Allergies, asthma and often viral infections cause white phlegm or phlegm without a lot of color to it. It really depends. If it is allergies, you may need to have a more aggressive allergy regimen, take an antihistamine, a nasal steroid or see an allergy specialist.
Same thing with cigarette smoking — sometimes we see patients who are smoking two to three packs a day who have a productive cough. Really dark brown, tenacious phlegm is seen in patients who have cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis, which is a chronic lung disease. The phlegm is brown because of blood and the intense chronic inflammation that comes with the chronic disease state. The bacteria camp out inside the lungs and cause very gradual changes in the consistency and appearance of phlegm.
If you have chronic lung disease, you may be used to seeing brown phlegm. In those situations we call an acute exacerbation of your underlying cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis, you may require antibiotics. If you have really resistant bacteria growing in your lungs, you may need to have IV antibiotics or an aggressive regimen to keep things under control.
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Get tips from Ohio State experts right to your inbox. Email address. However, more serious conditions can also cause red or pink phlegm. Determine if you are experiencing other symptoms which may indicate something serious, and always err on the side of safety.
Brown phlegm can also be a warning sign because it signals prior bleeding. As the blood ages, it turns brown. If you notice brown phlegm, you should see your doctor.
Black phlegm is cause for alarm—it likely signals a fungal infection, especially for people with compromised immune systems. You should see your doctor immediately. Phlegm color is a reference point that needs to be considered along with other symptoms. If you have any reason to think your condition is worsening or your symptoms are bad, talk to your doctor.
Geisinger otolaryngologist Dr. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kreel or another ENT specialist, please call or visit Geisinger. As pneumonia isn't usually passed from one person to another, it's safe to be around others, including family members. However, people with a weakened immune system should avoid close contact with a person with pneumonia until they start to get better.
This is because it can lead to serious complications, which in some cases can be fatal, depending on a person's health and age. Read more about treating pneumonia. Complications of pneumonia are more common in young children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes.
Although most cases of pneumonia are bacterial and aren't passed on from one person to another, ensuring good standards of hygiene will help prevent germs spreading. A healthy lifestyle can also help prevent pneumonia.
For example, you should avoid smoking as it damages your lungs and increases the chance of infection. Find out how to stop smoking. Excessive and prolonged alcohol misuse also weakens your lungs' natural defences against infections, making you more vulnerable to pneumonia. Mild pneumonia can usually be treated at home with rest, antibiotics and by drinking plenty of fluids.
More severe cases may need hospital treatment. Unless a healthcare professional tells you otherwise, you should always finish taking a prescribed course of antibiotics, even if you feel better. If you stop taking an antibiotic part way through a course, the bacteria can become resistant to the antibiotic. Visit your GP if your symptoms don't improve within three days of starting antibiotics.
Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen , may help relieve pain and reduce fever. Cough medicines aren't recommended as there's also little evidence they are effective. A warm honey and lemon drink can help relieve discomfort caused by coughing. Your cough may persist for two to three weeks after you finish your course of antibiotics, and you may feel tired for even longer as your body continues to recover.
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration , and get plenty of rest to help your body recover. Read more about stop smoking treatments and how to stop smoking. See your GP if, after following the above self-help measures, your condition is deteriorating or isn't improving as expected. Pneumonia isn't usually passed from one person to another, so it's safe to be around others, including family members.
However, it's best for people with a weakened immune system to avoid close contact with a person with pneumonia until they start to get better. Your GP will probably arrange a follow-up appointment for you about six weeks after you start your course of antibiotics. In some cases, they may arrange follow-up tests, such as a chest X-ray , if:.
Some people may be advised to have a flu vaccination or pneumococcal vaccination after recovering from pneumonia. Read more about preventing pneumonia. You may need treatment in hospital if your symptoms are severe. You'll be given antibiotics and fluids intravenously through a drip, and you may need oxygen to help breathing.
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