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What Causes Coughing Up Green Phlegm?

Posted on Wed, 20 May 2015

Question: For a week I've had a cold. For several days, I've had a lot of green gunk coming with my cough, and the cough is deeper and sometimes is barking. I don't have a fever, and I'm just resting, drinking water, herbal tea, juices. Having a bit of food each day, tho not v. hungry. It seems like it's a bug that's just running its course. I don't want to give it to anyone, and really don't want to make the effort to go to my doctor. Does the green stuff mean I'm still contagious?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Green sputum indicates bacterial infection...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

Greenish sputum indicates bacterial infection. You may be having infection of lower respiratory tract. It would be wiser to start on the antibiotics. The bacteria which comes out during cough may spread to others in house.

I would suggest you to consult your doctor and get a prescription for antibiotics. Also, you need to follow the below mentioned measures.
1. Drink plenty of warm water.
2. Do steam inhalation 2-3 times a day for 2-3 minutes.
3. Try taking mucolytic such as ambroxol or bromhexine (available over the counter in some countries).
4. Avoid chilled food and beverages/coffee/fizzy drinks.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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. Pradeep Vitta