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Phlegm is the mucus that is produced in the respiratory system. Phlegm acts as a natural defense mechanism to protect you against any bacterial and viral infections of the respiratory system. It contains various chemicals which fight virus and bacteria. Because it is viscous and sticky, it traps the invading bacteria, viruses, and foreign particles.

The presence of phlegm can be due to the presence of respiratory system diseases like bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, and upper respiratory tract infection due to cold and sinusitis. The color of phlegm indicates the type of ailment you are suffering from. Phlegm can be black or yellow colored.

What does Yellow Phlegm Mean

Yellow phlegm means that you are suffering from cold and flu or your upper respiratory tract is under the influence of some microbial infection. Dark yellow phlegm or thick yellow phlegm indicates an infection of lower respiratory tract or sinuses. Yellow green phlegm indicates an infection of the end of the respiratory system. If you are suffering from a chronic sinus problem you might experience frequent discharge of dark yellow phlegm through the nose. Thick yellow phlegm comes out when you need to blow your nose very hard in order to get rid of it.

If you find yellow green phlegm or yellow phlegm when you cough, you should take the following precautions immediately:

• If you are a smoker, immediately stop smoking.
• One would often suffer from yellow phlegm in morning as they wake up. However, do not swallow the phlegm as it contains dead bacteria and viruses.
• Drink as much water as you can. The water should be at room temperature or lukewarm. Drinking herbal tea is also very effective in removing phlegm from your respiratory systems. Consistent intake of warm fluids flushes out the phlegm from your throat.
• Avoid eating mucus producing foods. Some foods can cause excessive mucus and phlegm. Consult your health care provider regarding this because he or she will know better about your medical history. Just by avoiding certain foods you could obtain tremendous relief from sinus problems.
• Do not suppress coughing by taking any kind of cough suppressants. It can cause an accumulation of the phlegm in your lungs and upper respiratory system and result in more serious problems. Coughing helps in removing the mucus from your body. Take some good expectorant instead in order to eliminate yellow phlegm or yellow green phlegm that is being produced. Steam inhalation would help remove yellow phlegm from the lungs.

You must consult your doctor if yellow or green yellow phlegm continues to discharge for more than a week.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.