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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]
For most infections, the immune response of the body is enough to control and apprehend the infection within a couple days, but if the tissue and the cells can't fight off the infection, the creation of pus will begin to form in the lungs which then hardens into lung abscess or suppurative pneumonitis. [6]
Chest congestion is usually caused by excess mucus in the airways, says Meilan King Han, M.D., M.S., professor of medicine and chief of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at the ...
Acute bronchitis, also known as a chest cold, is short-term bronchitis – inflammation of the bronchi (large and medium-sized airways) of the lungs. [2] [1] The most common symptom is a cough. [1] Other symptoms include coughing up mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, fever, and chest discomfort. [2] The infection may last from a few to ten ...
The color of the sputum does not indicate if the infection is viral or bacterial. [4] Determining the underlying organism is usually not required. [4] Other causes of similar symptoms include asthma, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, bronchiectasis, and COPD. [2] [4] A chest X-ray may be useful to detect pneumonia. [4]
Phlegm can exist in different colors. The color could provide important clues about a person's health. [1] Yellow or green: Indicates an infection often by a virus or bacteria. The color is caused by an enzyme produced by the white blood cells combating the infection. Clear: Indicates allergies. Mucous membranes produce histamines and make more ...
Other signs your cold is improving include mucus color, energy levels and less severe symptoms. ... A cold is an infection caused by over 200 respiratory viruses, but the most common is a virus ...
It can result in a thick exudate of mucus and white blood cells caused by the swelling of the mucous membranes in the head in response to an infection. It is a symptom usually associated with the common cold , pharyngitis , and chesty coughs , but it can also be found in patients with adenoiditis , otitis media , sinusitis or tonsillitis .