What is phlegm? Its Types, Symptoms, Indications And Treatment

What is phlegm Its Types, Symptoms, Indications And Treatment

Phlegm is disease that comes out from throat. Particularly it is expelled by coughing. It can be re occurring many times. Phlegm is in essence a water-based fluid consisting of different colors. Its composition varies depending on climate, inheritance, immune system and allergy from air, pollution, infections and somehow from fragrance. Its color can vary from whit to yellow, yellow to dark brown, and green to yellow. Sometime people are confused to distinguish between phlegm and mucus.

Difference between Phlegm and Mucus

The main difference between mucus and phlegm is to determine that from where it comes out. Mucus normally comes from a patient’s mucous membranes, such as from inside the nose, while phlegm usually comes from the back of the throat or lungs. While both secretions are greasy in consistency, phlegm is typically thicker than mucus. People who have colds normally blow mucus out of their noses and might cough up phlegm from their throats or lungs.

Types of phlegm


There are different types of colors which are helpful to diagnose your reason regarding production of phlegm or sputum.
·         Clear phlegm
·         White phlegm
·         Grey phlegm
·         Yellow phlegm
·         Green phlegm
·         Brown phlegm
·         Pink phlegm
·         Red phlegm
·         Rusty phlegm
·         Black phlegm

Clear, White, Gray Sputum is normal but if it turns after some days then it would be alarming situation to check your doctor thoroughly. Clear to white cause’s viral reparatory tract, White to grey chronic bronchitis. White to yellow causes asthma. Yellow phlegm is due to the presence of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils and eosinphils. These cells are often present in chronic inflammation, allergic and infectious causes. Green phlegm is due to chronic infections and long standing occurrence of this disease. The color is a result of the breakdown of neutrophils and the release of verdoperioxidase / myeloperioxidase, an enzyme that is present within these cells. Brown or Black phlegm is due to the breakdown of red blood cells. Organic and no-organic dusts may also cause brown or black sputum. Red, Pink and rust colored phlegm may cause pneumonia lung cancer and tuberculosis.

Symptoms of an infection that can occur with phlegm symptoms


·         Cough
·         Fatigue
·         Fever
·         Headache
·         Muscle aches
·         Nausea and loss of craving
·         Oppressive nose, often with green or yellow discharge
·         Sneezing
·         Swollen throat
·         Blisters in throats

Indications that can occur with phlegm symptoms


·         Allergies can cause other indication that occurs with phlegm symptoms including:
·         Eye redness
·         Itching of the nose, throat or ears
·         Oppressive nose and postnasal drip
·         Sneezing
·         Watery, itchy eyes
·         Warning Indications
·         Bluish shade of the lips, nails, and possibly the skin
·         Chest pain, tightness or pressure
·         Coughing up blood or pink, blood  phlegm
·         Coughing up large amounts of frothy mucus or phlegm
·         Decrease in level of consciousness or change
·         Rapid heartbeat
·         Sudden swelling of the tongue, lips, mouth or face, or hives on the face or neck

 Home Treatment for sputum/mucus/phlegm

  
·         Take lots of liquids.
·         Have a cough drop with menthol to cool throat.
·         Sleep with lots of pillows on top of each other as it helps you breathe better and cough less.
·         Keep neck area as warm as you can.
·         Do not cough hard as you will end up damaging your throat or worse. You could crack a rib or damage muscles under your rib.
·         Sleep might help, but sometimes getting on as normal has its up sides too.
·         Take tea with honey
·         Always try to spit not swallow
·         Avoid smoking
·         Don’t take dairy products
·         Take a lot of water
·         Take lemon
·         Avoid heavy fragrance of perfumes or deodorants

What is being tested?


Vulnerability testing is used to detect which antimicrobial will inhibit the growth of the bacteria causing your infection. Here are some other tests that can help you to treat your disease effectively.

·         Urine culture
·         Blood culture
·         Bacterial wound culture
·         AFB
·         MRSA
·         Fungal Tests

This information about phlegm enables you to understand what actually phlegm is. Its types regarding colors, symptoms remedies and most effective diagnosed test related to your infection.
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