When the catarrh shows any color or is very thick it can be a sign of allergy, sinusitis, pneumonia, some other infection in the airways or even cancer.
Therefore, when phlegm is not a clear, almost liquid discharge, it may be important to consult a pulmonologist to start treatment as soon as possible, avoiding the worsening of the problem, especially when bedridden, small children or the elderly.
1. Green or yellow catarrh
These colors usually arise when neutrophils are present in the airways, which are defense cells of the body that produce a green protein that is dissolved in phlegm, and the color varies according to the amount of the protein. In this way, this type of catarrh can indicate an infection of the airways or nasal sinuses, like pharyngitis or pneumonia, for example.
See other signs may indicate a lung infection.
What to do: You should consult a pulmonologist or general practitioner to identify the type of infection that is causing the catarrh and start treatment with the appropriate antibiotic.
2. Blood or red catarrh
When blood on the phlegm arises in a small amount it is usually a sign of bronchitis, however, when there is too much blood on the phlegm can indicate more serious problems like tuberculosis, pneumonia or lung cancer. Understand when it may be bronchitis.
What to do: A pneumologist should be consulted for diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and microbiological culture from sputum, to identify the problem and initiate appropriate treatment, which is usually done with the use of bronchodilators, in the case of bronchitis, or antibiotics in the case of tuberculosis, and treatment should be performed as directed by the physician.
3. White or gray catarrh
This type of catarrh is usually a sign of an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, but may also arise during an influenza or sinus infection, when the sinuses become very full and begin to drain into the throat.
In rare cases, this coloration can also occur when eating many dairy products, as the milk derivatives make the phlegm thicker, presenting a whitish color when it is eliminated.
What to do: You should take about 2 liters of water per day to help eliminate phlegm, and if there are no improvements, you should consult a general practitioner to begin treatment for the problem that is causing the catarrh.
In the case of influenza, for example, treatment is usually done with the aim of relieving the symptoms, and the doctor recommends the use of Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, for example. Sinusitis can also be treated in this way, but the doctor may also recommend the use of corticosteroids or antibiotics depending on the cause of sinusitis.
4. Brown or black catarrh
Smokers and workers from heavily polluted places such as mines or stonemasons usually have brown or black catarrh, which happens due to the presence of particles such as tar or resin that stick in the airways. In addition, brown phlegm can also arise due to the ingestion of some foods, such as chocolate, coffee or red wine, for example.
What to do: It is recommended to avoid places with a lot of dust or pollution, as well as to stop smoking, if this is the case.
5. Pink catarrh
Pink phlegm cough is usually an indicator that there is fluid in the lungs and is therefore very common in cases of heart problems, such as heart failure, in which blood collects around the lungs, causing fluid to enter the lungs. lungs.
What to do: In this case it is important to consult a pulmonologist or general cardiologist to adjust the treatment of the problem that is causing pink phlegm, which can be done with the intake of diuretic medicines such as Furosemide in case of heart problems.
What can indicate the consistency of the catarrh
Normal, healthy catarrh usually has a more liquid consistency and therefore is easily reabsorbed by the body and does not hinder breathing. However, the phlegm may become thicker, especially due to situations such as:
- Being in a very dry environment, such as in an air-conditioned room;
- Do not drink enough water during the day;
- Have a respiratory allergy to pollen or dust, for example;
- Take medications that can dry out the secretions, such as antidepressants, antihistamines or decongestants.
In addition, phlegm also gets thicker during flu or colds, for example, but any other infection can also have this result. This is because the body has more work to eliminate viruses and bacteria and therefore needs more water to function, leaving the phlegm drier.
Thus, to eliminate the thick catarrh it is very important to drink about 2 liters of water per day and to spray with water or saline, because it helps to fluidize the secretions and facilitates their elimination. In addition, there are some home remedies with expectorant properties that help with phlegm elimination, as in Home Remedies to Eliminate Expectoration.
