9 Causes of Productive Cough and How to Treat It, Also Recognize the Color of Phlegm!

Kapanlagi.com - Phlegm cough is one of the cough complaints that can affect anyone. The cause of this phlegm cough occurs due to various factors that cause mucus or phlegm in the throat, chest or lungs.

The mucus or phlegm has a texture similar to glue, sticky and thick. However, it turns out that mucus in the body plays an important role in preventing bacteria and viruses from entering the body through the mouth or nose. In addition, mucus can also be useful for maintaining moisture in the respiratory tract to stay healthy and avoid various irritations.

However, in some conditions, a person may experience excessive production of mucus or phlegm, causing a phlegm cough. This condition makes the sufferer feel several symptoms such as discomfort in the throat and a feeling of blockage.

The cause of a phlegm cough itself can occur due to several factors that originate from general conditions and medical conditions. This is also one of the causes of changes in the color of mucus, ranging from white, greenish, or even yellowish. The causes of a phlegm cough, which are rarely realized, have been summarized by kapanlagi.com from various sources.

1. Experiencing a Cold

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The first cause of productive cough can occur due to experiencing a cold or flu. Health problems such as flu or cold can occur due to viral or bacterial infections. When experiencing flu or cold, a person usually experiences a stuffy nose, runny nose, frequent sneezing, and a sore throat.

In this case, flu or cold can be a triggering factor for someone to experience a cough. Generally, this cough complaint is also accompanied by phlegm or mucus in the throat or respiratory tract.

2. Experiencing Bronchitis

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The cause of productive cough due to medical conditions can occur as a result of the body experiencing bronchitis. Bronchitis is a health disorder that occurs due to inflammation in the respiratory tract, specifically in the bronchus. When experiencing bronchitis, it can be characterized by a cough triggered by viruses or bacteria.

According to healhtline.com, bronchitis usually starts with a dry cough which eventually can cause a productive cough. The phlegm initially may be clear or white and as time goes on, it may change to yellow or even green.

3. Dehydration of the Body

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Coughing up phlegm can also be triggered by dehydration. Dehydration is a condition where the body lacks fluid intake, causing several health impacts. In relation to coughing up phlegm, when the body experiences flu and lacks fluids, the phlegm will be difficult to expel. According to honesdocs.id, sufficient fluid intake in the body can help thin out stored phlegm, making it easier to be expelled.

4. Digestive Disorders

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Digestive disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also trigger coughing up phlegm. According to healhltine.com, this digestive disorder can cause white and thick-textured phlegm. Consultation and examination with a doctor can be considered to help address coughing up phlegm accurately.

5. Allergies and Asthma

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Allergies and asthma can also trigger someone to experience coughing up phlegm. Allergies themselves can occur due to several factors, ranging from dust allergies, food allergies, pollen, or air that causes several symptoms. Among the symptoms of allergies include runny nose, sneezing, and itching.

According to honesdocs.id, excessive mucus production when experiencing a runny nose can also trigger the occurrence of coughing up phlegm in the body. Consultation and examination with a doctor can be considered to help deal with coughing up phlegm properly.

6. Heart Disorders

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Heart disorders such as congestive heart failure can cause coughing up phlegm. Congestive heart failure is a condition that occurs when the heart does not pump blood to the whole body maximally. According to healhtline.com, this condition causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs and can cause an increase in mucus or white phlegm.

Some symptoms that can be felt when there is an accumulation of white phlegm include shortness of breath. First aid is needed if experiencing shortness of breath symptoms to prevent further conditions.

7. Smoking

Smoking activities have a significant impact on the body's health condition, including being a factor in the occurrence of productive cough. As it is known, smoking can cause lung infections, including coughing due to the substances contained in cigarettes. According to healhtline.com, phlegm expelled due to smoking is usually black in color due to exposure to cigarette smoke. To prevent this, limiting or even quitting smoking habits can be done to avoid certain health problems, including productive cough.

8. Bacterial, Fungal, and Viral Infections

In addition to causing flu and colds, bacterial and viral infections can also cause a person to experience productive cough. This condition usually causes productive cough with a yellowish or even greenish color. Furthermore, according to healhtline.com, a fungal infection called exophiala dermatitidis can cause black phlegm in people with cystic fibrosis.

In addition, these viruses and bacteria can also trigger other health disorders such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Consultation and examination with a doctor can be considered to address productive cough due to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.

9. Certain Types of Food

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Certain types of food can cause someone to experience phlegmy cough. According to honestdocs.id, foods such as milk, refined sugar, chocolate, soy, or salty foods can trigger increased mucus production. As a result, the body may also experience phlegmy cough. Especially if you have previously experienced phlegmy cough, avoiding these types of food can be done to prevent an increase in mucus or phlegm.

10. How to Treat Phlegmy Cough

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You can learn how to treat phlegmy cough through several points below. The following ways to treat phlegmy cough can be used as a simple and easy reference to alleviate the symptoms of phlegmy cough.

- Consume lime added with soy sauce or honey to treat phlegmy cough naturally.

- Consume betel leaves and ginger.

- Get enough rest.

- Drink plenty of water.

- Gargle with saltwater and plain water for 60 seconds to eliminate bacteria in the throat.

Those are the 9 causes of phlegmy cough and how to treat them based on the color of the phlegm. Consultation and examination with a doctor can be considered to easily and accurately deal with phlegmy cough.

(kpl/nlw)