People often dismiss a cough as a minor ailment, but sometimes it can be a sign of an underlying problem, especially when it's accompanied by mucus (phlegm).
What is the reason for a cough with phlegm?
Coughing is a problem that troubles almost everyone at some point in their lives. Sometimes a slight tickle in the throat triggers a cough, and sometimes persistent coughing causes chest pain. People often dismiss a cough as a minor ailment, but sometimes it can be a sign of an underlying problem. Especially when a cough is accompanied by mucus (phlegm), the question inevitably arises: Is mucus in the lungs dangerous? And why does it occur? So, let's explore why we cough and whether mucus in the lungs is dangerous.
What is cough and why does it occur?
Coughing is a natural defense mechanism in our body. When a foreign object, such as dust, smoke, germs, allergens, or excess mucus, accumulates in our throat or lungs, the body attempts to expel it through coughing. Coughing is the body's way of cleansing itself. The main causes of coughing include irritation of the throat or respiratory tract, colds or flu, dust, smoke, or pollution, allergies, excessive mucus production in the lungs, acid reflux (GERD), and asthma.
What is mucus (phlegm)?
There are two types of coughs. The first is a dry cough, which doesn't produce mucus, and causes itching or burning in the throat. It's usually caused by allergies, viral infections, or acid reflux. The second is a cough with phlegm, which produces thick mucus. It's common in illnesses like colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The body tries to expel debris from the lungs. Mucus is a thick, sticky substance produced by the lungs and throat. Its function is to keep the airways moist, trapping dust, germs, and allergens, and then expelling them. A little mucus production is normal and necessary.
Is mucus in the lungs dangerous?
Generally, light and clear mucus in the lungs is not dangerous, as it is part of the body's natural defense system and helps keep the lungs clean. However, in some situations, accumulated mucus can be a cause for concern. If the mucus turns yellow or green, it may indicate an infection such as a cold, flu, or bronchitis. Blood in the mucus is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention. Furthermore, if a cough persists for more than three weeks, it could be a symptom of asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, or heart disease. If the mucus is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, high fever, or wheezing, it should not be ignored.
