Clear phlegm what does it mean

Brown phlegm can also be a warning sign because it signals prior bleeding. As the blood ages, it turns brown. If you notice brown phlegm, you should see your doctor. Black phlegm is cause for alarm—it likely signals a fungal infection, especially for people with compromised immune systems.

You should see your doctor immediately. Phlegm color is a reference point that needs to be considered along with other symptoms. If you have any reason to think your condition is worsening or your symptoms are bad, talk to your doctor.

Geisinger otolaryngologist Dr. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kreel or another ENT specialist, please call or visit Geisinger. Wellness Articles. Phlegm color is a health indicator Consistently rated one of the worst words in the English language, "phlegm" is hardly a great conversation starter. Try an over-the-counter medication to relieve your symptoms. When there is an accumulation of mucus, you tend to cough it up.

Although the cause is often a response to a viral infection or an allergy, coughing up mucus could be an indication of a bacterial infection. But if the symptoms continue to worsen or stick around for 10 days or more , visit your doctor. 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.

Sputum is a mixture of saliva and mucus. Sometimes you may cough up blood-tinged sputum. Learn about causes like bronchitis , prevention, and more. Learn about the sticky subject of wet cough, including causes in both adults and children, how to treat it, and when to take yourself or your child to….

Acute respiratory infection is an infection that may interfere with normal breathing. It usually begins as a viral infection in the nose, windpipe, or…. Lung cancer coughs often have specific traits that differentiate them from coughs caused by other conditions. Learn more and when to speak with a…. Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies.

Steam inhalers are used as personal saunas for skin care or supporting respiratory health. We created a list of steam inhalers to suit your needs. You may have heard that you can sweat out a cold, but is this an effective remedy? Using a small facial steamer or humidifier, taking a hot steamy shower, or even breathing through a warm wet washcloth can give you some relief from thick, crusty mucus.

Your doctor will evaluate the character of your mucus as well as the presence or absence of other allergy or cold symptoms. Getting the right diagnosis means you can get the right treatment. Unfortunately, many people misdiagnose themselves, thinking, for example, that a large quantity of thick mucus indicates an allergy which actually is signaled by a lot of watery secretions accompanied by allergy symptoms. They then mistakenly take antihistamines , which end up drying out the nose and making thick mucus worse.

With a bacterial sinus infection you may be able to take a doctor-prescribed antibiotic to treat the cause, but with viral colds the best you can do is correctly treat symptoms, so you want to be sure you have the right match. Any option is fine, says Ellis. Since the mucus may be infected, make sure you follow basic hygiene after blowing your nose: Carefully dispose of the facial tissue and wash your hands. Also, avoid spitting out your mucus in public.

Mucus is so important that your body makes about a quart of the stuff on a normal day. Learn how to live with it when it is out of balance, and you'll be more comfortable until the flow goes back to normal.

By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.