Medically reviewed by Anju Goel, MD You may be able to stop a coughing fit by avoiding irritants, drinking plenty of fluids, ...

This results in the familiar symptoms of runny nose, congestion, and coughing up phlegm. Respiratory infections, including COVID-19, are a common cause of inflammation resulting in a productive cough.

“If you have a nagging cough that causes you to wake up often ... [little ‘hairs’ in our lungs] to more effectively move mucus out of the lungs, and the cough reflex is our body's attempt ...