The article was professionally reviewed by Dr. Nguyen Huy Nhat, MSc, MD, Department of Examination and Internal Medicine, Vinmec Danang International General Hospital. Dr. Nhat has extensive experience in treating respiratory diseases.
Coughing with phlegm is a common condition in both adults and children. A persistent cough with phlegm is a symptom of respiratory disease. However, many people remain subjective about this health condition. Understanding the cause of prolonged coughing with phlegm is necessary for appropriate and effective treatment.
1. What is the cause of coughing with phlegm?
Phlegm is a secretion in the respiratory tract, including mucus, red blood cells, pus-filled white blood cells, and toxic substances that enter the respiratory tract. These substances are secreted from the bronchi, alveoli, throat, frontal sinuses, nasal cavity, etc. Therefore, coughing with phlegm is a consequence of many respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, rhinitis, laryngotracheitis, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, etc.
Coughing with phlegm is considered an acute or chronic condition depending on its duration. When the symptom of coughing with phlegm lasts for more than three weeks, it is considered chronic.
Most cases of a cough with phlegm are caused by benign factors, but if not treated properly, the condition can worsen. A persistent cough with phlegm is a sign of many dangerous respiratory diseases, such as:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: This respiratory disease causes difficulty breathing due to narrowed airways. Prolonged coughing with phlegm worsens chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, especially in the morning, causing difficulty breathing and chest tightness.
- Pulmonary tuberculosis: This is one cause of a persistent cough with phlegm, sometimes with hemoptysis, chest pain, and dyspnea. If severe and prolonged, it can develop into a lung abscess, with pus pockets forming in the lungs. Untreated, it can lead to respiratory failure and death.
- Bronchiectasis: This causes a persistent cough with phlegm, requiring frequent excitation.
Additionally, acute coughs with phlegm often occur in the elderly with acute illnesses such as colds, acute rhinitis, tonsillitis, and sinusitis.
2. What to do when you have a persistent cough with phlegm?
Patients with phlegm coughs should not self-medicate without a doctor's instructions. Improper treatment may worsen the condition and affect respiratory health.
Additionally, patients should consider lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrent coughs with phlegm by:
- Increasing physical exercise to improve the body's resistance to respiratory pathogens.
- Minimizing exposure to polluted environments.
- Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and stimulants.
- Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and vitamins.
Coughing with phlegm for a long time is a symptom of many dangerous respiratory diseases. If not treated promptly and properly, this condition will cause many dangers to the patient. When experiencing prolonged coughing with phlegm, the patient needs to see a respiratory specialist or internist for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and effective management to quickly resolve the condition.
Note that you should not arbitrarily administer medicine to a child without a doctor's permission; this can worsen the child's condition.
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