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What Causes Coughing Up Of Greenish Mucus?

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Posted on Sat, 29 Oct 2016
Question: I had a cold for a few days and then a lingering tickle and cough for weeks after and cough up green mucus just in the morning only and then nothing all day and just a slight tickle and cough at night?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
cough can persist for up to 6 weeks, post nasal drip

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The cough associated with a viral illness can persist up to 6 weeks in some persons, it is called post viral cough.

In some cases it may be related to post nasal drip of mucus to the back of the throat. It is thought that some persons are not aware of the drip itself but present with the complications such as a cough.

The green color can sometimes occur as part of the body's immune response. If you have a prolonged fever along with it, this may mean that you have a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.

Mucinex and plain robitussen (with no added ingredients) contain the same ingredient , guaifenesin, so they should not be used together. You can use one of them.

In addition to this, you can add an antihistamine/decongestant mixture even if you are not congested.
This combination helps with the post nasal mucus.

If this is not enough , then a topical steroid nasal spray may be needed eg nasonex, nasocort, flonase etc

Symptoms should improve within 2 to 3 weeks in the majority. If this is not the case for you, you may need antibiotics

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

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 Causes Coughing Up Of Greenish Mucus?

Brief Answer: cough can persist for up to 6 weeks, post nasal drip Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The cough associated with a viral illness can persist up to 6 weeks in some persons, it is called post viral cough. In some cases it may be related to post nasal drip of mucus to the back of the throat. It is thought that some persons are not aware of the drip itself but present with the complications such as a cough. The green color can sometimes occur as part of the body's immune response. If you have a prolonged fever along with it, this may mean that you have a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics. Mucinex and plain robitussen (with no added ingredients) contain the same ingredient , guaifenesin, so they should not be used together. You can use one of them. In addition to this, you can add an antihistamine/decongestant mixture even if you are not congested. This combination helps with the post nasal mucus. If this is not enough , then a topical steroid nasal spray may be needed eg nasonex, nasocort, flonase etc Symptoms should improve within 2 to 3 weeks in the majority. If this is not the case for you, you may need antibiotics I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions