It's very common for us to cough up phlegm when we have a cold or flu. Most of the time, we don't pay much attention to it. But did you know that this mucus is one of the best indicators that gives us clues about what's going on inside our bodies? Sometimes it's normal, but other times it can be a sign of a serious illness. So today, let's talk about what this mucus is, what its color says, and when we should see a doctor about it.
Simply put, what is phlegm?
Phlegm is a special type of mucus produced in our lungs and throat. Simply put, it is something that is a little thicker than the mucus that comes out of our nose. In medical terms, we also call it 'Sputum'.
Mucus is actually a good thing. It helps to cleanse our lungs by removing unwanted substances like germs and dust. It acts as a protector for our respiratory system.
But if you keep having mucus for no reason, without any illness, it could be a sign of a health problem. There could be several reasons for this:
- Infections: Conditions like colds, flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
- Allergies: Allergies to things like dust, pollen, and pet dander.
- Asthma.
- GERD: This means stomach acid comes up into the throat. We often call this 'gastritis'.
- Lung diseases: Long-term lung diseases like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
- Other causes: Smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages, dehydration (lack of water in the body), and spending too much time in a dry environment can also cause increased mucus.
The story told in the color of your skin
The color and consistency of your mucus can tell a lot about your health. But remember, this is just a rough estimate. You should definitely see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
| Mucus color | Possible reasons | What to pay special attention to |
|---|---|---|
| Transparent (Clear) | This usually means that the body is trying to get rid of something, such as allergies. Sometimes it can also be an early symptom of viral infections (Viral Bronchitis, Viral Pneumonia). | Usually there is nothing to worry about. But if you have other symptoms, talk to your doctor. |
| Yellow or green | This means your body is fighting an infection. This color can be seen in conditions like sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. | It is best to seek medical advice as there is a high chance of infection. |
| White color | It can be caused by conditions like GERD (gastritis), COPD, viral bronchitis, etc. Sometimes it can also be a sign of congestive heart failure. | If you experience white phlegm along with symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swollen legs , see a doctor immediately. |
| Black color | This type of mucus often occurs in people who smoke or inhale things like coal. It can also be a rare fungal infection. | This is a condition that should definitely be seen by a doctor. |
| Brown color or brown spots | This usually refers to 'old blood'. It can be seen in conditions such as bacterial infections (Bacterial Bronchitis/Pneumonia) and lung abscesses. | It is important to seek medical advice to determine the exact cause. |
| Red, pink, or with blood | This can be a sign of a serious condition. It can be caused by serious illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and lung cancer. | Don't delay and see a doctor immediately. If you have symptoms like pink, frothy phlegm, chest pain, sweating, or difficulty breathing, it's an emergency. |
The most important thing is that if you cough and have blood coming out without phlegm, it is an emergency. See a doctor immediately, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What can you do at home to easily remove mucus?
Since mucus is good for the body, we don't want to stop it, but rather help it flow more easily. There are a few simple things you can do at home to help with this.
- Drink plenty of water: Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. This will help thin out mucus and make it easier to drain.
- Inhale steam: Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can help loosen mucus in the lungs and make it easier to exhale. It's also a good idea to use a humidifier to keep the room moist.
- Gargle with salt water: Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and gargle with that water several times a day. This will loosen the mucus in your throat.
- Eucalyptus oil: Rubbing a eucalyptus-containing ointment, such as Vicks, on your chest can help loosen mucus in your chest.
- Expectorants: There are over-the-counter medications that can help thin out mucus. However, it's safest to consult your doctor before taking any medication.
When should you definitely see a doctor?
The mucus that comes from a common cold will subside in a few days. However, if you have the following symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor.
- If your cough persists for more than two weeks .
- If the mucus that comes out is not transparent but is yellow, green, brown, or red in color.
- If you have a fever .
- If you have difficulty breathing or a 'cheese-cheese' sound coming from your chest (wheezing).
- If you cough up blood .
At this time, your doctor will examine you and prescribe treatment that is appropriate for the cause. It could be medicine for an allergy, an antibiotic for an infection, or another treatment.
Take-Home Message
- Coughing up mucus is nothing to be afraid of, it's the body's way of getting rid of germs and unwanted substances.
- Looking at the color of your urine can give you some clues about your health.
- Although clear mucus is usually not a problem, it is important to seek medical attention if you have yellow, green, brown, red, or black mucus.
- If you have symptoms such as coughing up blood, a cough that lasts for more than two weeks, or difficulty breathing, see your doctor immediately without delay.
- If you have any doubts about anything, it is wise to speak to a doctor and seek advice rather than guessing.
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