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What Causes Coughing Up Green Or Yellow Phlegm?
Question: My 89 year old mother has been coughing up clear mucus for the past 3 weeks. She does not want to go to the doctor because she thinks that it is not necessary to consult a GP until the phlegm is a greeny-yellow colour. Her cough is not getting worse but not getting better. She does have a history of bronchitis / asthma and last year was hospitalized with pneumonia in both lungs. Should I insist?
Brief Answer:
Your mother has a point but I can't really say from afar
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
green or yellow phlegm is usually caused by bacterial infections, so your mother does have a point. Infections may also cause increased volume of phlegm and shortness of breath. The increased volume is not enough reason to treat her with antibiotics but the shortness of breath is.
You haven't mentioned fever and her general status. If she's feverish or exhausted then she definitely has to visit the GP.
Despite that in a 89 years old woman, who probably has COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), respiratory tract infections with increased phlegm volume require medical assessment. So taking everything into account I believe that your mother will probably do well without treatment but I can't really guaranty that and with her history in mind I would recommend a visit to her GP.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Your mother has a point but I can't really say from afar
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
green or yellow phlegm is usually caused by bacterial infections, so your mother does have a point. Infections may also cause increased volume of phlegm and shortness of breath. The increased volume is not enough reason to treat her with antibiotics but the shortness of breath is.
You haven't mentioned fever and her general status. If she's feverish or exhausted then she definitely has to visit the GP.
Despite that in a 89 years old woman, who probably has COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), respiratory tract infections with increased phlegm volume require medical assessment. So taking everything into account I believe that your mother will probably do well without treatment but I can't really guaranty that and with her history in mind I would recommend a visit to her GP.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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