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What Causes Highly Discolored Phlegm And Cough?

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Posted on Mon, 5 Sep 2016
Twitter Mon, 5 Sep 2016 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 3 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on
Question : coughing up highly discolored flem
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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
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Answered by
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Dr. Shashi Dangwal

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :1979

Answered : 1157 Questions

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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.