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What Causes Green Phlegm?

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Posted on Wed, 2 Sep 2015
Question: I am spitting up green phlegm but no other symptoms. Been going on now for three weeks or so.
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Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Infection, Either bacterial or Viral. need work up and management.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. Green sputum is a clear cut indication of infection. It could be viral but viral comes with yellow sputum most of the time.

The green color is due to your immune system which sends white blood cells called neutrophils rushing to the area. These cells contain a greenish-colored enzyme, and in large numbers they can turn the mucus the same color.

Possible differentials are bronchitis or airways infection, pneumonia etc. Get a chest X ray and talk to your doctor.They may run some labs like X rays, sputum analysis etc. You may need a round of antibiotics.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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What Causes Green Phlegm?

Brief Answer: Infection, Either bacterial or Viral. need work up and management. Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking I read your question and i understand your concern. Green sputum is a clear cut indication of infection. It could be viral but viral comes with yellow sputum most of the time. The green color is due to your immune system which sends white blood cells called neutrophils rushing to the area. These cells contain a greenish-colored enzyme, and in large numbers they can turn the mucus the same color. Possible differentials are bronchitis or airways infection, pneumonia etc. Get a chest X ray and talk to your doctor.They may run some labs like X rays, sputum analysis etc. You may need a round of antibiotics. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please. Regards Khan