In some instances, it can be related to a more serious medical condition, includingcancer.
The mucus will usually clear on its own as you get over an infection.
If you have phlegm and no signs of illness, you should see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
The Good Brigade / Getty Images
The Good Brigade / Getty Images
Causes
Mucus is a normal part of the respiratory system.
It plays an important role in lubricating the airways and defending us against irritants and pathogens.
However, inflammation from various causes results in an increase in mucus production and a thicker consistency.
This results in the familiar symptoms of runny nose, congestion, and coughing up phlegm.
Bronchitisandpneumoniaare two types of infections that typically lead to a productive cough.
With bronchitis, the branches of the airways become inflamed and produce thicker mucus.
In pneumonia, the lung tissue is infected.
Cough and Other Infection Symptoms
Respiratory infections can be due to viruses or bacteria.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms with a cough.
Coughing up mucus helps you clear infections and get rid of irritants and allergens from your body.
With certain diseases like cystic fibrosis, coughing up mucus is necessary and treatments promote it.
An occasional cough with an illness is a healthy way to eliminate mucus.
Is Mucus a Sign of Lung Cancer?
Mucus production occurs with certain types of lung cancer.
It is a main symptom of invasivemucinous adenocarcinoma(IMA), a less common subtype of lung cancer.
Thymus tumors are often seen in people diagnosed withmyasthenia gravisand other autoimmune disorders.
Coughing also is a symptom ofpleuralmesothelioma, a cancer of the chest cavity lining often associated with asbestos exposure.
What Does the Color of Phlegm Mean?
While diagnosing the cause of a productive cough does not rely onphlegm color, it can suggest certain causes.
Medications and supportive care at home can help treat a productive cough.
Antibiotics should be used sparingly because they can have significant side effects and overuse contributes to antibiotic resistance.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and includes supportive care and medications.
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