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Suggest Treatment For Cough With White Foamy Mucus

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Posted on Tue, 21 Jun 2016
Question: When your mucus is white and foam like is that normal with a productive cough?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, that is ok

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Yes, white foamy mucus is ok. It is isn't the normal state of things, but when people have an upper respiratory virus, it is ok. The situation is concerning when there is also a high fever, chills, and the sputum is discolored (yellow, brown) and this discoloration is not just in the morning but throughout the day. These symptoms are more consistent with a bacterial infection. Also, if you develop shortness of breath then you should go in to be seen.

I see that you are using Mucinex (guaifenesin) and that is a good product for helping keep secretions thin (providing you drink water too).

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Cough With White Foamy Mucus

Brief Answer: Yes, that is ok Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Yes, white foamy mucus is ok. It is isn't the normal state of things, but when people have an upper respiratory virus, it is ok. The situation is concerning when there is also a high fever, chills, and the sputum is discolored (yellow, brown) and this discoloration is not just in the morning but throughout the day. These symptoms are more consistent with a bacterial infection. Also, if you develop shortness of breath then you should go in to be seen. I see that you are using Mucinex (guaifenesin) and that is a good product for helping keep secretions thin (providing you drink water too). I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.