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Cold and flu season is approaching, and with coronavirus cases still continuing, it’s important to understand what your body is telling you when certain symptoms appear, including the color of the sputum and what it might indicate.
Coughing up phlegm or sneezing with green mucus is a symptom of battling a cold. But although revolting, these gooeys reveal important clues about health.
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Healthspan Medical Director Dr. Sarah Brewer says mucus or phlegm can provide telltale signs of your body’s ability to manage a cold or respiratory infection.
“The fact that you have a runny nose or cough up phlegm shows that your body is fighting the infection and hopefully clears it from your body,” says Dr Brewer.
She added: “The color of the sputum can reveal the severity of your infection, and if it is badly discolored or stained with blood, it is wise to see a doctor.”
Dr Brewer pointed out that mucus protects us. “It does this by keeping our lungs, airways and nasal passages moist and by transporting antibodies and immune cells that help fight infection,” she explained.
So what might the different colors of mucus and phlegm indicate?
Light color
Clear mucus means the tissue in your nose has swollen, so the mucus from your nose cannot move through your nasal passages at the usual speed, according to Dr.
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“It gets thicker and denser due to the lower humidity levels. If you cough up white phlegm, it could mean you have an upper respiratory infection or sinus congestion,” she added. .
yellow color
Yellow mucus and thick, very dark phlegm could mean that you have a viral or bacterial infection.
It can be in the sinuses or the lower respiratory tract.
“The dark yellow, even green, color appears when white blood cells rush to fight infection,” says Dr. Brewer.
the pink color
Pink sputum could be a sign of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). “People with acute pulmonary edema produce very distinct pink sputum,” said Dr Brewer.
the Red color
A major color of concern is mucus or red mucus. Dr Brewer warned: “If you cough up small amounts of bright red blood. It can be caused by cough, chest infection, or sometimes, a sign of a lung tumor.”
She added: “If your sputum is rusty or bloody, you should see a healthcare professional urgently. If you cough up small amounts of bright red blood, it may be coming from your lungs. It can be caused by a cough or a lung infection. It happens to older people who smoke. “
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Brown
Dr Brewer explains that phlegm and brown mucus appear when a person smokes, especially if they are a heavy smoker.
“Brown mucus can be caused by dry blood from a nosebleed, cold, or nasal necrosis. Brown mucus can also come from air pollution and smoke inhalation. by fire, ”she said.
black color
Black mucus and phlegm can be caused by inhaling dark colored dirt or dust. Smoking can also cause black streaks in the mucus.
“As a general rule, the darker the phlegm, the more likely you are to be exposed to something more dangerous,” Dr Brewer said. In this case, your first step should be to visit your GP.
Source: Express
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