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What Causes Blackish Phlegm?
Question: I get little black stuff in my phlegm.Its like my eye-make-up has gone into it. I dont smoke. I hv started exercising recently intensively and got this in last 15 days only. doc said u r healthy and gave meds. no test just stethoscope on back check.I do not have any breathing problem. I get phlegm little sometimes and this black strands come out only with phlegm and not with saliva or in genral. genrly its clear and white.
Brief Answer:
It's either blood or dust.
Detailed Answer:
HI XXXXXXX
Greeting from Dr. Divakara.P
First of all thanks for choosing Healthcaremagic for posting your query .
Blackish phlegm is very usual. We see that in very few conditions and most commonly in smokers . Since you have mentioned that you don't smoke let us consider other possibilities .
It can also be seen in those people who get exposed to Outdoor smoke , so I need to know what your profession is?
Other possibility is minor bleeding inside your lungs . This can be confirmed by doing a phlegm . I would suggest sputum microscopy test for RBCs. Your local doctor will know about it. Please talk about it with him/her.
Hope this answers your query .
Any clarifications or Queries feel free to ask.
Happy to help you.
Regards.
It's either blood or dust.
Detailed Answer:
HI XXXXXXX
Greeting from Dr. Divakara.P
First of all thanks for choosing Healthcaremagic for posting your query .
Blackish phlegm is very usual. We see that in very few conditions and most commonly in smokers . Since you have mentioned that you don't smoke let us consider other possibilities .
It can also be seen in those people who get exposed to Outdoor smoke , so I need to know what your profession is?
Other possibility is minor bleeding inside your lungs . This can be confirmed by doing a phlegm . I would suggest sputum microscopy test for RBCs. Your local doctor will know about it. Please talk about it with him/her.
Hope this answers your query .
Any clarifications or Queries feel free to ask.
Happy to help you.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thanks for answering my question. I am a marketer and my roomates, friends and colleagues smoke. My phlegm is clear with black strands or small dark black part in it. I feel like my eyeliner has gone there. Is this something serious? the black thing doesnt look like blood at all but ash or more f dark grey.
I saw one pulmonologist yesterday who cheked my breath and mouth and said u r healthy. he said change lifestyle and gave med. said come after 5 days if persists. Today I am getting the same black in phlegm. I'll visit the doc and share your views. I am really scared.
I saw one pulmonologist yesterday who cheked my breath and mouth and said u r healthy. he said change lifestyle and gave med. said come after 5 days if persists. Today I am getting the same black in phlegm. I'll visit the doc and share your views. I am really scared.
Brief Answer:
No need to be scared
Detailed Answer:
Hi
As said earlier exposure to smoke can cause blackish phlegm.
But I still advise you to get that phlegm test also.
Whatever is there no need to be scared .
Do let me know what does your pulmonologist say.
No need to be scared
Detailed Answer:
Hi
As said earlier exposure to smoke can cause blackish phlegm.
But I still advise you to get that phlegm test also.
Whatever is there no need to be scared .
Do let me know what does your pulmonologist say.
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. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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