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Having green, yellow, or thickened phlegm (sputum) does not always indicate the presence of an infection. Also, if an infection is present, the color of the phlegm (sputum) does not determine whether a virus, a bacterium or another pathogen has caused it. Simple allergies can also cause changes in the color of the mucus. [1]
Phlegm is more related to disease than mucus, and can be troublesome for the individual to excrete from the body. Phlegm is a thick secretion in the airway during disease and inflammation. Phlegm usually contains mucus with virus, bacteria, other debris, and sloughed-off inflammatory cells.
The green color contributed to its outdated name verdoperoxidase. Myeloperoxidase is found in many different organisms including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. [ citation needed ] Myeloperoxidase deficiency is a well-documented disease among humans resulting in impaired immune function.
Coughing up discolored phlegm (green, yellow, or brown are all concerning colors) and that’s been persistent for more than two weeks. Coughing up blood-tinged mucus or phlegm.
Also known as phlegm, mucus is made up of mostly water, but it also contains "remnants of skin-lining cells (epithelial cells), antimicrobial enzymes, proteins and inorganic salts," explains Nasseri.
Symptoms of bronchiectasis commonly include a cough productive of frequent green or yellow sputum lasting months to years. [3] Other common symptoms include difficulty breathing , wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), and chest pain .
The color of your mucus can reveal some surprising things about your health. Here's what your mucus color means, according to experts.
Bronchitis. Acute bronchitis, also known as a chest cold, is a short-term inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs. [4] [6] The most common symptom is a cough that may or may not produce sputum.