Sputum

• Coughing and asthma are commonly associated with a disease known as asthmatic bronchitis. Once contracted, asthmatic bronchitis is often coupled with a substance known as sputum. As the body begins to fight off inflammation in the bronchial tubes, it produces mass amounts of mucous to cleanse the lungs and body. This mucous is often expelled from the body via coughing. Once outside the body, it becomes sputum. It is typically a muted gray, green or yellow color, which is indicative of lung infection.
  
  

Cough Variant

• Asthma is sometimes coupled with a condition known as cough variant. This is when coughing comes out dry (without sputum). Cough variant asthma typically lasts around six to eight weeks and is not associated with other common symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing or shortness of breath.
  
  

Treatment

• Any treatment used to regulate asthmatic coughing will usually come in the form of anti-inflammatory medication or inhalers that calm bronchial spasms. Regular asthma medications help promote respiration but are typically rendered moot against lung infection. Therefore, if coughing is coupled with a respiratory infection like asthmatic bronchitis, antiviral or antibacterial medication may be needed. Conventional cold medicine may help limit coughing but will not cure symptoms and does not affect the cough variant form of asthma.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Preventing asthmatic coughing is always preferable to treating it. Try to avoid air pollutants like allergens, pollen and secondhand smoke as much as possible. These act as irritants for the lungs and may aggravate coughing or other symptoms of asthma. If you have asthma, do not under any circumstances smoke or chew tobacco, as these will often lead to lung infection or other chronic conditions.
  
  

Warning

• The greatest danger of asthma and coughing is that they will develop into a more severe or life-threatening complication. Asthma sometimes leads to respiratory bronchitis, which can in turn develop into pneumonia if aggravated. If you notice blood in your sputum or experience difficulty breathing coupled with sharp chest pain, consult a doctor immediately.