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What the colour of your cough/mucus/phlegm says about your health

Did you know rust colored sputum or phelgm could be a sign of pneumonia?

Written by Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : July 13, 2016 9:47 AM IST

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Mucus Health

Cough and cold are quite common and mostly occur in case of viral infection or flu. But did you know that the colour of the sputum or phlegm can reveal a lot about your health? Although a proper diagnosis is not attained and you might need to undergo various tests like chest radiography and X-ray to know the condition, it can be useful clinically, says Dr Gyanendra Agrawal, Consultant, Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, Jaypee Hospital, Noida.

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White

Thick, white colored mucus: Also known as purulent sputum, the thick, curdy white mucus or phlegm is a key sign of bacterial infection. Hence, consult your doctor to know how it can be treated instead of trying out syrups for cold and cough or self medicating.

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Yellow

Greenish yellow or yellow colored mucus: It can signify an underlying bacterial infection in most cases. However, in severe cases, it can act as a key sign of pneumonia or lung abscess. To know the exact cause or greenish yellow/yellow/rust colored sputum, consult your doctor.  Also Read - 5 Best hair oils to control dandruff in summer and boost hair growth

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Red

Red colored sputum: It is undoubtedly a red flag. Blood in the sputum is a key sign of respiratory tract infection or lung problems and to know the cause of it, you need to consult a doctor and get tested immediately. Do not ignore this key sign.

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Black

Black colored sputum: Yes, in rare cases, you can even experience black-colored sputum. It can either be due to an extra deposition of smoke in the lungs or due to an underlying fungal infection. With use of medications, you can get treated for the same. Also Read - Emotional eating vs real hunger: How to tell the difference