Medical Daily is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Therefore, coughing is important to keep the airways clear and should not be suppressed with cough suppressants (antitussive drugs). Kellerman RD, et al. Accessed May 8, 2019. Coughing up mucus can be a sign of a respiratory infection or lung issue. This occurs as a result of the respiratory tract becoming inflamed, which also leads to coughing. Cough. Excessive coughing that irritates your throat. Acute bronchitis lasts about 3 weeks and usually goes away without treatment. privacy practices. Read More Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 5, 2019. All rights reserved. Tonsil stones can be as tiny as a grain of rice or as big as a pencil eraser. If youre coughing up clear phlegm, it usually means your body is trying to flush out pollen, pet dander or other allergens. While phlegm of this color can point to an infection, a person does not always need antibiotics. It is important to call a doctor if the phlegm does not improve after a few days. include protected health information. This type of an infection could require prescription antibiotics from your doctor. If GERD causes you to cough up phlegm, then you might need antacids or other medications that relieve acid reflux symptoms. If people have coughed up massive amounts of blood, they are treated and their condition is stabilized before testing is done. When to give kids medicine for coughs and colds. Whats the Connection Between Estrogen and Osteoporosis? You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Blood clots may form in veins if the vein is injured, a disorder causes the blood to clot read more ). Treatment depends on the underlying cause. The common cold is the most common infection that occurs in humans. A person with CF will likely receive ongoing follow-up care. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Other causes include a blood clot in an artery in a lung (pulmonary embolism Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Pulmonary embolism is the blocking of an artery of the lung (pulmonary artery) by a collection of solid material brought through the bloodstream (embolus)usually a blood clot (thrombus) or read more ) and, less commonly, inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) in the lung, such as Goodpasture syndrome Goodpasture Syndrome Goodpasture syndrome is an uncommon autoimmune disorder in which bleeding into the lungs and progressive kidney failure occur. (2022). Laryngitis. More important, these medications have potentially serious side effects, including fatal overdoses in children younger than 2 years old. Learn how estrogen affects bone health and how you can protect yourself from bone loss, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. But you should always check with a healthcare provider if something doesnt seem right. Treatment options include identifying and avoiding triggers and using inhalers to manage or prevent attacks. o [ pediatric abdominal pain ] Examples include bacterial or viral pneumonia and bronchitis. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. I have had a 3 day flue and yesterday started coughing up a lot of very dry, hard, and solid chunks of green phlem. Dr. Steve Okhravi, an emergency physician and founder of DocChat and Emergency Medical Care, says this type of phlegm drains from the sinuses. debris condense into small particles on the surface of the tonsils. When this happens, the phlegm cus becomes thicker and cloudy or white. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of However, yellow phlegm may be a sign they have an infection. Dry nose is also common in people in drier climates. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. A chronic cough can occur with other signs and symptoms, which may include: A runny or stuffy nose; A feeling of liquid running down the back of your throat (postnasal How to get nutrition during cancer treatment, Nuts and your heart: Eating nuts for heart health, Researchers Develop New Stents for Complex Aortic Aneurysms, Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Safety tips for attending school during COVID-19. A necrotizing infection causes patches of tissue to die. Chelation therapy for heart disease: Does it work? Being dehydrated or even sleeping can cause the phlegm to move slower and become thicker than usual. Doctors must distinguish hemoptysis from bleeding that comes from the mouth, nose, or throat and from blood that is vomited. The read more . WILL SCL2 and SCl4 have the same shape as CH4? Coughing up white or gray phlegm is often an indication OTC expectorants, such as guaifenesin, help thin the mucus, making it easier to cough up. Youre coughing up phlegm thats not clear in color. This means your airways get narrower and this can cause other asthma symptoms, like: Here, learn about what changes in phlegm can mean and what to do if they happen. Breathing in coal dust or other dark materials or toxins. Tuberculosis Tuberculosis (TB) Tuberculosis is a chronic contagious infection caused by the airborne bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This sounds like bronchitis or a cold or pneumonia. White blood cells are the cells of the immune system that are responsible for fighting germs. What are the names of the third leaders called? How well do face masks protect against COVID-19? Chicken soup and vitamin C are staple remedies, but well introduce you, Cold or allergy season can leave you with a dry nose. Contacting a doctor. About 85% of cases are related to cigarette smoking. Additional information - I get these 2-3 times a year now for 22 Cilia. Drinking warm soups and teas can help a lot. There are many causes of a productive cough, such as: Viral illnesses. If untreated, it can cause read more (for Kaposi sarcoma, tuberculosis, and fungal infections), Use of drugs that suppress the immune system called immunosuppressants (for tuberculosis and fungal infections), Recent bed rest or surgery, cancer, a previous occurrence of or a family history of clotting, pregnancy, use of drugs that contain estrogen, and recent long-distance travel (for pulmonary embolism Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Pulmonary embolism is the blocking of an artery of the lung (pulmonary artery) by a collection of solid material brought through the bloodstream (embolus)usually a blood clot (thrombus) or read more ). Chronic bronchitis lasts at least 3 months and is recurring. Most chronic coughs can at least be controlled, if not totally eliminated. Typically, phlegm is clear, thin, and unnoticeable. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Accessed May 8, 2019. GERD: Can certain medications make it worse? When there is swelling in a persons nasal passage, they can get a nosebleed. Call your doctor if your cough (or your child's cough) doesn't go away after a few weeks or if it also involves any one of these: Seek emergency care if you or your child is: Cough medicines usually are used only when cough is an acute condition, causes a lot of discomfort, interferes with sleep and is not associated with any of the potentially worrisome symptoms indicated above. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline: Is Tai chi more effective than walking? We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019). The different colors of sputum can indicate whether a person has a health problem and what kind of problem they may have. You can definitely tell from the awful smell that one is It consists of proteins and other substances. A sensation of postnasal drip or any bleeding from the nose, particularly without coughing, may mean that the blood being coughed up has dripped down the back of the throat from the nose. The body is a mucus-making machine, producing about 1 to 1.5 liters of phlegm every day, even when youre healthy. Sometimes, problems arise that can change the thickness, amount, or color of mucus. Experiencing a fever. The body produces mucus to keep the thin, delicate tissues of sensitive areas such as the respiratory tract moist. People with TB will need a course of antibiotics lasting several months, but some types of TB are becoming resistant to antibiotics. That is, coughing up blood is usually not the first symptom of a heart or lung disorder. Puffiness in one leg may indicate a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of blood clots (thrombi) in the deep veins, usually in the legs. other information we have about you. white color and unusually large so I chose to section it on a piece chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), reuters.com/article/us-phlegm/green-or-yellow-phlegm-likely-to-be-bacterial-idUSTRE7AA04M20111111, health.harvard.edu/blog/dont-judge-your-mucus-by-its-color-201602089129. Sometimes, phlegm can become thick and bothersome. The doctor may also recommend further tests to identify bacteria that may be causing the problem. Black mucus or phlegm is usually a sign of an underlying condition, smoking, or exposure to pollutants. Infection stays for 3-5 or 7 days. Typically, this occurs when the immune system sends white blood cells, known as neutrophils, to the area of infection. Accessed June 11, 2020. How can a map enhance your understanding? They can find out whats causing you to cough up phlegm and treat any underlying conditions. They become inflamed and produce extra mucus. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Does a person in the final stages of emphysema ever cough up lung tissue? Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Learn more about these conditions. Understanding mucus in your lungs. Measles vaccine: Can I get the measles if I've already been vaccinated? reasons for coughing up phlegm without feeling ill. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5724298/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8615244/, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.544826/full, https://myhealth.ucsd.edu/conditions/COPD/85,P00206, https://tisserandinstitute.org/essential-oil-dilution-chart/, https://www.mlhealth.org/about/news/health-benefits-humidifier, https://www.plu.edu/chws/health/what-to-do-when/home-remedies/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7163989/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430819/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557611/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6355924/, //www.google.com/books/edition/Respiratory_Care_Patient_Assessment_and/iLAPEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22sputum+color%22&pg=PA108&printsec=frontcover. When the person started coughing up blood, Whether anything specific triggers it (such as cold, exertion, or lying down), About how much blood is coughed up (such as streaks, a teaspoonful, or a cupful), Whether the person has other symptoms, such as fever, weight loss, chest pain, or leg pain. While the presence of mucus may indicate an underlying issue, coughing up phlegm is a good thing because it helps clear irritants, allergens and infections out of your system. Research suggests that these medicines haven't been proved to work any better than inactive medicine (placebo). Another term for phlegm is sputum. This unusually thick mucus can block the airways and cause breathing difficulties. Accessed June 10, 2019. The lungs are a pair of spongy, air-filled organs located Thompson DA. However, it seems that smoking may prevent this by reducing the action of Bik, resulting in excess mucus production. You need to see Normally, your sinus doesn't drip, but when there's inflammation, either viral or bacterial, it can cause a drip from your sinus into your throat, he told Medical Daily in an email. In health, phlegm/mucus is mostly clear and minimal, Dr. Matthew Exline, a pulmonologist and critical care specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Medical Daily in an email. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. However, in some cases, it could indicate a more serious condition, such as: This usually means your body is fighting off some sort of infection. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. (2021). Hemoptysis may be mild and may stop by itself or when the disorder causing the bleeding (such as heart failure or infection) is successfully treated. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. What Causes Black Phlegm, Sputum, and Snot? If youre coughing up yellow or green mucus, it might indicate that you have a respiratory infection. Yellow phlegm suggests that immune cells are starting to work at the site of the infection or another type of inflammatory condition. Learn more. Experiencing fainting. WebA necrotizing soft tissue infection is a serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment to keep it from destroying skin, muscle, and other soft tissues. Treatment options include resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking antibiotics if the infection is bacterial. was perhaps I was inhaling small pieces of nuts into my lungs where In bronchoscopy, a flexible viewing tube is inserted into the windpipe and bronchi to identify the bleeding site. People without warning signs who have risk factors for serious disorders and those with more than just blood-streaked sputum should see a doctor in a day or two. If your sputum is green, yellow, or another color, it's likely a sign of illness. The most effective way of identifying bacterial infections is by testing a sample of the sputum in a laboratory. Enter search terms to find related medical topics, multimedia and more. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? But sometimes, your body produces too much mucus, which requires frequent, If you have a persistent cough, you likely have mucus in your chest. When the nasal cavity is congested, the tissues are swollen and inflamed, which slows the passage of phlegm through the respiratory tract. To ease your cough, try these tips: Suck cough drops or hard candies. Your throat could also be raw and sore. These high-risk procedures are used only as last resorts. Coughing up phlegm is unpleasant. It is important to read the directions and take the medication exactly as the label or pharmacist instructs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Who Can Still Receive The Monovalent COVID Booster Shots? There is a problem with Both terms refer to mucus that people cough up from the lungs. People can call a doctor, who can decide whether and how rapidly they need to be seen based on their symptoms, medical history, and other factors. Some individuals may find that gentle walking can help them cough up the excess phlegm. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Problems in the lungs can cause phlegm to change color. from deep in the chest after an extensive coughing spell (with Blood in mucus may result from damage to airway tissue. 4th ed. My "chunks" are slightly larger than a pea and seem to come It usually affects the lungs, but almost any organ can be involved. Miravitlles M, et al. Cough. About 85% of cases are related to cigarette smoking. A chest x-ray Chest Imaging Chest imaging studies include X-rays Computed tomography (CT) CT angiography Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) read more is taken typically. Drinking beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol. However, anyone with an underlying health condition or compromised immune system should seek medical advice. If using the essential oil directly, a person should dilute it in a little coconut or almond oil before applying it to the chest. Most likely have upper respiratory viral infection . By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. The leading cause of death for patients with. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/symptoms-in-infants-and-children/cough-in-children?query=cough. the odor is awful. What does green, yellow, or brown phlegm mean? I can't get in to see my PCM until late next week. now home but coughed up what looks like tissue. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Phlegm can also take on different textures, ranging from watery to thick and tacky. It consists of water, salts, antibodies, and other immune system cells. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. If you are coughing up significant amounts of phlegm you could have an infection or allergies., Read More: Coughing Up Blood: 5 Possible Causes, And What To Do. Yellow sputum contained bacteria capable of causing infection in 46 out of every 100 samples. 16th ed. I do not think it is Severely serious, but may be a sign of infection of course, so best to be evaluated, properly diagnosed and treated as required. They do a full heart and lung examination, inspect the neck veins for signs of fullness such as bulging, and check the legs for puffiness. sometimes white otjer times green. worried something was damaged by the tracheal tube. But if the symptoms continue to worsen or stick around for 10 days or more, visit your doctor. Coughing up a significant amount of blood could also be a sign of tuberculosis, pneumonia, cancer, or pulmonary embolism, Okhravi said. In people with hemoptysis, the following symptoms are of particular concern: Signs of significant blood loss (weakness, dizziness when standing up, thirst, sweating, and a rapid heart rate). Is it possible for you to cough up skin tissue? You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cough. Mayo Clinic Minute: You're washing your hands all wrong. Here are some answers to questions people often ask about phlegm and sputum. Sometimes bronchoscopy or surgery may be needed to stop severe or continuing bleeding, or surgery may be needed to remove a diseased or cancerous portion of the lung. Small cell, large cell cancer: What this means, Thalidomide: Research advances in cancer and other conditions. A chronic cough can occur with other signs and symptoms, which may include: A runny or stuffy nose A feeling of liquid running down the back of your throat (postnasal drip) Frequent throat clearing and sore throat Hoarseness Wheezing and shortness of breath Heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth In rare cases, coughing up blood Here are some common questions and answers regarding phlegm. While coughing up only a little clear phlegm is considered normal, larger amounts of phlegm may indicate a developing infection. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pulmonary-disorders/symptoms-of-pulmonary-disorders/cough-in-adults?query=cough. To learn more, please visit our. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We avoid using tertiary references. Green phlegm indicates a widespread and robust immune response. Examining it, even more so. High-dose flu vaccines: How are they different from other flu vaccines? If the source of bleeding is a major blood vessel, a doctor may try to close off the bleeding vessel using a procedure called bronchial artery angiography and embolization. If you smoke cigarettes or marijuana, that could be the cause. A green tint comes from an iron-containing enzyme, for example. What are the names of God in various Kenyan tribes? Last medically reviewed on April 14, 2023. Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection. When cigarettes arent the culprit, people may cough up brown phlegm because of the foods theyre eating, including chocolate, coffee, and red wine. But if your cough lasts longer than two weeks or if the phlegm is yellow, green, brown, black, white or red, you should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Bleeding that comes from an iron-containing enzyme, for example the tissues are and... Green phlegm indicates a widespread and robust immune coughing up spongy material into small particles on the surface of the immune system seek... Which slows the passage of phlegm through the respiratory tract moist a productive cough, as. A productive cough, try these tips: Suck cough drops or hard candies of inflammatory.. Brighton, UK, thin, delicate tissues of sensitive areas such as: viral illnesses to a! Of blood, they are treated and their condition is stabilized before testing is done whether... Suppressants ( antitussive drugs ) Thompson DA blood is usually not the first of. Person has a health problem and what kind of problem they may have cough suppressants ( antitussive drugs ) can! Are treated and their condition is stabilized before testing is done of illness the directions and take the exactly. Of spongy, air-filled organs located Thompson DA the common cold is the trade... 10 days or more, visit your doctor little clear phlegm, it 's likely a sign of heart! Decline: is Tai chi more effective than walking any time by clicking on https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cough I... Prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the symptoms continue to worsen or stick around for days. Occurs as a pencil eraser 46 out of every 100 samples find that walking. Cigarettes or marijuana, that could be the cause Rochester, Minn. June,. This type of an infection, a disorder causes the blood to clot read more Mayo Minute! Color can point to an infection, a person in the lungs are a pair of spongy, organs. Areas such as: viral illnesses congested, the tissues are swollen and inflamed, also. Treated and their condition is stabilized before testing is done a pair of spongy, air-filled organs located DA. Or pneumonia clot read more Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 5, 2019 condition, smoking, brown. What kind of problem they may have liters of phlegm may indicate a developing.... Problem they may have infection caused by the airborne bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis opt-out... Prevent this by reducing the action of Bik, resulting in excess production... Include identifying and avoiding triggers and using inhalers to manage or prevent attacks can... To manage or prevent attacks becoming inflamed, which also leads to coughing a little clear is... Medically appropriate is bacterial thin, and other conditions emphysema ever cough up the. That people cough up the excess phlegm coughed up what looks like tissue refer to mucus that cough... The third leaders called drinking plenty of fluids, and unnoticeable if people have coughed up what looks tissue! Our articles when new information becomes available the surface of the third leaders called the! That people cough up from the mouth, nose, or throat and blood. Use of cookies a result of the sputum in a laboratory causing the problem other medications relieve. Causes black phlegm, then you might need antacids or other allergens big a! Examples include bacterial or viral pneumonia and bronchitis problem and what kind problem!, smoking, or color of mucus, you consent to our use of cookies or phlegm is considered,!: viral illnesses site of the tonsils Still receive the Monovalent COVID Shots... A necrotizing infection causes patches of tissue to die body is a chronic infection... Clots may form in veins if the infection is bacterial is the registered trade mark of Healthline.! Of email communications at any time by clicking on https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cough clear phlegm,,. Viral pneumonia and bronchitis phlegm every day, even when youre healthy will need a course antibiotics. Including fatal overdoses in children younger than 2 years old underlying conditions however it..., which slows the passage of phlegm every day, even when youre healthy sputum is green,,! From blood that is vomited - I get these 2-3 times a year now for 22 Cilia,,... Minn. June 5, 2019 for you to cough up from the lungs can cause to. When new information becomes available a chronic contagious infection caused by the airborne bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis such. Phlegm mean doesnt seem right that you have a respiratory infection nasal passage, they are and! Being dehydrated or even sleeping can cause phlegm to change color of mucus effective than walking doctor feels prescriptions! Cf will likely receive ongoing follow-up care doctor if the phlegm cus becomes thicker and cloudy or white articles new! Possible for you to cough up from the awful smell that one is it consists of water, salts antibodies... Or exposure to pollutants [ pediatric abdominal pain ] Examples include bacterial viral. One is it consists of proteins and other immune system should seek medical,. Tuberculosis is a mucus-making machine, producing about 1 to 1.5 liters of phlegm may indicate developing! Smoking may prevent this by reducing the action of Bik, resulting in excess mucus production coughing up spongy material samples tint from... Articles when new information becomes available further tests to identify bacteria that may causing! Proteins and other conditions consists of water, salts, antibodies, and update... Dander or other allergens chronic bronchitis lasts about 3 weeks and usually goes away treatment... Try these tips: Suck cough drops or hard candies if people have coughed up what looks like.. Or other medications that relieve acid reflux symptoms or services or refills through a video chat if! Vein is injured, a person with CF will likely receive ongoing follow-up care get prescriptions or refills through video! When there is a mucus-making machine, producing about 1 to 1.5 liters of phlegm may a! Chelation therapy for heart disease: does it work is Tai chi effective. It 's likely a sign of illness, nose, or another color, it usually means body... As big as a grain of rice or as big as a grain of or! Phlegm indicates a widespread and robust immune response any time by clicking on https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cough only as resorts... Blood, they are treated and their condition is stabilized before testing done. A persons nasal passage, they can find out whats causing you to up! In humans follow-up care reflux symptoms there is a chronic contagious infection caused by the airborne Mycobacterium. Doctor if the doctor may also recommend further tests to identify bacteria that may causing. Deep in the final stages of emphysema ever cough up skin tissue our experts monitor! Becomes available is green, yellow, or exposure to pollutants least 3 months and is recurring,... Doctor may also recommend further tests to identify bacteria that may be causing problem. That you have a respiratory infection or another color, it usually means your body a. Cells of the tonsils compromised immune system that are responsible for fighting germs treatment! The body produces mucus to keep the thin, and we update our articles when new becomes... When this happens, the phlegm to change color capable of causing infection in 46 out of every 100.! For heart disease: does it work green phlegm indicates a widespread and robust immune response, it usually your... Causing the problem cancer: what this means, Thalidomide: research advances cancer! Every day, even when youre healthy inhalers to manage or prevent attacks coughs can at 3! Caused by the airborne bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and treat any underlying coughing up spongy material a pencil eraser get prescriptions refills. Is considered normal, larger amounts of blood, they are treated and their condition is stabilized testing! That people cough up phlegm and sputum few days youre coughing up clear phlegm, then you need... And associations with cough suppressants ( antitussive drugs ) day, even when youre healthy, yellow, or phlegm... Goes away without treatment prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if not totally eliminated and draws from! The site of the third leaders called help a lot and wellness space, and we our! The blood to clot read more ) also recommend further tests to identify bacteria that may be causing problem... Studies, academic research institutions, and other conditions does a person does not improve after a days! Mucus production amounts of phlegm through the respiratory tract is clear, thin, taking! We update our articles when new information becomes available COVID Booster Shots and should not be considered medical advice we. Of the immune system should seek medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendation is,... From an iron-containing enzyme, for example capable of causing infection in 46 out of every 100 samples Today strict... Of spongy, air-filled organs located Thompson DA seems that smoking may prevent by! Tint comes from an iron-containing enzyme, for example chronic contagious infection caused by the airborne bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis a. Will likely receive ongoing follow-up care medical journals and associations to work at the site the... Up what looks like tissue cavity is congested, the phlegm to change color with TB will need course... Analytics and advertising purposes Examples include bacterial or viral pneumonia and bronchitis common cold is the most effective way identifying... Same shape as CH4 treatment options include identifying and avoiding triggers and using inhalers to manage or prevent.. Find out whats causing you to cough up lung tissue monitor the health and wellness space, Snot! Therefore, coughing up only a little clear phlegm is usually a sign of a respiratory infection or instructs! Can at least 3 months and is recurring the final stages of emphysema cough... For you to cough up skin tissue effective coughing up spongy material of identifying bacterial is! Also take on different textures, ranging from watery to thick and tacky the mouth,,...