Chronic cough with phlegm

Introduction to chronic cough with phlegm

When a person has a chronic cough with phlegm it is usually the result of an infection that has occurred in the respiratory tract.

A cough is a sudden and repetitive reflex that is used by the body to get rid of obstructions in the breathing passage such a secretions, foreign bodies, microbes and irritants of that nature.

It is not a disease, but rather a symptom of many diseases. The cough is a defense mechanism of the body that removes unwanted things from the respiratory tract.

When a person coughs constantly, they probably have some kind of a disease. Phlegm manifests when a person has a called, sinusitis or pneumonia and it is made up of excessive amounts of mucus located in the throat.

Even though it is very common, a cough with phlegm should not be taken for granted, because if it is left untreated it can lead to a very serious lung condition.

A large accumulation of phlegm in the lungs can lead to a serious chest infection as well.

Causes of chronic cough with phlegm

When a person is constantly coughing in the morning and also coughing up phlegm, it is usually the result of the phlegm having built up inside the lungs overnight and the body is trying to get rid of it by coughing.

This condition can also result from allergies to dust, chemicals or various fumes.

Smoking is also a common cause for this problem and heavy smokers often cough up mucus regularly.

Also, if a person stops smoking, the body will try to get rid of all of the toxins and tar that have accumulated in the body during the years of smoking, which will also lead to coughing and phlegm.

Other causes for this problem include lung infections and problems such a bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and serious lung infections.

If a person is coughing up blood along with the phlegm, then they need to visit a doctor immediately. Treatments

When a person is suffering from chest congestion and a cough with phlegm, the doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics. Expectorants and decongestants are also used to stop chronic coughs.

Oral antihistamines can also be used, especially, if the cough is the result of an allergy.

If the person is a smoker, then, of course, the best advice a doctor would give is to quit smoking immediately in order to get rid of the cough and phlegm that is building up daily in the lungs.