Why is there brown bits in my phlegm?

Brown Phlegm The phlegm is brown because of blood and the intense chronic inflammation that comes with the chronic disease state. The bacteria camp out inside the lungs and cause very gradual changes in the consistency and appearance of phlegm. If you have chronic lung disease, you may be used to seeing brown phlegm.

Does brown phlegm mean pneumonia?

Common symptoms of pneumonia include: a cough – which may be dry, or produce thick yellow, green, brown or blood-stained mucus (phlegm) difficulty breathing – your breathing may be rapid and shallow, and you may feel breathless, even when resting.

What color is phlegm when you have pneumonia?

With pneumonia, you may cough up greenish or yellow phlegm. You also may run a fever and have the chills. Pneumonia can make it hard to breathe.

Is brown specks in phlegm blood?

Brown sputum: Brown sputum due to the presence of tar, is sometimes found in people who smoke. Sputum may also appear brown or black due to the presence of old blood. Brown sputum is also common with “black lung disease.” These diseases, called pneumoconioses, occur from inhaling substances like coal into the lungs.

Is brown phlegm an emergency?

If you continue to cough up brown or black mucus, or it becomes worse, you should see a doctor.

Do you cough up phlegm with Covid?

A dry cough is one of the most common coronavirus symptoms, but some people may have a cough with phlegm (thick mucus). It can be difficult to control your cough but there are a few ways to help.

Should I be worried about brown phlegm?

Mucus is produced to clean, protect, and moisten the respiratory tract. Though it can be unsightly, mucus fights infection and clear irritants. In most cases, brown or black mucus is caused by irritation from chemicals or pollution, or by small amounts of blood coming from your irritated airway.

What do different Colours of phlegm mean?

Red or pink phlegm can be a more serious warning sign. Red or pink indicates that there is bleeding in the respiratory tract or lungs. Heavy coughing can cause bleeding by breaking the blood vessels in the lungs, leading to red phlegm. However, more serious conditions can also cause red or pink phlegm.