What Does The Color Of Phlegm Mean Ohio State Medical Center The color of your phlegm can indicate an underlying condition. for example, yellow or green phlegm can be a sign of a respiratory infection, while red or pink phlegm can indicate lung bleeding or inflammation. phlegm is typically clear and thin. your body produces it as part of its natural defense against irritants and infections. When mucus appears in a yellow to lighter green hue, it indicates the immune system is working to protect the body, usually from outside forces like an infection. this is the natural progression from the white, cloudy stage. if the color is more green than yellow, the harder your body is fighting. the degree of color change directly correlates.
Sinus Mucus Color Chart Red phlegm: bloody phlegm can come from the nose or lungs and signal irritation, infection or cancer. dark brown phlegm: this is concerning for an infection, such as bacterial pneumonia. gray phlegm: this is likely normal and tends to be a variation of white phlegm. black phlegm: this is rare, but it can mean old blood or be from something you. Brown phlegm. brown phlegm is often a sign of chronic lung disease. it's usually caused by a buildup of bacteria and blood in the lungs that change the thickness and color of the phlegm. lung infections that cause brown phlegm include copd and emphysema. treating these conditions may allow you to manage the phlegm. This slippery, sometimes sticky fluid comes from the mucus membranes that line your respiratory tract – your nose, mouth, larynx, trachea, and lungs. mucus provides moisture for the air we breathe and lubricates your respiratory tract. “mucus serves a protective function in capturing debris, allergens, dust, and pathogens such as viruses. Pink or red mucus. your nasal tissue in the nose has somehow become broken — perhaps because it’s dry, irritated or experienced some kind of impact. “full on red could be a nosebleed related.
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