Phlegm, also known as snot, mucus, or sputum, is a byproduct of inflammation in the sinuses and lungs. It serves as the body's response to various irritants and can be indicative of different health conditions.
Phlegm's texture and color provide clues to underlying health issues. Yellow or green phlegm typically suggests an infection but does not specify its type. "The first step would be to talk to your primary care provider," experts advise. Questions about the duration of illness, presence of fever, and other symptoms help determine if antibiotics are necessary.
Pink, red, or bloody phlegm requires immediate medical attention as it may indicate an infection or even cancer. Smokers experiencing this symptom should consult their doctor for a thorough examination and possibly a chest X-ray.
White phlegm is often associated with allergies, asthma, or viral infections. In cases where it relates to chronic inflammatory conditions like asthma or COPD, it may signal that disease management needs adjustment.
Charcoal or gray phlegm is common among individuals exposed to smoke in workplaces such as coal mines and factories or heavy smokers. Occupational exposure without proper protective equipment can cause inflammatory reactions leading to this type of phlegm.
Brown phlegm appears in people with significant chronic lung diseases like cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis due to blood and chronic inflammation. These patients might need antibiotics during acute exacerbations.
The duration of phlegm depends on its cause: bacterial infections typically resolve within 10-14 days even without antibiotics; viral infections can last up to three weeks; inflammatory conditions persist unless treated more aggressively.
Phlegm production indicates that the body is addressing some form of assault—be it an infection, allergy, or irritant—in the lungs or sinuses.
