Cough Reflex Test (CRT) Practice

Determining whether a cough is productive or nonproductive primarily hinges on the presence of sputum. A productive cough is characterized by the expulsion of mucus or phlegm from the respiratory tract, which indicates that the body is clearing secretions from the airways. Clinicians assess the cough for sputum to understand the underlying condition—such as infection, bronchitis, or other respiratory issues—that may be causing the cough.

In contrast, a nonproductive cough does not produce sputum and may be associated with conditions like allergies or irritants. Thus, the ability to identify sputum presence directly informs the clinician about the nature of the cough and can guide further diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Observing the duration of the cough, noting the volume of air exhaled, or evaluating patient distress can provide context but do not specifically distinguish between productive and nonproductive coughs as effectively as assessing sputum.