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What Does Coughing Up Of Green Mucus Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Oct 2014
Question: For the last 6 months I cough up green mucus chunks every morning. I was told it could be allergies but I don't think that is the case. I don't have any other symptons of allergies or sinus problems. An occasional sinus headache. I'm concerned that I have a lung infection.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
normally have persistent cough

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is understandable to be concerned.

There are different types of lung infections- pneumonia, bronchitis, pleuritis, lung abscess etc

There is a cough that may be associated with each of these (with the exception of pleuritis which may be associated with pain on deep breathing/laughing).

The cough however tends to be persistent, this is the hallmark of most lung infections.
Though infections can present differently in individuals, the cough associated with lung infections tends to continue throughout the day and would not be limited to the mornings.

In addition, there are normally associated symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, loss of appetite.
In the absence of additional symptoms, lung infection is not likely though you may have an infection of the sinuses.

A course of antibiotics would help if this is the case.

In addition using sinus medications such as anti histamines may be helpful.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Does Coughing Up Of Green Mucus Indicate?

Brief Answer: normally have persistent cough Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic It is understandable to be concerned. There are different types of lung infections- pneumonia, bronchitis, pleuritis, lung abscess etc There is a cough that may be associated with each of these (with the exception of pleuritis which may be associated with pain on deep breathing/laughing). The cough however tends to be persistent, this is the hallmark of most lung infections. Though infections can present differently in individuals, the cough associated with lung infections tends to continue throughout the day and would not be limited to the mornings. In addition, there are normally associated symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, loss of appetite. In the absence of additional symptoms, lung infection is not likely though you may have an infection of the sinuses. A course of antibiotics would help if this is the case. In addition using sinus medications such as anti histamines may be helpful. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions