productive cough /prəduk′tiv/ [L, producere + AS, cohhetan, to cough] , a sudden, noisy expulsion of air from the lungs that effectively removes sputum from the respiratory tract and helps clear the airways, permitting air to reach the alveoli. Coughing is stimulated by irritation or inflammation of the respiratory tract, which is caused most frequently by infection or sinus drainage secondary to rhinitis. Deep breathing, with contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles and forceful exhalation, promotes productive coughing in patients with respiratory infections. Mucolytic agents liquefy mucus in the respiratory tract so that it can be raised and expectorated more easily. Atropine and other anticholinergic drugs decrease pulmonary secretions. Also called moist cough, wet cough. See also nonproductive cough.
