![]() Running a humidifier can help moisten the air, which eases breathing, making it easier to cough and loosen up the phlegm stuck in the chest. Some other measures to try at home include using the following: Humidifier Some individuals may find that gentle walking can help them cough up the excess phlegm. Dehydration can worsen thick phlegm, making it harder to cough up. People should try to get lots of rest and stay hydrated. White, yellow, or green phlegm is usually treatable at home. These symptoms can be signs of a more serious medical condition that requires prompt treatment. Someone who develops new or increased red, brown, black, or frothy sputum should call their doctor for an appointment immediately. However, a person is usually fine to wait a few days to try and treat the symptoms at home before making an appointment. People who have white, yellow, or green mucus that is present for more than a few days, or if they experience other symptoms, such as fever, chills, a cough, or sinus pain, should speak with a doctor. Simple allergies can also cause changes in the color of the mucus.Īntibiotics will not always resolve green mucus. And if there is an infection, the color of the phlegm does not determine whether a virus, bacterium, or pathogen has caused it. Having green, yellow, or thickened phlegm does not always indicate the presence of an infection. It is important to note that doctors cannot diagnose a particular disease or condition according to the color of a person’s phlegm. In other situations, blood in the mucus can indicate the presence of a serious medical condition such as tuberculosis, an abscess, or lung cancer. This can cause blood to seep into postnasal drip that they then cough out. ![]() When there is swelling in a person’s nasal passage, they can get a nosebleed. There are many reasons for blood in the phlegm.Ī lot of coughing, such as with a respiratory infection, can sometimes cause small blood vessels in the lungs or airways to break and bleed. Red phlegm signals the presence of blood. If green phlegm occurs with breathing difficulties, chest pain, or coughing up blood, this is another sign to consult a doctor urgently. Using antibiotics when they are unnecessary can be harmful, as bacteria can build up resistance. If this does not occur over a prolonged time, this may indicate a bacterial infection.Ī person should consult with their doctor before using antibiotics. The phlegm often changes back to white after a few days. Most infections that lead to green phlegm are viral and usually resolve without treatment within a few weeks. While phlegm of this color can point to an infection, a person does not always need antibiotics. The white blood cells, germs, and other cells and proteins that the body produces during the immune response give the phlegm its green color. Green phlegm indicates a widespread and robust immune response. As they continue to fight the infection, the phlegm picks them up, giving it a yellowish tinge. White blood cells are the cells of the immune system that are responsible for fighting germs. Yellow phlegm suggests that immune cells are starting to work at the site of the infection or another type of inflammatory condition. ![]() When this happens, the phlegm cus becomes thicker and cloudy or white. When the nasal cavity is congested, the tissues are swollen and inflamed, which slows the passage of phlegm through the respiratory tract. Someone who has black phlegm should contact their doctor immediately, especially if they have a weakened immune system. People who smoke may also have brown phlegm.īlack phlegm may indicate the presence of a fungal infection, a history of smoking, or other substances that a person has inhaled regularly. While it is likely due to bleeding that happened a while ago, it can also indicate a chronic infection such as bronchitis. Brown and blackīrown phlegm may indicate possible bleeding. ![]() After its production in the respiratory tract, most of it goes down the back of the throat, before a person swallows it. It consists of water, salts, antibodies, and other immune system cells. A person can follow this color guide for reference: ClearĬlear phlegm is typical. The color of phlegm can offer useful information about what may be happening with the lungs and other organs of the respiratory system. Share on Pinterest AsiaVision/Getty Images
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