What Causes Cough With Green Phlegm?

Posted on Tue, 12 Jul 2016

Question: Head cold moved into my chest, as it always does, I've been coughing less but producing lots of, fairly green phlem. I've been taking NAC and Expectorant for about 8 days. Should I go to the doctor?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you should definitely consult pulmonologist and get done chest x ray.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
In my opinion, you should definitely consult pulmonologist and get done
1. Clinical examination of respiratory system
2. Chest x ray.
We should definitely rule out lung infection in your case because green phlegm is more suggestive of lung infection.
And chest x ray is must for the diagnosis of lung infection.
So consult pulmonologist and get done chest x ray.
Please let me know
1. Do you smoke?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (55 minutes later)

I do not smoke. Your answer is confusing. I green phlegm a lung infection? Also, how can you tell if it is Phenomia?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Lung infection is common men's terminology.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
See, lung infection and pneumonia are same. Lung infection is common men's terminology while pneumonia is more scientific term for infection of lungs.
And yes, green phlegm is suggestive of lung infection.
And this needs antibiotic treatment.
Since you are not taking antibiotic you are not improving.
So better to consult pulmonologist and start antibiotic treatment.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar