You might feel tired, have night sweats or fever, and cough up foul-smelling, brown- or blood-specked phlegm. You'll need a course of antibiotics over at least a few weeks to clear it up.
What does Brown phlegm mean?
Brown Phlegm 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.
What color phlegm means bacterial infection?
Green or yellow “sputum,” as clinicians call it, more often than not reflects a bacterial infection, whereas clear, white or rust colored phlegm most likely does not, according to the new study. The results could help doctors determine whether or not a patient would benefit from antibiotics.
What does infected phlegm look like?
If you see green or yellow phlegm, it's usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection. The color comes from white blood cells. At first, you may notice yellow phlegm that then progresses into green phlegm.
Is it normal to bring up brown phlegm?
The color and texture can vary widely, from clear sticky strings to stretchy yellow messes to thick green clots. Brown phlegm is less common. Here are some reasons why you might get it. It can be a sign of old blood, chronic -- ongoing -- inflammation, or tar that loosens up after you've quit smoking.
How long does brown mucus last?
Brown discharge, or brown spotting, can quite often occur after your period. It'll usually last for roughly two days, but may come at any point throughout your cycle, for any duration of time.
What does dark phlegm mean?
Seeing black phlegm may mean you have inhaled a high amount of something black, like coal dust. It may also mean you have a fungal infection that needs medical attention. Black phlegm is commonly caused by: Smoking: Smoking cigarettes, crack , or other drugs may lead to black sputum.
When should I be worried about brown phlegm?
If your mucus turns brown, yellow, or green, it can be an early warning sign of a flare-up. It'll be stickier and thicker, and there'll be more of it. Treatments for COPD include medications, pulmonary rehab, supplemental oxygen, and surgery to open up blocked pathways. In severe cases, you may need a lung transplant.