What Causes Coughing Up Of Green Phlegm?

Posted on Sun, 15 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 15 Jun 2014 Answered on

Sat, 5 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I have been coughing up green phlegm for 2 days and having to use inhalers constantly as struggling to breathe (I'm asthmatic) but now have pains along both sides of chest (ribs) every time cough to point have to hold sides when cough. What can I do to ease the discomfort? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Matija Romic (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
bacterial infection, needs antibiotic

Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for asking HCM,

I understand your concern. Regarding to your symptoms it seems that you are having a bacterial infection of your lungs. So you need antibiotics which will together with paracetamol relief your pain. So visit your doctor once more and explain to him that you now suffer from rib pain. He will give you antibiotics and maybe do xray of lungs to exclude any kind of complications.
Until you visit your GP take your normal asthma medicine as you usually do and medication given by your doctor for this new condition. Drink enough fluids, 1.5-2 L per day.
If you feel any kind of progression of your symptoms, visit your GP immediately.

I hope this answer was helpful to you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D