question-icon

What Causes Highly Discolored Phlegm And Cough?

default
Posted on Mon, 3 Oct 2016
Question: coughing up highly discolored flem
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Discoloured phlegm indicates infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear,

Though You have not specified the exact colour I presume it' yellowish. Does it contain blood?

Yellow or discoloured sputum generally indicate infection.

You are already being treated with antibiotics and I'm sure you will respond to them well.

I would like to suggest that sputum should be put up for test and antibiotic sensitivity so that appropriate antibiotic is used for better and quicker response.

Frequent nebulization will help to loosen the phlegm which will be easier to bring out by coughing. Similarly chest physiotherapy by an expert will help in clearing the chest of sputum.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shashi Dangwal

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :1979

Answered : 1157 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Pulmonologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
People also viewed
backtotop2
What Causes Highly Discolored Phlegm And Cough?

Brief Answer: Discoloured phlegm indicates infection. Detailed Answer: Hello Dear, Though You have not specified the exact colour I presume it' yellowish. Does it contain blood? Yellow or discoloured sputum generally indicate infection. You are already being treated with antibiotics and I'm sure you will respond to them well. I would like to suggest that sputum should be put up for test and antibiotic sensitivity so that appropriate antibiotic is used for better and quicker response. Frequent nebulization will help to loosen the phlegm which will be easier to bring out by coughing. Similarly chest physiotherapy by an expert will help in clearing the chest of sputum.