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When you cough up phlegm, it's called sputum. If your sputum is green, yellow, or another color, it's likely a sign of illness.
If you cough up phlegm that’s yellow, green, brown, black, white or red — or if you cough up mucus for two weeks or longer, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider. They can find out what’s causing you to cough up phlegm and treat any underlying conditions.
If you develop an infection, you may notice that you begin coughing up more phlegm. This phlegm may become greener than it was or may develop an unpleasant smell. You may also feel your shortness of breath worsen.
People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Bronchitis may start suddenly and be short term (acute) or start gradually and become long term (chronic). Acute bronchitis, which often develops from a cold or other respiratory infection, is very common.
If you’re coughing up green or yellow phlegm, it means you probably have an infection. But it could be a virus, which improves on its own, or a sign of a bacterial infection that needs further treatment.
Summary. The color of your phlegm can indicate an underlying condition. For example, yellow or green phlegm can be a sign of a respiratory infection, while red or pink phlegm can indicate lung bleeding or inflammation. Phlegm is typically clear and thin.
Overview. Mucus is usually thin and clear. Certain colors might mean you have an infection, but it can’t diagnose specific illnesses. What is mucus? Mucus is a slippery fluid that lines your respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive tracts.
Color of phlegm and what it means. The color of phlegm may help indicate the cause of a cough and excess respiratory mucus production. Phlegm may be clear, cream, white, yellow, green,...
Sputum: Definition, colors, causes, and when to see a doctor. What can sputum (phlegm) tell us? Colors of phlegm. Causes of changes. Speaking with a doctor. Sputum culture test. FAQ. Summary. The...
The main symptoms are: a chesty cough – you may cough up green or yellow mucus. wheezing and shortness of breath. chest pain or discomfort. a high temperature. a headache. aching muscles. tiredness. These symptoms can be unpleasant, but they usually get better on their own in about 7 to 10 days. The cough and mucus can last up to 3 weeks.