When coughing, yellow sputum is coughed up: causes and treatment, sputum in a child

Treatment

Therapy for pathological sensations is different and depends on the task at hand.

Relief of physiological accumulation of sputum

This is the simplest treatment option: adjusting the diet, calculating the drinking regime, giving up cigarettes if we are talking about a smoker. Dosed physical activity, breathing exercises, walks in the fresh air.

In other words, a healthy lifestyle will radically solve the problem

Much attention is paid to the environment, it must be environmentally friendly, the place of work - hazardous industries are prohibited

Gargling and nasal rinsing, ultraviolet radiation are recommended. In complex cases, puncture and histology are performed so as not to miss a serious pathology.

For diseases

Pathological triggers cause serious illnesses and require complex therapy, consisting of a combination of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic drugs, physiotherapy and background herbal therapy.

Cause of hypersecretion Treatment regimen Runny nose of various origins: rhinorrhea is viscous, thick, often blocking the nasal passages, causing difficulty breathing, shortness of breath. Antiseptics: Rinostop, Dolphin, Aqualor as solutions for regular nasal rinsing. Aspirators can and should be used for these purposes. For small children - a regular rubber enema. The following will help relieve swelling: Otrivin, Nazivin, Snoop. Their course is no more than five days. If the causative agent is bacteria, the use of Dioxidin, Vicks, and Pinosol is pathogenetic. During a viral attack - Grippferon, TRS-19, any interferrons. There are special recipes, the composition of which only the doctor knows, he also writes out prescriptions with them and they are prepared in pharmacies in special departments, manually. Usually antibiotics are added to them in minimal dosages. Dental pathology, pharyngolaryngitis, sore throat without cough, but with a lot of mucus. The basis for relieving diseases is the use of antiseptics and agents that relieve inflammation: Doctor IOM, Miramistin, Strepsils, Faringosept, Hexoral, Stomatofit, Tantum Verde. At the same time, antibiotic treatment is carried out to determine sensitivity to them, especially when it comes to tonsillitis: Flemoxin Solutab, Amoxiclav, Levofloxacin, Ceftriaxone - in tablet form or by injection. Diseases of the bronchopulmonary system, as a rule, demonstrate the accumulation of phlegm in the throat without coughing as a secondary symptom. The pathology is based on a latent course of inflammation with abundant hypersecretion. Pus in the mucus is especially dangerous; it indicates the possible formation of an abscess. The goal of therapy is to stimulate the cough reflex in order to remove sputum from the primary focus of its accumulation while simultaneously stopping the infectious onset. Mucolytics and expectorants, antibiotics aimed at suppressing a specific pathogen are used. Recommended: ACC, Ambrobene, Ascoril. Before determining the type of pathogen, in severe general condition of the patient, a short provocative course of antibiotics and antiviral drugs is prescribed. They use, for example, Summed and Tamiflu. Exacerbation of diseases stimulates coughing and cleansing of the bronchi. The treatment regimen is individual and is the prerogative of the attending physician. In children, the drug of choice among antibiotics is Suprax. The allergy produces abundant secretion without the slightest sign of cough, accompanied by typical skin rashes. Antihistamines are prescribed: Tavegil, Suprastin, Loratadine. Negative symptoms go away almost immediately. No additional medications are required. Reflux esophagitis, causing mechanical irritation of the oropharyngeal mucosa. It is treated only by a gastroenterologist, sometimes requiring surgical intervention. They use antacids: Rennie, Almagel, Maalox, peristalsis stimulants: Motilium, antisecretory drugs: Omez. Neoplasms of various origins, causing viscous discharge without coughing. They are treated by oncologists using cytostatics, immunosuppressants, radiation and chemotherapy.

Sputum color

The color of sputum is one of the main characteristics that helps to suspect and determine the underlying disease. The secreted secretion can be white, yellow, green, red, brown (rusty) and gray:

White sputum is characteristic of fungal infections, cough of allergic or infectious origin. Associated symptoms with the release of exudate of this color may be: shortness of breath, wheezing, hyperthermia, difficulty breathing, pain in the affected area, etc. If foamy sputum appears, you should immediately seek medical help, since these changes are often observed with pulmonary edema. White exudate without coughing occurs when the nasopharynx is cleared (a natural process).
Gray phlegm when coughing in people suffering from nicotine addiction is a common occurrence. Most often, the gray color of the discharge indicates the presence of pathology in the body: bronchitis, asthma, allergies, etc. Since smokers have an additional negative impact on their respiratory system, they are more likely to suffer from various diseases than people who do not have this bad habit. Therefore, quitting smoking is one of the main preventive measures in such cases.
The presence of yellow sputum indicates that the body may have encountered one of these diseases: pneumonia, flu, sinusitis, colds, bronchitis, cancer, asthma and allergies (with allergies and asthma, the sputum is lighter). Coughing with mucus in such cases may be accompanied by hyperthermia, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Green sputum indicates that the body is exposed to a bacterial infection (primary or secondary). The shade can be different (yellow-green, dark green, gray-green, brown-green). Diseases that may cause green sputum (color): laryngitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, cancer, bronchitis, etc.
Pink, black, red (rusty) and brown sputum when coughing is a signal of serious pathological processes in the body.
Pink sputum can be observed with tuberculosis, pulmonary edema, cancer, pneumonia, abscess. All these conditions pose a threat, so do not put off visiting a doctor. In some cases, pink sputum occurs when the vessels of the nasopharynx and gums are injured.
Red sputum (mucus with streaks or blood clots) is coughed up if pulmonary edema or a heart attack occurs. Also observed with bronchitis (rarely) or tuberculosis. Rusty sputum occurs with the following diseases: bronchitis, cancer, pneumonia, bronchiectasis. Also, expectoration of rust-colored mucus is possible with pulmonary edema (rare), tuberculosis, and in smokers.
Brown mucus (with brown spots) almost always accompanies dangerous diseases (cancer, pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis). Smokers may also cough up brown mucus in the morning. As a result of the influence of this addiction on the body, there is an increase in capillary permeability and destruction of small vessels.
Black sputum is observed with pneumocroupus (appears when inhaling coal dust or other solid particles). Dark or black sputum also occurs with cancer, tuberculosis or gangrene. Black color is a dangerous color of sputum, especially if other symptoms appear (shortness of breath, chest pain, severe weight loss, etc.), so you should contact a specialist immediately.

Differential diagnosis

To establish the exact causes of excess mucus formation in the windpipe, it is worth doing the following:

Visual inspection;
palpation of lymph nodes;
detailed conversation with the patient;
blood chemistry;
pharyngoscopy;
laryngoscopy;
throat and throat swab;
sputum culture to determine sensitivity to antibiotics;
clinical blood test;
FGDS;
examination of gastroduodenal contents;
allergen panel;
radiography;
fluorography;
biopsy;
studying the patient's medical history;
thyroid examination, etc.

These research methods will make it possible to assess the severity of the process, identify chronic diseases, study the condition of the mucous membrane of the windpipe and take discharge for examination for the presence of infection.

If sputum has not been coughed up for a long time, it is possible that you will also have to visit a therapist, pulmonologist, gastroenterologist, allergist, neurologist, endocrinologist and some other specialists.

Based on the diagnosis, appropriate treatment is prescribed. Usually, you first need to eliminate the pathological factor leading to the formation of a large amount of viscous sputum, and then the symptom itself.

What color is sputum when you cough?

A cough with sputum production occurs due to the presence of some irritant in the respiratory tract. There are quite a large number of reasons for its occurrence. Therefore, it is not always possible to independently determine what triggered the cough with sputum. To make a diagnosis, you should consult a doctor who will find out the exact origin of the cough and the accompanying sputum. The color of sputum when coughing plays an important role in diagnosis.

The content of the article

What diseases does it occur with?

Yellow thick sputum when coughing is observed with:

Bronchitis - a certain color of discharge is characteristic of different types of disease. Yellow sputum during bronchitis is observed in acute or chronic form. The patient first develops a dry, then a wet cough. At the same time, sore throat, fever, and chills are observed.
Cellulitis, abscesses, pleurisy - due to purulent processes, the discharge becomes yellow in color.

Any disease requires strict medical control.

Bronchial asthma

Signs characteristic of bronchial asthma.

high-pitched wheezing when exhaling;
difficulty breathing, chest tightness, cough that worsens at night;
seasonal deterioration of the respiratory system;
development of eczema or allergies;
systematic colds that “descend” into the lower respiratory tract;
the appearance or exacerbation of symptoms during physical activity, emotional overload, inhalation of polluted air, contact with allergens;
stabilization of the condition after taking antihistamines and anti-asthmatic drugs.

Discharges in this disease differ in:

Sputum must be taken for analysis. Based on the results of the study, the nature of the disease is determined and a treatment method is selected.

A bright yellow or greenish color indicates the death of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. When a vessel in the lung tissue ruptures, blood appears. With malignant tumors, a rotten smell is noted.

Pneumonia

Yellow sputum when coughing is characteristic of an acute form of pneumonia. It requires immediate medical intervention.

elevated temperature;
fever and chills;
chest pain;
sleep disturbance;
persistent cough;
feeling of lack of oxygen;
sweating;
weakness and loss of strength.

To diagnose the disease, an X-ray of the lungs is performed. To identify the pathogen, sputum culture, blood and urine tests are prescribed. Based on the results of the study, broad-spectrum antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and expectorant medications are prescribed.

Parasitic lesions of the lungs

dirty hands and household items;
unwashed food.

Larvae hatch in the gastrointestinal tract. They penetrate the veins and travel through the blood vessels to the capillary system of the lungs. The further path lies through the alveoli into the lumen of the bronchi, trachea and pharynx. A person swallows them along with secretions of the bronchial glands and saliva. The larvae return to the digestive system.

A cough that produces mucus may be caused by:

concentration of parasites in the lungs;
entry of larvae into the tissues of blood vessels of the respiratory organs;
the presence of helminths that impede the access of oxygen in the bronchi;
movement of larvae through the respiratory system.

Parasitic infection of the lungs provokes the development of diseases:

pneumonia;
exudative pleurisy;
eosinophilic pneumonia.

The presence of heartworms is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often do not appear for several years. Some of the signs are characteristic of colds:

temperature increase;
paroxysmal cough in the morning;
sputum discharge;
loss of appetite;
muscle pain;
nausea.

To diagnose helminthic infestation at an early stage, a general blood test is performed. For bronchopulmonary syndrome, radiography is prescribed. The photographs show where the larvae penetrate into the tissue.

In the chronic stage, feces are examined for the presence of helminth eggs. This method is relevant no earlier than 3 months after infection. If only males, immature females or old individuals entered the body, then traces of their presence will not be found.

What does yellow sputum mean in an adult and a child? — updated 03.19

There is always a small amount of mucus present in the human respiratory system. In its normal state it is transparent.

A change in the color, composition and structure of the discharge indicates the development of some pathology.

Yellow sputum is a sign of many diseases.

Causes of productive cough

Coughing is a natural reflex of the body to irritation of the mucous membranes. With its help, foreign bodies, fluid and bacteria are released from the bronchi and upper respiratory tract.

Productive cough is characteristic of a number of diseases:

infections (tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia);
chronic diseases (obstructive pulmonary disease);
bronchial asthma.

Also, yellow sputum is expectorated with allergies and active smoking.

Colorless discharge during treatment indicates a positive course of the disease. A change in color to green or rusty is a sign of deviation.

If a person coughs for more than three days in a row and develops chest pain and fever, they should consult a doctor immediately.

If your cough is yellow

The sputum becomes yellow due to the admixture of pus - dead leukocytes. These signs indicate an inflammatory process in the body. They are characteristic of several diseases. Yellow discharge appears after a recent flu or cold.

It is impossible to draw a conclusion about the presence of a particular problem based only on the appearance and color of the sputum. For diagnosis, laboratory tests are performed and associated symptoms are studied.

To diagnose a disease, you need to understand:

Is sputum expectorated when coughing or not, does it have a smell;
is there a temperature;
how often does discharge appear - in the morning, in the evening, at night, constantly;
what is the structure of mucus - thick, liquid, foamy.

To diagnose the disease, specialists prescribe a set of tests:

If there is doubt about the accuracy of the diagnosis, bronchoscopy is performed. The procedure allows you to obtain information about the state of the respiratory system. The specialist examines the trachea and bronchi from the inside, takes samples of suspicious tissue for examination, removes foreign bodies and clears out thick sputum.

If the symptom is in an adult without fever

Yellow sputum during a cough without fever is a common sign of a non-infectious problem. Causes:

smoking is the result of the destructive effects of smoke and the accumulation of tar in the lungs;
living in an area with unfavorable environmental conditions;
work in hazardous industries.
due to constant irritation of the bronchi, chronic bronchopulmonary diseases develop:
bronchitis – occurs after repeated acute bronchitis or with regular exposure of the body to tobacco smoke, exhaust gases, chemical fumes;
bronchial asthma – the main cause of the disease is systematic contact with allergens.

Yellow sputum when coughing without fever in adults is just one of the symptoms. Specialists make a diagnosis based on laboratory tests.

If you cough up in the morning

During sleep, mucus accumulates in the airways. After waking up, when a person begins to move actively, the body removes it with a cough. Along with it, the dust that gets into the lungs comes out. The appearance of a small amount of transparent discharge is a natural process.

Coughing up yellow mucus in the morning indicates:

Infectious processes - color changes due to an increase in the number of leukocytes. If at the same time the temperature rises, weakness is observed and appetite decreases, then this is a sure symptom of an acute form of bronchitis.
Allergic reaction - when certain receptor areas are irritated, mucus secretion increases. For treatment, antihistamines are used, which are prescribed by the doctor after examination. If the symptoms are ignored, a more serious disease develops – bronchial asthma.

Yellow mucus is often coughed up when smoking heavily. In this way, the body is freed from accumulated toxic substances. Chronic bronchitis may develop.

What is the child talking about?

Yellow sputum in a child when coughing indicates the presence of the same health problems as in an adult. It is formed during infection in the airways:

Cough and fever are characteristic symptoms of a cold.

When a child coughs up yellow mucus, his body is fighting pathogens. To make a diagnosis, anamnesis is collected and the discharge is analyzed for microflora.

What diseases does it occur with?

Yellow thick sputum when coughing is observed with:

Bronchitis - a certain color of discharge is characteristic of different types of disease. Yellow sputum during bronchitis is observed in acute or chronic form. The patient first develops a dry, then a wet cough. At the same time, sore throat, fever, and chills are observed.
Cellulitis, abscesses, pleurisy - due to purulent processes, the discharge becomes yellow in color.

Any disease requires strict medical control.

Bronchial asthma

Bronchial asthma is a dangerous inflammatory disease, the main symptom of which is suffocation. Often goes into a chronic stage. The attacks are accompanied by a cough. First, scanty, sticky sputum comes out. Gradually it begins to be released more easily, breathing stabilizes and the attack ends.

Signs characteristic of bronchial asthma.

high-pitched wheezing when exhaling;
difficulty breathing, chest tightness, cough that worsens at night;
seasonal deterioration of the respiratory system;
development of eczema or allergies;
systematic colds that “descend” into the lower respiratory tract;
the appearance or exacerbation of symptoms during physical activity, emotional overload, inhalation of polluted air, contact with allergens;
stabilization of the condition after taking antihistamines and anti-asthmatic drugs.

Discharges in this disease differ in:

shade;
smell;
structure.

Sputum must be taken for analysis. Based on the results of the study, the nature of the disease is determined and a treatment method is selected.

Pneumonia

Yellow sputum when coughing is characteristic of an acute form of pneumonia. It requires immediate medical intervention.

Characteristic symptoms:

elevated temperature;
fever and chills;
chest pain;
sleep disturbance;
persistent cough;
feeling of lack of oxygen;
sweating;
weakness and loss of strength.

Parasitic lesions of the lungs

Helminth eggs enter the body through the mouth if sanitary standards are not observed. Sources:

dirty hands and household items;
unwashed food.

A cough that produces mucus may be caused by:

concentration of parasites in the lungs;
entry of larvae into the tissues of blood vessels of the respiratory organs;
the presence of helminths that impede the access of oxygen in the bronchi;
movement of larvae through the respiratory system.

Parasitic infection of the lungs provokes the development of diseases:

pneumonia;
exudative pleurisy;
eosinophilic pneumonia.

The presence of heartworms is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often do not appear for several years. Some of the signs are characteristic of colds:

temperature increase;
paroxysmal cough in the morning;
sputum discharge;
loss of appetite;
muscle pain;
nausea.

What to do if you produce phlegm without coughing

If sputum is produced for a long time, consult a physician or pulmonologist. During the interview, the doctor will clarify:

how long ago the symptom appeared;
presence of bad habits and occupational hazards;
tendency to allergic reactions.

To determine the cause of expectoration of mucus without coughing, a diagnosis is carried out:

physical examination - examination of the throat, listening to the lungs;
endoscopic examinations – broncho-, rhino- and pharyngoscopy;
hardware methods - MRI of the chest, radiography of the lungs, ultrasound of the pleural cavity;
laboratory tests - microscopic examination of sputum, general blood test, allergy tests.

To exclude helminthiasis, fungal infection of the lungs and syphilis, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent test is prescribed to determine antibodies to the pathogen. If tuberculosis is suspected, the quantiferon test and the Mantoux test are recommended.

Treatment options depend on the cause of excessive mucus production. Conservative therapy involves taking medications, physical procedures - magnetic therapy, inhalations, chest massage, UHF therapy. The basis of pharmacotherapy is:

antibiotics – Doxycycline, Amoxiclav, Augmentin;
anthelmintics – Vermox, Trichlorophen, Piperazine;
anti-tuberculosis drugs - Pyrazinamide, Ethionamide, Isoniazid;
antifungal drugs - Itraconazole, Fluconazole, Isavuconazole.

There are several dozen diseases in which sputum is expelled without coughing. Some of them do not pose a threat to health, while others are fraught with dangerous complications. Therefore, if such a symptom appears, you should not postpone a visit to a therapist or pulmonologist.

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How is yellow sputum examined?

When a cough with yellow sputum appears, a person goes to a therapist. The doctor first asks the patient about the onset of the disease, finds out whether there is a fever, how long the cough lasts, what is the amount of sputum and its nature, that is, the color of the fluid released.

After this, a sputum test may be ordered. For this purpose, microscopic or macroscopic examination is used.

In the case of microscopy, the laboratory assistant examines pathological cells and elements: increased eosinophils, neutrophils more than 30, fibers, as well as indicators of the presence of asthma or allergies.

Bacterioscopy allows you to determine the presence of microbes in sputum. If none are identified, then they take an analysis for mucus bacteria. The laboratory technician must conduct the study no later than two hours after receiving the mucus. The doctor knows that a healthy person also has a certain amount of pathogenic microorganisms in the saliva, trachea and bronchi. However, their number should not exceed a certain number.

When tuberculosis is detected, bacterial culture is generally carried out at least three times. Only then can a conclusion be drawn based on the presence or absence of Koch’s bacillus in the body.

You need to prepare for the analysis:

Two days before sputum collection, you need to increase your fluid intake. Minimum two liters per day
Treat your mouth with Miramistin or Furacilin
Sputum should be collected in the morning, before meals.
Before getting ready, perform morning hygiene: brush your teeth, rinse your mouth

Now the procedure itself: breathe. Inhale and exhale several times, cough deliberately. Collecting sputum must be done in a sterile jar, such as can be purchased at a pharmacy.

If you cannot cough up the mucus, perform an inhalation procedure with plain water. It is enough to collect only 6 mm of mucus.

It is necessary to take the analysis to the laboratory as early as possible; after two hours it will no longer be informative. However, if this is not possible, then place the well-sealed jar in the refrigerator. There, sputum can be stored for about two days.

The hospital may suggest doing a bronchoscopy. This is a very reliable study

Collection of sputum in children

Sometimes parents encounter difficulties when collecting sputum from a child, especially if he is still a baby.

It is wrong to force a child to cough on purpose. Try to play with your baby, let him be distracted. You can give him some tasty treat.

The presence of yellow sputum in a child, along with additional symptoms, tells the doctor about a bacterial infection. Then a microscopic examination of the mucus is done, and the child is prescribed antibiotic therapy.

When coughing, yellow sputum: causes

Yellow color of sputum when coughing is a sure sign of the presence of pathogens in the body. There is a whole list of ailments that are characterized by increased mucus production.

Bronchitis. It develops as a result of a viral or bacterial infection that provokes inflammation of the bronchial mucous epithelium. It often begins with a dry cough, which later develops into a severe cough with yellow sputum. Other symptoms of bronchitis include sore throat and fever. 2

Pneumonia. Occurs as a complication after suffering respiratory diseases. The most common strain of microbes responsible for pneumonia in adults is Streptococcus pneumoniae.

The infection affects one or both lungs and causes the air sacs to fill with pus or fluid. As a result, the patient develops pus in the sputum. The symptoms associated with this pathology depend on the specific type of disease. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chills, fever, and a cough with yellow (sometimes green and bloody) phlegm. 3

Cold or flu. One of the most common signs of these ailments is the appearance of transparent or yellowish clots when coughing up. 4

Sinusitis. May be triggered by allergies, viral or bacterial infections. It is characterized by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinuses), which are four pairs of air-filled cavities. When they are irritated, the mucus that normally drains into the nose becomes blocked, pooling in the sinuses and creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Sinusitis is accompanied by headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, and persistent cough with characteristic discharge.

On topic: 5

Cystic fibrosis. This condition is classified as a chronic lung disease when tracheobronchial exudate begins to accumulate in the lungs. One of the signs of pathology is the tracheobronchial substance of yellowish, greenish and brown color. 6

An allergic reaction is another common cause of colored phlegm when coughing up. The allergen irritant provokes inflammation, thereby increasing the production of thick, pale yellow secretion.

Excess mucous clots, moving through the nasopharynx, irritate the throat and cause coughing. Respiratory allergy symptoms go away with elimination of the allergen and proper therapy. 7

Asthma. Causes respiratory inflammation, and often leads to the formation of excess tracheobronchial mucus. This substance is white-yellow, stained with inflammatory cells.

But since the cough in asthma is usually protracted and unproductive, the viscous clots are usually insignificant. Other symptoms of asthma include wheezing, wheezing, fatigue, and cramps. 8

Lung cancer (LLC). The most serious pathology in which yellow sputum is coughed up. Sometimes it contains bloody impurities, due to which the exudate acquires a pinkish tint.

This pathology is characterized by persistence of the cough reflex for more than two weeks and persistent chest pain. The presence of such symptoms requires immediate medical attention.

Yellow sputum when coughing in adults and children – Your online doctor

19.08.2019

A change in the color of the mucous secretion is most often associated with an increase in the level of white blood cells, when the immune system independently tries to cope with the infection. However, there are other reasons when phlegm begins to accumulate in the respiratory tract.

The dark yellow expectorant substance is well known to smokers, as they see it every morning, immediately after waking up. Also, the discharge may take on a yellowish-brown tint due to severe air pollution.

When there is a bacterial infection, they turn greenish-yellow. But it is much more dangerous when the mucus turns brown due to the presence of blood clots.

What is sputum? Which one is normal? Why is it needed?

It is a thick, viscous, jelly-like substance that is released when you cough up. Secreted in the mucous epithelium of the lower airways by submucosal and unicellular glands.

Its composition includes high molecular weight glycoproteins, immunoglobulins, lipids and other substances. Simply put, phlegm contains:

Impurities of saliva;
Slime;
Red blood cells;
Fibrin;
Epithelial cells;
Bacteria;
Foreign inclusions (dust particles, food residues, etc.).

In healthy people, tracheobronchial exudate is transparent, performs a protective function and is endowed with antimicrobial properties.

The norm of phlegm released per day from the tracheobronchial tree is 10-100 ml. This is the amount of substance that a person ingests during the day without noticing.

When coughing, yellow sputum: causes

Pneumonia. Occurs as a complication after suffering respiratory diseases. The most common strain of microbes responsible for pneumonia in adults is Streptococcus pneumoniae.

The infection affects one or both lungs and causes the air sacs to fill with pus or fluid.

As a result, the patient develops pus in the sputum. The symptoms associated with this pathology depend on the specific type of disease. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chills, fever, and a cough with yellow (sometimes green and bloody) phlegm.

Source: nasmorkam.net

Cold or flu. One of the most common signs of these ailments is the appearance of transparent or yellowish clots when coughing up.

Sinusitis. May be triggered by allergies, viral or bacterial infections. It is characterized by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinuses), which are four pairs of air-filled cavities.

When they are irritated, the mucus that normally drains into the nose becomes blocked, pooling in the sinuses and creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Sinusitis is accompanied by headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, and persistent cough with characteristic discharge.

An allergic reaction is another common cause of colored phlegm when coughing up. The allergen irritant provokes inflammation, thereby increasing the production of thick, pale yellow secretion.

Excess mucous clots, moving through the nasopharynx, irritate the throat and cause coughing. Respiratory allergy symptoms go away with elimination of the allergen and proper therapy.

Asthma. Causes respiratory inflammation, and often leads to the formation of excess tracheobronchial mucus. This substance is white-yellow, stained with inflammatory cells.

But since the cough in asthma is usually protracted and unproductive, the viscous clots are usually insignificant. Other symptoms of asthma include wheezing, wheezing, fatigue, and cramps.

Lung cancer (LLC). The most serious pathology in which yellow sputum is coughed up. Sometimes it contains bloody impurities, due to which the exudate acquires a pinkish tint.

This pathology is characterized by persistence of the cough reflex for more than two weeks and persistent chest pain. The presence of such symptoms requires immediate medical attention.

Cough with yellowish discharge in children is the result of an infectious lesion of the airways - colds, acute bronchitis, ARVI, whooping cough, pneumonia or tuberculosis.

In the vast majority of cases, an acute cough with fever is caused by a cold, and yellowish exudate indicates the addition of pathogenic microorganisms. It is necessary to study phlegm for microflora.

If such an analysis is not possible, the doctor prescribes broad-spectrum antibiotics. Typically, the therapeutic effect of taking medications occurs on the third day. If relief does not occur, the antibiotic is changed.

Purulent sputum

Purulent sputum is a mucopurulent substance consisting of white blood cells, dead tissue, cellular debris, serous fluid and liquid mucus.

Yellowish-purulent and yellowish-greenish (mucopurulent) abnormal secretions indicate that antibiotic therapy will help reduce symptoms.
A green or greenish tint indicates a long-standing respiratory infection, pneumonia, ruptured lung abscess, chronic infectious bronchitis, infected bronchiectasis, or cystic fibrosis.
Bright yellow and orange mucus is produced by pneumonia (caused by pneumococcal bacteria), pulmonary embolism, bronchioloalveolar cancer, or tuberculosis.
Discharge of a pale, milky, yellowish or yellowish-gray hue (clearly visible on a white background) indicates the ineffectiveness of antibiotic treatment, since the symptoms of the disease are associated either with a viral infection or with allergies (even asthma), and not with microbiotics that are sensitive to antibiotics .

A foamy pink color is characteristic of severe pulmonary edema.
Foamy white indicates pulmonary obstruction or edema.
Light yellow sputum with blood indicates a possible inflammation of the throat or bronchi, or the presence of bleeding erosions, ulcers or tumors of the lower airways. The abundant presence of blood clots in bronchial secretions indicates tuberculosis, bipolar disorder, pulmonary embolism, and abscess pneumonia.

The appearance of colored discharge when coughing without an increase in temperature indicates the non-infectious nature of the pathology.
For example, systematically raising the voice and frequent screaming can provoke excess mucus formation, and as a result, growths form in the throat.
An allergic cough with exudate with yellow spots also occurs without fever.

As a result, bronchioloalveolar cancer often develops. That is why it is extremely important to visit a specialist in time when the first signs of pathology are detected.

Which doctor should I contact?

Only a general practitioner can tell you what the appearance of viscous exudate indicates in the first stages. Subsequently, you may need to consult other specialists - a pulmonologist, an allergist, an oncologist, an otolaryngologist, a surgeon.

Analysis of yellow sputum: diagnosis. How is it researched?

Samples of secretions taken from the throat for analysis make it possible to determine the cause of changes in the shade and consistency of tracheobronchial secretions.

The material is collected in a sterile glass container in the morning on an empty stomach, after thoroughly treating the mouth and throat with saline solution.[ads-pc-1][ads-mob-1]

If it is not possible to collect pathological clots during coughing, bronchoscopy is prescribed to obtain the necessary material.

Sample examination is carried out using several methods:

Microscopic analysis makes it possible to determine the content of leukocytes, erythrocytes, alveolar macrophages, epithelial cells in phlegm, detect Kurshman spirals, drusen of actinomycetes, fungi, Charcot-Leyden crystals, eosinophils, neutrophils.
Macroscopic analysis determines the daily volume of secreted exudate, its smell, density and color. Special attention is paid to the delamination of the material when left in glass containers for a long time.
Bacteriological analysis (Bakposev) allows you to determine the types of bacteria present and their sensitivity to drugs.

If you cough up yellow mucus: treatment

Reflex-acting drugs that are aimed at increasing mucus production. They help to increase the proportion of liquid secretion in the bronchi, its dilution and trouble-free coughing. This group of medicines includes herbal medicines (licorice root, marshmallow, thermopsis herb, anise, etc.).

Expectorant drugs with resorptive action act directly on the bronchi and the exudate itself, thereby accelerating the process of its removal from the respiratory system. This group of medications includes solutions of sodium bicarbonate, sodium iodide and potassium iodide, as well as essential oils.

Mucolytic drugs change the structure of the exudate itself. Under their influence, mucopolysaccharides are destroyed, which means the viscous substance is liquefied. These drugs include Acetylcysteine, Carbocysteine, Ambroxol, Bromhexine and their analogues.

All of these medications are taken orally or inhaled (via a nebulizer). If necessary, when the disease is protracted, injections of drugs are prescribed.

Folk remedies for coughs

When talking about how to treat a cough, we should not forget about traditional medicine. Some of the most accessible and effective recipes include:

Infusion of coltsfoot. Preparation boils down to pouring 1 tablespoon of herb into 1 tbsp. boiling water, infuse for 10-15 minutes, strain. Take 1 tsp of this infusion orally. up to 4 times a day.
An infusion of a mixture of plantain, thyme, elecampane root and wild rosemary herbs. 2 tbsp. dry mixture of herbs is poured with 1 liter of boiling water, infused for 2 hours, filtered. A solution of 1 tbsp is taken. orally up to 4 times a day.

White cabbage juice. Freshly squeezed juice is mixed with honey in a 2:1 ratio. The finished mixture is taken orally, 1 tsp. 6 times a day.
Lemon juice. Mix 2 tsp. product in a cup of warm water, add honey to this mixture, and take 3-4 times a day.

In addition, treatment for cough with yellow sputum involves frequent gargling with saline solution.

You need to dissolve 1⁄2 tsp. salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with the resulting solution as often as possible. This process clears trapped mucus.

What complications can there be?

In the absence of proper therapy, even the most harmless, at first glance, cough reflex can cause a deterioration in the patient’s well-being.

Source: https://cgb-vuf74.ru/vrachi/zhyoltaya-mokrota-pri-kashle-u-vzroslyh-i-detej.html

Causes of cough with green sputum and their characteristics

Most respiratory diseases are accompanied by activation of the cough reflex. It occurs in response to irritation of sensory receptors in the ENT organs by dust, pathogens, allergens, etc. A cough with green sputum indicates the nature of the inflammatory processes. Laboratory testing reveals dead immune cells and pyogenic bacteria – Klebsiella, meningococcus, staphylococcus, etc. – in the mucus.

Pneumonia

This disease of bacterial etiology is accompanied by damage to the alveoli and inflammation of the lung tissue. Pneumonia is caused by various bacteria:

staphylococcus;
Pneumococcus;
Klebsiella;
streptococcus, etc.

This is indicated by thick yellowish sputum released when coughing. Typical manifestations of the disease include:

coughing attacks;
chest pain;
temperature increase;
hard breathing;
wheezing in the lungs.

Green mucus when coughing indicates suppurative processes in the lower respiratory tract.

Bronchiectasis

Coughing up green mucus in the morning in some cases indicates bronchiectasis. Most often it occurs against the background of other ENT pathologies:

pneumofibrosis;
pulmonary tuberculosis;
bacterial pneumonia.

For a long time, the disease does not cause much discomfort, but in the spring and autumn the inflammation worsens. This is indicated by the following symptoms:

spasmodic cough upon waking;
green thick sputum;
dyspnea;
cyanosis (blue discoloration) of the skin;
fast fatiguability;
moist rales in the lungs.

In the first hours after waking up, a large amount of purulent mucus is released. Patients also complain of putrid odor from the mouth and a feverish state.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchi of bacterial origin is accompanied by a cough with the discharge of green, viscous mucus. The disease is caused by pyogenic bacteria - Haemophilus influenzae, streptococcus, pneumococcus. When a child or adult coughs, green or light yellow sputum is coughed up. The appearance of the disease is also indicated by:

heat;
coughing attacks;
fatigue;
apathy;
elevated temperature;
headache.

With timely treatment, acute bronchitis lasts 10 days. Sometimes it occurs against the background of other diseases - influenza, tracheitis, tonsillitis. Delayed therapy is fraught with the transition of acute inflammation to a chronic form.

Abscess in the lung

Abscess pneumonia is characterized by the formation of cavities inside the lung with green purulent fluid. The disease is caused by pathogenic microorganisms:

klebsiella;
Staphylococcus aureus;
Pfeiffer stick (haemophilus influenzae), etc.

A lung abscess is accompanied by severe poisoning of the body, which causes:

cough with fever;
fever;
malaise;
chest pain;
chills.

When ulcers rupture in the lungs, green sputum is coughed up, which sometimes contains blood impurities.

Tuberculosis

The disease occurs when the lungs are damaged by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The clinical picture is determined by the person’s immune status and associated complications.

Green sputum during a cough without fever remains the only manifestation of tuberculosis for a long time. As the inflammatory process progresses, the following symptoms occur:

weakness;
sweating;
fatigue;
enlarged lymph nodes;
low temperature;
weight loss.

Tuberculosis is accompanied by a wet cough, wheezing in the lungs, chest pain and hemoptysis.

In some cases, a cough with green sputum indicates the formation of low-quality tumors in the lungs. Symptoms of bronchogenic carcinoma (lung cancer) are determined by the location of the tumors. Often the pathology is asymptomatic until the tumor affects the pain endings in the lung. Its appearance is also indicated by:

hoarseness of voice;
mucus with blood when coughing;
dyspnea;
weight loss;
deformation of the fingers (symptom of “drum sticks”).

Due to the weakening of local immunity and purulent pneumonia, sputum is released when coughing, in which green clots of pus are found.

Other reasons

Expectoration of green or yellow mucus in 93% of cases indicates infectious inflammation of the respiratory system and purulent complications. A severe cough with green or yellow sputum is a symptom of the following diseases:

sinusitis;
adenoiditis;
cystic fibrosis;
purulent pleurisy;
bacterial tracheitis;
helminthic infestations;
pulmonary infarction.

Purulent inclusions in bronchopulmonary secretions are an alarming symptom indicating bacterial inflammation of the ENT organs. Pathologies require adequate and timely treatment, since the lack of antimicrobial therapy is fraught with life-threatening complications.

Yellow sputum when coughing - causes, diagnosis and treatment

Phlegm is described as the secretion of mucus from the respiratory tract, the function of which is to protect the respiratory tract from germs and bacteria inhaled and also to remove pathogens from the respiratory tract. A healthy body produces a certain amount of phlegm in the form of clear mucus every day. If yellow sputum is present when coughing, this is a reason to sound an alarm and seek medical help.

What does yellow sputum tell us during a cough?

Sputum consists of saliva, immune cells, microorganisms, plasma, blood cells, as well as dust particles, products of cell decomposition. An increase in its amount or a change in color indicates an allergic reaction or an infectious disease.

The infection leads to an inflammatory process, increases irritation when coughing, increasing the amount and changing the structure of released mucus. Coughing helps remove accumulated mucus.

Yellow or greenish sputum is often a sign of a viral or bacterial infection of the sinuses or lower respiratory tract. Neutrophils, immune cells containing a green protein that colors sputum in large quantities, participate in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms.

If this is accompanied by an increase in temperature, then it can be argued that the body has a focus of infection. Sometimes this is a sign of tuberculosis. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor, as serious treatment with antibiotics is required.

Attention! The presence of yellow sputum in some cases indicates the presence of a purulent necrotic process in the lower respiratory tract, which can lead to the destruction of tissue in the dying lung. The deeper the color and the closer to green it is, the more pus develops.

What diseases cause yellow sputum?

Yellow sputum itself is not a disease, but a symptom of every pathology in the body.

Possible pathologies include:

Sinusitis. Inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses. Caused by injury or infection.
Asthma. This occurs when the airways are irritated by a substance.
Lung abscess. Formation of pus in the tissues of the lungs or bronchi. The opening of such a pustule can lead to the spread of a purulent process or melting of the lung tissue. There are fresh blood vessels in the sputum. This process is dangerous for humans, and pulmonary failure develops and grows, which can lead to death.
Pneumonia (pneumonia). Inflammation of one or more parts of the lungs caused by infectious and degenerative causes.
Tuberculosis (pneumonia). Inflammation of an infectious nature caused by Koch's magic wand. In the initial stage of sputum, the white color becomes more intense yellow as it progresses. At later stages, a rusty (brown) colored exudate is released. The most noticeable symptoms are weight loss, chest pain, and intense cough with yellow phlegm.

Bronchiectasis. Formation of small bags with purulent contents in the alveolar respiratory organs. The highlight of the visual inspection is the multi-layering with injections of fresh and oxidized blood. The reasons for this have not been determined. It should be distinguished from pneumonia, emphysema and some other diseases.
bronchitis. Inflammation of some bronchial segments. Yellow sputum with an unpleasant odor is expelled. It is considered less dangerous than pneumonia, being mostly chronic and sometimes fatal.
cancerous tumors. Purulent mucus with a mixture of blood is released.

A cough with yellow mucus may also occur with a cold, which is common in patients with allergies or chronic sinusitis.

This discharge is usually odorless and may be a sign of lung gangrene or malignant tumors.

Attention! If your child is coughing up yellow mucus, it may be a symptom of laryngitis. If the cough is accompanied by fever, you should urgently call a doctor.

Laryngitis can also occur in adults, but is usually caused by professional activities (teachers, artists) or smoking.

Sputum is felt only in the morning, what does this mean?

If you cough up yellow mucus in the morning without a fever, it may be a sign of tuberculosis, sinusitis, or COPD. Morning discharge is also typical for sinusitis, sinusitis and paranatal sinus cysts. If children have polyps, then yellow mucus accumulates on the back wall of the nasopharynx.

The cough is caused by contracting the pectoral muscle in the morning, coughing and expelling accumulated mucus.

Yellow sputum in the morning also occurs in smokers, whose lungs are constantly exposed to harmful tars and other components of tobacco. This is a sign of chronic bronchitis.

Diagnostics and examination

The diagnosis is made by a pulmonologist, oncologist and phthisiology specialist. The patient is interviewed to determine the nature of the disease, the degree of development of symptoms and take a medical history.

What is sputum? Which one is normal? Why is it needed?

The sputum takes on a yellow or yellowish-green tint if it contains impurities of pus, which indicates the development of inflammation, which is caused by a bacterial infection. The bright yellow (canary) color of phlegm is due to an increased content of eosinophils and is observed with eosinophilic infiltrative processes in the lungs or bronchial asthma.

The discharge of yellow mucus may also be due to subjective reasons. Tobacco and nicotine tars give the mucous exudate a yellow-rusty hue. Eating large amounts of carrots or citrus fruits can also cause the formation of large amounts of yellow exudate.

It is a thick, viscous, jelly-like substance that is released when you cough up. Secreted in the mucous epithelium of the lower airways by submucosal and unicellular glands.

Its composition includes high molecular weight glycoproteins, immunoglobulins, lipids and other substances. Simply put, phlegm contains:

Impurities of saliva;
Slime;
Red blood cells;
Fibrin;
Epithelial cells;
Bacteria;
Foreign inclusions (dust particles, food residues, etc.).

The norm of phlegm released per day from the tracheobronchial tree is 10-100 ml. This is the amount of substance that a person ingests during the day without noticing.

What diseases does it occur with?

If thick yellowness is coughed up, this is possible with the following diseases:

Bronchitis;
Sinusitis;
Pneumonia;
Other purulent processes (phlegmon, abscesses, pleurisy);
Tuberculosis;
Smoker's cough.

It is important to understand where exactly the sputum comes from: from the lower respiratory tract or from the upper? If from the lower, then the problem is in the lungs or bronchi, and if from the upper, then you have sinusitis or rhinitis, in which mucus, rolling down the walls of the nasopharynx, irritates the receptors, which causes a cough.

Causes of yellow sputum formation

Yellow mucus indicates the presence of pathogenic microbes in the body. Experts identify a number of diseases that are characterized by the appearance of yellow mucus:

bronchitis is the first symptom of the disease - cough, subsequently with the addition of mucous discharge, fever with increased temperature, sore throat. The appearance of bronchitis is caused by viral or bacterial infections;
pneumonia (pneumonia) is an acute pathological condition, the symptoms of which are: respiratory failure, high fever, cough with yellowish or greenish sputum, sometimes mixed with blood. An infectious-degenerative process affects one or both lungs, in which the alveoli of the lung are filled with pus or liquid exudate;
ARVI, influenza - most often after suffering from influenza or acute respiratory infections, a residual cough with yellow sputum released during expectoration is noticed;
inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis, sinusitis) - manifested by symptoms of congestion, mucous discharge from the paranasal sinuses, headache in the forehead, fever, characteristic cough with the release of yellowish mucus, which indicates a purulent process. Inflammation is caused by an allergy, viral or bacterial infection. The pathological condition begins with irritation of the sinuses with mucus, which accumulates and serves as a favorable environment for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms;
Cystic fibrosis is a chronic disease with an accumulation of secretory secretions in the lungs that is inherited. With cystic fibrosis - the second name of the pathology - yellow, brownish, greenish mucus is secreted;
allergy - interaction with an allergen leads to irritation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. The allergic reaction is manifested by inflammation with a wet cough and expectoration of tracheobronchial mucus;
asthmatic syndrome - the disease manifests itself as wheezing in the bronchi, shortness of breath, cough with slight discharge of mucous exudate;
tuberculosis is an infectious and inflammatory lesion of the lungs. The causative agent of the disease is Koch's bacillus. At the beginning of the disease, white sputum is released; an advanced state is indicated by the release of yellow mucus, which over time acquires a brown tint. Tuberculosis is indicated by a strong cough reflex, increased body temperature, sudden weight loss and other signs;
bronchogenic cancer - persistent cough for more than 2 weeks, followed by the appearance of yellow mucus with blood when coughing up. If you have persistent chest pain and a persistent cough, you should consult a doctor and rule out lung cancer.

Yellow sputum when coughing - causes of formation and methods of treatment

Sputum is defined in medical practice as a colored exudate produced by cells of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi.

The production of mucus is a natural protective reaction of the body to the penetration of pathogenic flora or putative pathogens (for example, smoking) into the respiratory structures.

Yellow sputum is a clear sign of problems with the bronchial tree.

However, this type of exudate should be classified according to the basis of the localization of the pathological process. The mucus may not be phlegm, but mucus from the nose. So what are the basic facts about the problem?

There are many factors for truly yellow sputum when coughing. Typical diseases or conditions include the following:

A typical disease accompanied by yellow exudate. The essence of the pathogenic process is inflammation of one or more parts of the lungs. Another name for the disease is pneumonia. The cause of the problem is almost always infectious and degenerative.

The most common pathogens of pneumonia are Klebcilla, Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic and green streptococci and other pathogenic organisms. The symptoms are very specific. In the first days, a cough develops and body temperature rises. After 3-5 days, a period of visible well-being begins, and the disease gains new momentum.

When coughing, there is a large amount of yellow sputum. It consists of a similar exudate of serous fluid, mucus, dead leukocytes and infectious agents. This is pus. The disease lasts for 3-4 weeks and ends with recovery, the transition of the infection to the chronic phase or death.

- a disease similar to pneumonia, but unlike the latter, bronchitis has a smaller affected area. Only the bronchi, usually small segments of bronchitis, are involved in the pathological process. There may be yellowish purulent sputum with an unpleasant odor (indicates a rotten process).

The symptoms are similar to those of pneumonia. Although this disease is less dangerous than pneumonia, it is usually actively chronic and can also be fatal for the patient.

Infectious and inflammatory disease caused by the so-called Koch bacillus (tuberculous microbacteria) In the early stages of sputum coloring white, the pigmentation of the mucous membrane of the exudate becomes more intense as the disease progresses. Yellow sputum is first spat out, then turns rusty (brown).

Symptoms of tuberculosis include severe cough, chest pain, severe weight loss and other factors.

Bronchiectasis.

It is impossible to determine the causes of bronchiectasis. The essence of the pathogenic process is the formation of small purulent-filled sacs in the alveolar structures of the bronchi. When coughing, yellow multi-layered mucus is expelled. Impurities of blood, including fresh and oxidized, are observed.

Bronchiectasis is observed in 7% of cases when visiting a pulmonologist. It is impossible to isolate it from pneumonia, emphysema and other diseases without specialized research.

An abscess (also known as a 'pustule') is a papulegic formation located in the tissues of the lungs or bronchi. The opening of such a structure is associated with purulent or purulent melting of the lung. As a result of both processes, a large amount of yellow exudate with fresh blood impurities is formed.

The disease is potentially fatal as respiratory failure worsens.

Lungs' cancer. When the tumor structure is localized in the central parts of the lung, pus flows when mixed with blood.

In some cases, the release of yellow mucus is due to purely subjective reasons. Okay, everyone knows the so-called smoker's cough. Tobacco and harmful tars color the mucus exudate yellow or rusty. Also, consumption of citrus fruits and carrots in large quantities reacts to the formation of large amounts of yellow mucus.

These causes can only be isolated with the help of specialized diagnostics. All measures are taken only as prescribed by a doctor. Yellow sputum acts only as a vector and determines the direction of research.

Associated symptoms

Sputum is never the only isolated symptom. This is just one of many manifestations typical of the disease. In almost all cases the following characteristic features are also present:

Chest pain. They occur in most diseases, and in the morning they are accompanied by yellow sputum. The pain is of a tractional, excruciating nature, noticeable during inhalation and, somewhat less frequently, during exhalation.
Shortness of breath, suffocation. Breathing problems. Both diseases lead to respiratory arrest. The difference between shortness of breath and suffocation lies in the intensity of the manifestation. Strangulation is potentially fatal because it causes acute dysfunction.
Increased body temperature. Almost always indicates an inflammatory degenerative process in the lungs. We are talking about low-grade or feverish thermometer readings. For cancer, the value is always within 37.5 degrees Celsius.
cough. Always productive, with a fiery character. It strengthens in the morning and weakens slightly in the afternoon.

The clinical picture consists of such manifestations.

Diagnostics

Lung specialists diagnose lung problems. You may also need to consult an oncologist or TB specialist. The set of diagnostic measures includes an oral interview with the patient about the type and degree of development of symptoms and maintaining the patient’s medical history.

The most important thing that can be said at first glance. Yellow sputum always indicates a purulent necrotic process in the lower respiratory tract. The higher the specific gravity of pus in the mucus, the more it turns green.

If you cough up in the morning

Coughing up yellow mucus in the morning indicates:

Infectious processes - color changes due to an increase in the number of leukocytes. If at the same time the temperature rises, weakness is observed and appetite decreases, then this is a sure symptom of an acute form of bronchitis.
Allergic reaction - when certain receptor areas are irritated, mucus secretion increases. For treatment, antihistamines are used, which are prescribed by the doctor after examination. If the symptoms are ignored, a more serious disease develops – bronchial asthma.

Yellow mucus is often coughed up when smoking heavily. In this way, the body is freed from accumulated toxic substances. Chronic bronchitis may develop.

How to cure a cough with yellow phlegm

For ARVI or bronchitis, the doctor may prescribe drugs that have mucolytic or expectorant properties. Medicines belonging to such pharmacological groups can be of either synthetic or plant origin.

Similar medications for productive cough are prescribed as follows:

expectorants are recommended for the separation of thin or not too thick sputum;
Mucolytic agents are prescribed if the sputum is thick and viscous, and its separation is difficult.

Medicines with expectorant properties may have different mechanisms of action:

resorptive - irritate the bronchial mucosa to increase sputum production;
reflex - irritate the gastric mucosa, stimulating the vomiting center and increasing the secretion of mucus in the respiratory tract and the peristalsis of the bronchial muscles.
Ambroxol Ambroxol ACC Bromhexine

Mucolytic drugs are divided into:

diluting bronchial secretions and increasing the elasticity of sputum (for example, ACC);
accelerating the release of exudate from the bronchi (Ambroxol and Bromhexine);
reducing sputum formation (M-anticholinergics and glucocorticoids).

If a drug is effective in relieving cough in an adult, this does not mean that this drug can be used in pediatrics. When choosing medications for treating children, you need to consult a pediatrician, since reflex expectorants can cause vomiting and depression of respiratory function in a child.

Treatment of yellow sputum when coughing

In the absence of elevated body temperature, outpatient treatment following the doctor’s instructions is sufficient. If the temperature rises above 38 degrees, bed rest or hospitalization is recommended, depending on the diagnosis. Complex therapy includes dietary nutrition with the exception of fried, salty, smoked foods, excessive consumption of sweets - junk food provokes the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.

Preference is given to boiled and steamed foods; it is advisable to consume large amounts of fiber in the form of fruits and vegetables, and dairy products. Maintaining cleanliness in the living space, regularly ventilating the room, and quitting smoking during illness contributes to a speedy recovery.

Based on the individual characteristics of the patient and the complexity of the inflammatory process, it is recommended to take the following medications:

Expectorants - remove phlegm from the upper respiratory tract - Trypsin, Thermopsis, Sodium Benzoate; Bronchodilator medications - promote the release of sputum from the bronchi - Stoptussin, Erespal, Bromhexine, Gedelix; Broad-spectrum antibiotics - for the treatment of yellow sputum, it is important to choose the right antibacterial drugs in addition to symptomatic treatment; Inhalations - have an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, expectorant effect - Berodual, saline solution; Antihistamines - if the cough is of allergic origin, antiallergic therapy is prescribed.

Treatment of yellow sputum

Before prescribing, the doctor must determine the cause of the symptom. Therapy is primarily aimed at eliminating the causative agent of cough with the separation of purulent sputum.

Important! If there is no fever, treatment at home may be prescribed. 24-hour medical supervision is required only for complicated forms of the disease - pneumonia, severe acute bronchitis, sinusitis or sinusitis.

Drug therapy

Medicines are prescribed only after the type of infection has been established. At the same time, the individual characteristics of the body, the presence of concomitant diseases, and the characteristics of the patient are taken into account. Medicines that work for adults may not be suitable for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women.

If the sputum is difficult to separate and has a dense structure, medications are prescribed to ease coughing and mucus discharge:

Althea syrup, Thermopsis tablets, licorice root infusion - all these medications are aimed at enhancing the formation and thinning of sputum. Thanks to taking the drugs, the cough decreases and the mucus is easier to expectorate.
Mucolytic agents help remove mucus. This group of drugs includes tablets and syrups - ACC, Bromhexine.
Expectorants increase the volume of fluid released, clear the airways, and help a person cough up mucus. These include Prospan, Ambroxol.

Know! If the prescribed medications do not provide relief after a week of use, the doctor may recommend another method of therapy. Sometimes only antibiotics help, but they are prescribed according to strict indications.

Additionally, anti-inflammatory and antiviral drugs are prescribed. To support immunity, you should take vitamin complexes.

Treatment with traditional methods

You can supplement the main therapy with recipes from traditional medicine. Medicinal herbal teas help a lot:

1 tbsp. l. dried coltsfoot grass is poured with a glass of boiling water. Leave for a quarter of an hour, then filter through a double layer of gauze or a fine sieve. Take 1 tsp orally. up to 4 times a day.
2 tbsp. l. The herbs of plantain, elecampane, wild rosemary and thyme are added to boiling water. After a couple of minutes, remove the pan from the stove and cover with a lid. After 2 hours, the broth is passed through a sieve or gauze. It is recommended to use the infusion 1 tbsp. l. every 6 hours.
The black radish is washed well and a hole is made on its surface. A small amount of fresh honey is added to the hole. After 30–60 minutes, the juice that appears in the hole is poured into a spoon and drunk.
0.5 tbsp. l. lemon juice mixed with 1 tbsp. l. honey Add a little warm water and mix thoroughly. Take on a full stomach 4-5 times a day.

It should be remembered that pregnant women may have contraindications. And this applies not only to pharmaceutical drugs. Some types of foods should also not be consumed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. You can find out about acceptable methods of folk or traditional treatment from your doctor.

Increased salivation

The reason that phlegm accumulates in the throat without coughing may be excessive or insufficient salivation. This reaction is physiological and, up to a certain point, does not pose any threat to humans.

Insufficient saliva production can occur due to dry indoor air or eating hot or spicy foods. This also affects smokers and people who abuse alcohol. Decreased salivation is sometimes a consequence of taking certain medications.

Excessive salivation can also cause phlegm to accumulate in the throat. At the same time, a person will call it mucus, since it is dense and cannot be coughed up.

The reasons for increased salivation may be the following factors:

taking special medications that have hypersalivation as side effects;
disruption of the body's metabolic processes;
deviations in the functioning of the nervous system, psychosomatic disorders;
poisoning, intoxication of the body, some types of infections;
disease of the ENT departments.

Hypersalivation is often diagnosed in people who smoke, since tobacco smoke irritates the oral mucosa.

White sputum when coughing: causes

Healthy lungs produce small amounts of mucous secretion every day. Its function is to keep the airways healthy by trapping irritants and removing them from the body.

When a person is sick, or is constantly exposed to irritants, his lungs are forced to produce additional secretions.

For example, in a smoker, increased mucus production is a reaction to irritating tobacco smoke.

Hypersecretion of mucus can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from age-related changes occurring in the body to severe pathologies of the respiratory system.

Colds More than two hundred types of viruses that cause colds cause the body to produce more mucous secretions. In the initial stages of the disease, it has a whitish tint, which may later change to yellow. Common symptoms of a cold include sore throat, sneezing, watery eyes, and cough with characteristic discharge. Bronchitis occurs as a result of inflammation of the airways caused by a viral infection, a pathological process, or exposure to various irritants. Accompanied by increased fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath and wheezing. The infection provokes the production of excess phlegm, which tastes salty and changes its color from white to yellow or green. Staining of tracheobronchial secretions during bronchitis indicates the movement of inflammatory cells into the airways. Tuberculosis. At the initial stage of development of the pathological process, white sputum is coughed up, which subsequently acquires a bloody brown tint. Classic symptoms of tuberculosis are chronic cough with bloody phlegm, fever, night sweats and weight loss.

Pneumonia is characterized by inflammation of the alveoli of the lungs, causing these microscopic air sacs to fill with fluid, making breathing difficult. Typical signs and symptoms of pneumonia include varying severity and combinations of a productive or dry cough, chest pain, fever and difficulty breathing. As the pathological process develops, the initially whitish transparent substance thickens, acquires a distinct shade and an unpleasant odor. Pulmonary edema is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the tissues and alveoli of the organ, which leads to respiratory failure. The disease is accompanied by painful discomfort in the chest, copious mucus formation (up to 150 ml at a time). At first, its structure is viscous and thick, and then foamy, with a characteristic putrefactive odor. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a spectrum of heart abnormalities caused by decreased oxygen delivery to the myocardium. In addition to the characteristic chest pain, IHD in 90% of cases is accompanied by coughing attacks, during which whitish phlegm with bubbles is coughed up profusely. Severe coughing attacks occur in the patient in the morning, when taking a vertical position, as well as with increased physical and motor activity. Intoxication Another common cause of staining of tracheobronchial exudate. This happens with prolonged poisoning of the body with narcotic substances, some medications, and heavy metals. Age-related changes Decreased motor activity, deterioration of blood circulation - all this leads to disruption of the escalator function of the ciliated epithelial tissue of the airways. As a result, stagnation of mucous secretion occurs in the bronchi and its poisoning, followed by staining in a characteristic color. During a cough attack, which bothers older people mainly at night, the expectorated material comes out. GERD With gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach acid can move into the airways and throat. The main symptoms are heartburn, chest and throat pain, and a cough with whitish, thick, often foamy mucus.

In addition to the above reasons, whitish phlegm can also be a sign of the presence of a foreign body in the nasopharynx.

Cold weather and excessive use of nasal sprays can also cause excessive mucus production, leading to a cough with a characteristic discharge.

Treatment process

Treatment of diseases manifested by the described symptom requires an integrated approach. It is aimed at suppressing pathogenic microflora, improving the evacuation of sputum and strengthening the body's defenses. Patients are prescribed medications, physiotherapeutic procedures, and folk remedies. The correct approach to each patient is necessary. Experts recommend quitting smoking, eating right, and keeping to bed and drinking. It is useful to drink juices, fruit drinks, dried fruit compotes, and still mineral water. Meals should be fractional, high-calorie, protein, enriched with microelements and vitamins.

Green sputum should be treated with antibiotics. This symptom of infectious diseases can only be eliminated through antimicrobial therapy.

Patients are prescribed the following groups of antibacterial agents:

Penicillins – “Ampicillin”, “Amoxicillin”,
Fluoroquinolones – “Levofloxacin”, “Ciprofloxacin”,
Macrolides – Azithromycin, Erythromycin.

If the cause of green sputum is a fungal infection, antimycotic treatment is carried out with Amphoglucamine and Ketoconazole. The choice of dose and regimen of use of a particular drug depends on the etiology of the disease and the individual characteristics of the macroorganism.

Symptomatic treatment of diseases manifested by coughing with green sputum is the use of means to liquefy and remove it.

Expectorants with a bronchodilator effect - “Terpinhydrate”, “Mukaltin”, “Pertussin”.
Mucolytic drugs make sputum less viscous and facilitate its removal - Bromhexine, Ambroxol, ACC.
Bronchodilators make breathing easier, relieve spasms, expand the lumen of the bronchi - Fenoterol, Eufillin.
Antihistamines eliminate tissue swelling, relieve itching and burning - Zyrtec, Zodak, Suprastinex.
Immunostimulants and immunomodulators strengthen the immune system and increase the overall resistance of the body - “Immunorix”, “Umkalor”, “Bronchomunal”.
Pre- and probiotics to prevent intestinal dysbiosis - “Linex”, “Acipol”, “Bifiform”.

Physiotherapeutic methods of treatment accelerate the process of cleansing the bronchi, removing phlegm and the patient’s recovery. For bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia, UHF therapy, magnetic therapy, electrophoresis, ultraviolet radiation, drainage massage, breathing exercises, inhalation of saline solutions or medications, ultrasound therapy, laser exposure, infrared irradiation, inductothermy, electroaerosol therapy, ultratonotherapy, amplipulse therapy are performed. Physiotherapy methods are contraindicated in febrile patients, persons with pulmonary tuberculosis, oncology and bleeding.

Pharmaceutical herbal infusions consisting of licorice or marshmallow, coltsfoot grass, lungwort and oregano, elderflower flowers, plantain leaves, anise seeds, and ginger have a good healing effect. A decoction is prepared from this raw material and taken half a glass twice a day. Traditional medicine does not provide complete recovery. Green phlegm is almost impossible to eliminate without antibiotics.

What medications does the doctor prescribe?

If the patient constantly has phlegm in the throat, but has a good cough reflex, the following are prescribed:

The drugs activate enzymes in the bronchial mucosa, increase the elasticity of mucus and regenerate damaged surfaces of the membranes of the respiratory system.

If there is phlegm in the throat and there is no cough reflex, the following is prescribed:

These complex-action drugs stimulate the functioning of bronchial cells, reduce the viscosity of thick secretions and provoke a cough reflex by increasing the volume of mucus.

For final correction of symptoms, it is advisable to take:

mucolytics;
expectorants;
inhalations;
nasal rinsing;
immunostimulants;
antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal drugs;
external medicines,
physiotherapy;
fight allergies;
strengthening the respiratory system;
therapeutic exercises, etc.

Such measures make it possible to dissolve and remove viscous mucus, restore normal activity of the ciliated epithelium, eliminate infection and strengthen the body's resistance.

If the symptom is of non-infectious origin

When dealing with non-infectious factors, it is important to act in three stages:

restore the integrity of the inner lining of the respiratory tract,
cure the inflammatory process leading to increased secretion formation,
carry out a full course of treatment of chronic pathologies.

It is especially important to do this in cases where sputum is not coughed up and it is difficult to breathe. Then medications are prescribed, primarily aimed at alleviating the patient’s condition.

This allows you to get rid of excess mucus, normalize the condition of the bronchial and pulmonary systems, and also eliminate the phenomena of hypoxia that have developed in the body.

In the case when the mucus in the throat is not coughed up for a long time (14 days or more, which implies congestion), the otolaryngologist prescribes:

The first drug thins thick mucus and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the respiratory tract, the second promotes the regeneration of damaged bronchial tissue, thins sputum, and accelerates its elimination.

Trypsin solution is a more powerful drug and is used in cases of severe inflammation of the bronchial tree. It thins phlegm and blood clots in the lungs, eliminates inflammation, rejects pus and promotes the regeneration of damaged tissues. All medications are administered by inhalation and are available by prescription.

Why does a cough with phlegm appear?

In fact, coughing is the body’s defense mechanism against external influences - any obstacles, bacteria, viruses. This could be dust, inflammation in the form of swelling of the throat, spasm or exposure to temperatures.

Often a cough is accompanied by phlegm. This is a companion to many diseases: bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, pneumonia and even cancer.

Phlegm is the release from the respiratory tract of a mixture of saliva and secretions from the nasal sinuses. It must be said that a certain amount of mucus constantly comes out of the bronchi, because it contains protective elements. A person simply does not notice this, but in 24 hours he secretes up to a hundred millimeters of this secretion.

But if pathogenic microorganisms have penetrated the respiratory system, mucus secretion triples and takes on a variety of colors. Yellow sputum when coughing can be caused by the following diseases:

Frontit
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Flu

When making a diagnosis, the color of the secretion is very important. If yellow sputum is detected, the help of a doctor is necessary. This is dangerous because pus can give this color.

Attention! If you notice pus or blood in your sputum, go to the hospital immediately. It is necessary to exclude serious problems, including lung abscess

Coughing with yellow sputum is a problem for many heavy smokers. However, most often, this is a manifestation of a bacterial infection entering the bronchi.

Traditional methods of treating diseases with yellow sputum

In the patient’s respiratory system there are living and dead pathogens, their waste products, particles of pus, and dead mucosal cells. Intoxication is manifested by headaches and muscle pain, a state of depression, and general weakness.

To improve your health, you need to drink plenty of fluids. In addition to pure still water, doctors recommend taking the following folk remedies:

chamomile decoction;
dried fruits compote;
infusion of rose hips;
fresh berry juice;
linden blossom tea.

Compresses (mustard-honey, eucalyptus) and inhalations (with mineral water, pine needles, menthol) activate blood circulation in the respiratory area. Thanks to these traditional medicine recipes, metabolic processes are accelerated, sputum is thinned, and phlegm is easier to cough up.

To strengthen the immune system and heal irritated tissues, use traditional medicine, such as honey. It can be sucked, added to milk, mixed with ginger and lemon. Fermented milk drinks are also useful, as they restore intestinal microflora after the damaging effects of antibiotics.

Traditional methods of treatment

Traditional medicine involves the use of products that help relieve cough and the general condition of the body. It is worth eating ground lemon with lemon, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, pureed radish with sour cream and vegetable oil.