkiller, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. These mixtures are designed to help ease the related symptoms that come from having a cough/cold, such as nasal congestion or aches and pains.

Homemade cough remedies are likely to be just as effective as the pharmacy equivalent. Popular homemade cough remedies usually contain a mixture of glycerine, honey and lemon. Honey shouldn’t be given to babies under one year as it carries the risk of infant botulism.

A chesty cough is often the result of respiratory tract infection, which like the common cold, isn’t always possible to prevent.

The best advice would simply be to live well. This will boost your immune system, giving you a better chance of staving off infections.

Steps you can take to ensure your immune system is kept in good working order include:

• Eating a healthy balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Ensuring you get enough sleep.
• Exercising regularly.
• Avoiding stress and anxiety.
• Drinking plenty of fluids (especially water).
• Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
• Quitting smoking.
• If an asthma sufferer, ensure it is well controlled.

If you find yourself suffering from either a persistent or recurrent cough, it is recommended to visit your GP, who will be able to identify or rule-out any underlying cause.