Meaning of white, yellow & green phlegm color?

The mucus membranes that line the respiratory tract produce a thick, sticky substance known as phlegm. Many individuals experience phlegm in throat because once it is secreted; the cilia in the lower airways push the phlegm into the throat. A small amount of phlegm is normally present in the throat and is not a cause for concern. In fact, phlegm is useful in many ways as it helps to trap foreign substances such as dust and obstructs them from entering the respiratory tract. However, in some cases there is an excessive production of phlegm and this may be indicative of certain underlying health problems.

Phlegm in throat can occur due to various factors. Diseases that affect the respiratory system may lead to excess production of phlegm. Phlegm is also present in the throat during viral infections or allergies. When certain allergens enter the throat through the mouth, the tissues of the throat increase the production of phlegm in order to flush the irritants out of the body. This is a natural immune response of the body which is sometimes also accompanied by inflammation. In some cases, there may also be a narrowing of the airways and this could prove fatal. Also if the phlegm enters the lungs, it could obstruct the passage of air and lead to breathing difficulties. Other conditions such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis can also lead to phlegm in throat.

Bronchitis is usually accompanied by expulsion of phlegm and chest pain. Clear phlegm along with sore throat, runny nose and fever is indicative of influenza. Bacterial pneumonia is known to result in production of yellow phlegm or green Phlegm and is also accompanied by headache, muscle aches and sore throat. Mucus is different from phlegm as it is produced by the membranes of the nostrils, ears, lips and genitals. It helps to protect the body from substances that can cause disease. The mucus color helps to determine the type of health problem. Usually white mucus means that the body is healthy, yellow mucus may be indicative of invasion by a virus, green mucus may occur due to a bacterial infection and red mucus indicates the presence of blood in the mucus and may occur due to excessive smoking.

There are various home remedies to treat phlegm in throat. Gargling with a saline solution is one of the most commonly used remedies for this condition. You may also do steam inhalation to reduce congestion. Intake of plenty of fluids also helps to keep the mucus and phlegm thin and easy to flush out.

answered by G M

Phlegm is a type of mucus which is produced by the mucus membranes that line the respiratory tract. The color of the phlegm helps in diagnosis. A phlegm color chart was commonly used by doctors and nurses to detect COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients. However, for minor cases of flu and cold, a color chart is not necessary.

The phlegm color meaning is as follows. White colored phlegm is indication of a disease-free and healthy body. If the phlegm is light yellow in color, it could mean that the immune system is functioning well. It indicates that the immune system is fighting against the infection and this could be the beginning of an illness. Light yellow phlegm is usually indicative of a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Phlegm of dark yellow color is a sign of a bacterial infection or an infection in the lower respiratory tract. Those who have brown phlegm are generally smokers. The phlegm is also likely to have a grainy texture and is often mixed with the saliva. The grainy texture indicates a presence of dust or foreign particles in the phlegm. Individuals with brown phlegm must cut down on smoking as prolonged heavy smoking is associated with cancer of the lungs. Green phlegm occurs during an infection and is often seen in people with pneumonia. The green color is caused by the presence of an enzyme known as myeloperoxidases, which is contained in white blood cells. Phlegm that contains blood may be a sign of bronchitis. Coughing up of blood could also be indicative of tuberculosis and immediate medical assistance is required in such cases.

One could avoid excess production of phlegm by consuming more fluids. The immune system must also be kept strong by eating healthy foods. Steam inhalation is very effective in treating excess phlegm in the lungs and throat. Another beneficial remedy for phlegm is a mixture of liquorice root extract and honey. Garlic is good for boosting immunity as it helps the body to fight infections. Incorporate garlic into the daily diet. Drinking hot herbal teas is also an effective way to soothe respiratory problems. For best results add some honey and lemon to the tea. Drinking a solution of honey and warm water before going to bed will help to ease throat irritation. In case of persistent phlegm

answered by G R