Green, yellow and brown.. This is what the different colors of sputum indicate

02:30 PM

Thursday, February 16, 2023

I wrote – Asmaa Morsi

Phlegm is a substance consisting of saliva and mucus that reaches the mouth as a result of coughing from the lungs or from the airways, but did you know that the color of sputum can be an indication of several serious health conditions? “.

Green or yellow phlegm?

It occurs as a result of infection, you may notice yellow sputum that then develops into a green color, in addition to several other reasons, including:

1. Bronchitis: It starts with a dry cough. Over time, you may start coughing up yellow-green phlegm. This is a sign that the disease may develop into a secondary bacterial infection. The cough can last up to 90 days.

2. Pneumonia: It is a complication of another respiratory problem.

3. Sinusitis: A virus, allergy, or even bacteria can cause this condition, causing the mucus to change color.

4. Cystic fibrosis: a chronic lung disease caused by the accumulation of mucus in the lungs.

Brown sputum:

It may indicate that you have bleeding that occurred some time ago, as well as, a chronic infection such as bronchitis due to smoking.

Black phlegm:

It also indicates the presence of a fungal infection, excessive smoking, or other substances that a person inhales regularly.

White sputum:

You may experience white phlegm due to a number of health conditions, including:

GERD: This chronic condition affects the digestive system, causing a cough mixed with white phlegm.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: It causes the airways to narrow, which leads to excess mucus secretion from the lungs. This combination makes it difficult for your body to get oxygen, and thus you may suffer from white sputum.

Congestive heart failure: This occurs when your heart doesn’t pump blood effectively to the rest of your body, causing fluid to collect in your lungs and may lead to excess white sputum.

Red or pink phlegm:

Lung infection may cause sputum to turn red as it progresses, as can tuberculosis, congestive heart failure (CHF), and

pulmonary embolism;