Water, proteins, minerals and cell debris are the main composition of phlegm. Catarrh is that undesirable mucus that the world has had at least a few times in its life. It shouldn’t be that undesirable, as it helps protect the body from viruses, bacteria, pollution, toxins, etc.
It is naturally produced by our body in order to prevent the entry of pathogens and external agents that can cause problems to our airways and lungs (or other organs of the body). But when he cannot cope with it, the body is affected by one of these infections. From there, the many glands present in our lung bronchi begin to produce a much thicker secretion, in order to eliminate what has already entered and should not have entered. This mucus thickens and joins with remnants of antibodies, and may even change color and smell.
Many people think that phlegm should not be swallowed. That he should always be eliminated, with a cough. That if ingested, it can harm the health. This is not true. According to doctors, it doesn’t matter if you ingest or spit, as healing will not be delayed by it.
The presence of phlegm can indicate many health conditions, however only a doctor will be able to say exactly what it is about and indicate the appropriate treatment. But, if you noticed the presence of this mucus, you can go on doing the basics. The first thing to do is to drink plenty of water throughout the day – pure water. The mucus will become more fluid and much easier to expectorate.
How is phlegm formed?
Within our airways, we have the walls of the airways, which are formed by mucous membranes. These mucous membranes are naturally coated with a viscous mucus, whose function is to block the entry of pathogens. Pathogens can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, pollution, smoke, toxins, dust, etc. Many agents are actually blocked by this mucus every day – and we must thank them! However, at times, the mucus cannot block the agents from entering and then they head towards the lung. And this is where it gets serious.
When pathogens reach the lungs, defense cells present in the bronchial glands detect the presence of pathogens and end up producing a much more potent secretion. This mucus gets thicker and thicker, as antibodies and defense cells arrive that release substances to eliminate these external agents. Some of these substances can even change the color of the mucus.
The Colors of Catarrh
Green Or Yellow
Green or yellow phlegm is the result of the production of a protein by cells called neutrophils. Neutrophils are white blood cells that specialize in defending the body against pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. The color varies according to the amount of neutrophils and can therefore turn yellow or greenish. This type of phlegm may be indicating the presence of an infection, as in the case of pharyngitis or pneumonia.
What should be done in this case is to seek a general practitioner or pulmonologist so that he can indicate the best treatment according to the problem that was detected in the exams.
Red Or With Blood
Red phlegm is usually bloody. This is a great indication of bronchitis. It can also be evidence of even more serious problems, such as tuberculosis, which is a serious infection. OR, pneumonia or lung cancer.
Red phlegm is a symptom that can really indicate serious problems so the best thing to do is to seek a pulmonologist to do diagnostic tests, which can be x-rays, microbiological culture, etc.
White Or Gray
This phlegm may be related, and usually is, to infections and inflammations in the upper respiratory tract. It can happen during the flu, a cold, a sinusitis, for example.
This type of phlegm is usually a sign of an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, but it can also appear during flu or sinusitis, when the sinuses become very full and start to drain into the throat. It can also happen as a result of a very high intake of dairy products, as the intake of these foods ends up thickening the phlegm leaving it thicker and whitish.
Colors of Catarrh
In these cases, the ideal is to drink a much larger amount of fluids, distributed during the day. Ideally, it should be pure water at room temperature. This way the phlegm will be more easily eliminated and, along with it, the agents that cause the problem, as it can be in the case of colds and flu. If the problem persists, consult a general practitioner to order tests and indicate the best treatment or to continue treatment and investigation with a specialist.
Brown Or Black
Brown or black phlegm happens a lot among people who have a smoking habit. Or passive smokers and people who attended a party indoors where smoking was allowed. Still, places with lots of smoke from barbecue or burning. Workers from places with a lot of air pollution may also have phlegm of this color. Therefore, you have already noticed that the brown phlegm is related to the tar or resin particles, which get stuck in the mucous membranes that cover the nostrils and airways. The phlegm of this color can also be related to the ingestion of some foods or drinks, such as chocolate or wine.
Brown and Black Catarrh
In these cases, the ideal is just to avoid the habit of going to these places, as it can become a chronic problem and become serious, causing permanent problems with breathing and lung health, with accumulated toxicity. Also try to ingest a larger amount of fluids to eliminate phlegm.
rose
Cough with pink phlegm, usually light pink, is a great indicator that there may be fluid in the lungs. This is extremely common in cases of heart related problems. Therefore, it can indicate heart failure. Blood can accumulate around the lungs and cause leakage, with fluid entering the lungs.
In these cases, the ideal is to consult with a specialist doctor, who is the pulmonologist. Or you can also go to the cardiologist. Always be very detailed in your symptoms and ask the doctor to order the tests. Treatment may include taking diuretic drugs.
