What Does the Colour of Your Phlegm Mean: Clear, Yellow, White/grey, Green, Pink/red, Brown. What Problems Do They Indicate? When Should You Go to the Doctor for Each?

The color of your phlegm can indicate different health issues:

• Clear: Normal, healthy mucus; no infection.

• White/Grey: May indicate congestion or viral infection.

• Yellow: Sign of the immune system fighting infection; often viral or early bacterial infection.

• Green: Suggests a bacterial infection; prolonged illness or sinus infection.

• Pink/Red: Presence of blood, which could be due to irritation, injury, or serious conditions like pneumonia or tuberculosis.

• Brown: Could indicate old blood, smoking effects, or inhalation of pollutants.

When to see a doctor: If phlegm is green, pink/red, or brown and persists for more than a week, or if accompanied by fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly.

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