The colour of your phlegm can provide important clues about your health, from harmless irritations to serious infections. While most coughs resolve on their own within two weeks, persistent symptoms may require medical attention.
White phlegm often indicates asthma, allergies, or viral infections, and may signal a worsening underlying condition. Yellow phlegm is common in early stages of colds or mild chest infections and typically clears without treatment.
Green phlegm is a key sign of a more serious viral or bacterial infection, such as whooping cough, often accompanied by fever and chest pain. Antibiotics may be needed for bacterial infections. Brown phlegm can occur with chronic lung diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or cystic fibrosis, due to chronic inflammation and blood.
Pink or red phlegm may indicate an untreated infection or, in rare cases, lung or neck cancer. Healthline notes that bleeding from the lungs is a common warning sign of lung cancer. Dr Malathy Munisamy of MAC Clinical Research advises seeking immediate medical help if you cough up blood, experience hoarseness, shortness of breath, fever, weight loss, trouble swallowing, or vomiting.
To help clear stubborn phlegm, staying hydrated and using a humidifier can be effective. If symptoms persist for three weeks or more, a GP visit is recommended.
