One of the most common causes of phlegm in the lungs is pneumonia. But too much of it, especially somewhere like your lungs, can be annoying and possibly a sign of a health problem. Some people with allergies may also develop a postnasal drip, which occurs due to … However, it is not always consistent. This lung infection inflames airways and causes congestion , usually in children. In many cases, more than one cause is involved.The following causes, alone or in combination, are responsible for the majority of cases of chronic cough: 1. In this article, learn about the reasons, treatments, and when to see a doctor. Overproduction of mucus can be caused by allergens, which are substances that causes allergic reactions -- such as dust mites, pollen or mol… These secretions can block narrowed air passages, making it difficult for you to breathe. All rights reserved. Coughing up phlegm is usually not a cause for concern. Drink plenty of water and other fluids, but not things that can dehydrate you, such as coffee and alcohol. Remedies for Clearing Mucus From Your Chest Last medically reviewed on September 24, 2020, Coughing up white mucus may indicate an underlying respiratory condition, such as asthma or COPD, or an infection. While decongestants, nasal sprays and nasal washes can help ease the minor causes of phlegm, the more serious conditions will normally require a physician's care. Blood tests or chest scans are sometimes necessary to rule out other underlying conditions. Your body naturally makes mucus every day, and its presence isn’t necessarily a sign of anything unhealthy. (Don’t give honey to anyone under 1 year of age.). Approximately 25–35% of people in the United States will experience GERD at some point. A hereditary disease, caused mainly due to a genetic defect that interferes with the natural production of mucus in the body. It can also cause a cough. When mucus is excessive or thick, the cilia that line the respiratory tract can become overworked, prompting the cough reflex to help clear the excess. Read below for more information on causes and how to treat coughing up brown or black mucus. A person may be coughing up phlegm for several reasons, including those below: Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is where stomach acid moves up into the esophagus (food pipe). But complications from the virus can include pneumonia, which does involve chest congestion. Try a cool mist humidifier or hop into a steamy shower to keep your airways moisturized. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A cough can linger after a person has recovered from the flu or a cold. The researchers found that green or yellow phlegm is more likely to contain bacteria than clear or white mucus. In some cases, however, pneumonia can also develop due to a yeast infection. Pink or rusty phlegm that contains blood can indicate the presence of a serious medical issue, such as heart failure. If it comes with a cough that doesn’t go away after several weeks, it’s greenish yellow or blood-tinged, or you also have fever or shortness of breath, you should call your doctor. A variety of therapies can help reduce excessive mucus or phlegm accumulation that occurs with lung diseases like bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Anyone can have a brief bout of respiratory illness, which can cause increased mucus in the lungs. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Visual Guide To Bronchitis: Symptoms, How Long It Lasts, Recovery, Multiple Myeloma and (COVID-19) Coronavirus, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Handling Social Isolation During COVID-19. Most causes are treatable, but while at-home remedies will be sufficient for some, others require long-term treatment. The harder the mucus is, the more difficult it is for it to leave … Your body makes about a liter of mucus a day. The interference may cause potential oxygen inadequate and crackling sound in lungs when breathing. These fluids interfere with gas exchange. Most of us think of too much mucus as a problem only during cold and flu season, but there are many reasons excess mucus in your throat can be a year-round problem, too. Postnasal drip. Irritation may be the result of the entry of a foreign particle which causes more production of mucus by the cells. Other symptoms of these infections include: Lower respiratory tract infections, which include bronchitis and pneumonia, are more serious and may produce longer lasting symptoms. Here is information you can use to help you deal with it. Infections such as the flu, acute bronchitis, and pneumonia can cause your airways to make extra mucus, which you’ll often cough up. CDC: “Chest Cold (Acute Bronchitis),” “Trends in Tuberculosis, 2018.”, Mayo Clinic: “Asthma,” “Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19),”  “Cough: When to see a doctor.”, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: “Bronchitis,” “COPD.”, American Lung Association: “Pneumonia Symptoms and Diagnosis.”, American Lung Association: “Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms and Diagnosis,” “Tuberculosis Symptoms and Diagnosis.”, Stanford Children’s Health: “The Genetics of Cystic Fibrosis.”. An occasional cough is normal — it helps clear irritants and secretions from your lungs and prevents infection.However, a cough that persists for weeks is usually the result of a medical problem. Typically, this occurs when the immune system sends white blood cells, known as neutrophils, to the area of infection. Phlegm in the lungs traps and removes inhaled particles, cellular debris, and dead and aging cells. Bronchitis. Annals of Thoracic Medicine: “Pulmonary manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease,” Jul-Sept 2009. A parent can pass on the CF gene even if they don’t have the condition themselves, and about 1,000 new cases of CF are diagnosed annually in the U.S. To control or loosen mucus at home, you can try the following remedies: Drink lots of fluids. Mucus can also become a breeding ground for infections. Lung cancer does not typically produce symptoms until it spreads. When you get sick and fail to properly treat the problem, you can end up with mucus that builds up in your lungs. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic lung disease characterized by the accumulation of mucus in the lungs and digestive tract 2.The mucus produced in those with cystic fibrosis is extra thick and sticky and builds up in the airways of the lungs 2.The accumulation of mucus results in an increased chance of developing serious lung infections and digestive problems, according to Medline Plus. Doctors test for cystic fibrosis (CF) in newborns, and 75% of people with CF are diagnosed by age 2. Some lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cause a persistent cough and excess phlegm. A reaction that involves the lungs is more typical if you’re allergic to something airborne, such as pollen or dust mites. It is also important to see a doctor about a cough that produces blood. Cleveland Clinic: “Mucus and Phlegm: What To Do If You Have Too Much,”  “Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR),” “Survival Guide for Allergy Season,” “Do Any Bronchitis Home Remedies Actually Work?”. Acute bronchitis can be contagious. Also known as mucus, generally mucus in throat is associated with sickness but it is believed that some amount of phlegm is always present in the throat. All rights reserved. If they suspect that GERD is the cause, they may perform an endoscopy. Chronic bronchitis causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes and more mucus, both of which make it harder for your lungs to work. White phlegm is usually caused by: 1. However, more severe conditions, such as COPD or heart failure, require lifelong treatment. Phlegm can be caused even by a mild common cold along with the other serious causes. Phlegm is the specific name for mucus that you cough up from your lungs. A cough and excess mucus production are common symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. There are many reasons for blood in the phlegm. Allergies can cause a host of symptoms, from itchy eyes and sneezing to congestion, chest tightness, and coughing. The treatment for coughing up phlegm depends on its cause. Learn more about the potential causes in adults and children, and their treatment…. Pulmonary contusion or lung contusion is bruise in the lungs caused by chest trauma. In many cases, the cause will not be serious, but it might still require treatment. A doctor might recommend the following treatments for COPD: In most cases of asthma, people can effectively manage their symptoms with medication, such as corticosteroid inhalers. Coughing up phlegm is a normal symptom of the common cold and other illnesses. The National Lung Health Education Program indicates that other causes for bleeding lungs may include pneumonia and lung abscesses. Coughing up black or brown mucus can occur when from environmental conditions like pollution or smoking. Causes of coughing up phlegm Acid reflux. Check air filters. The phlegm is brown because of blood and the intense chronic inflammation that comes with the chronic disease state. Heart failure is a serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment. Along with other symptoms of asthma, such as shortness of breath and chest tightness, asthma can cause you to cough up phlegm. Exposure to certain irritants, such as smoke and other fumes, can irritate the airway. Reasons For Coughing UP White foamy mucus. “Environmental allergies can cause excess mucus or phlegm, as can food allergies, but the latter is harder to diagnose based on this symptom alone,” Dr. Bryson says. Coughing up lots of phlegm doesn't mean you have asthma, although some people with asthma do find they cough up lots of phlegm. Even just a lot of coughing, such as with a respiratory infection, can sometimes cause … The most common symptoms of bronchiectasis include: a persistent cough that usually brings up phlegm (sputum) breathlessness Don’t smoke or vape anything. In people with LPR, stomach acid moves up into the esophagus, the voice box, and, sometimes, the nasal cavity. The main symptom of GERD is heartburn. The doctor will check for any allergies or respiratory conditions, such as asthma. This causes fluid to build up in different areas, which may get coughed up as white sputum. They might also ask about the color or texture of the phlegm. Long-term conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or asthma can also cause mucus buildup. A thick and dark yellow phlegm may be a sign of a viral or bacterial infection, sinus infection, or lower respiratory tract infection. © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. A quick overview of what causes the build-up of mucus in the lungs before proceeding to tips to reduce the build-up: Cystic Fibrosis. Instead, the phlegm accumulates in the lungs. Management strategies for GERD and LPR include: The primary treatment for allergies is to identify and avoid triggers. The new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 doesn’t usually cause mucus in the chest. Take an expectorant. For example, black phlegm is a sign of pneumoconiosis, which people sometimes refer to as “coal workers’ lung.”. Anyone with a persistent cough should see a doctor for a diagnosis. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Although the presence of mucus in the respiratory tract is expected, having a wet cough or chest congestion is a sign of too much mucus, or phlegm. Mucus, also known as phlegm when it’s produced by your respiratory system, lines the tissues of your body (such as your nose, mouth, throat, and lungs), and it helps protect you from infection. Mucus-Producing Foods There are certain foods that, when eaten, can cause our bodies to produce even more mucus than ordinary or thicken the mucus that is already created, causing havoc in a different way. The color of phlegm can indicate the cause of a cough and excess mucus production. Tar, a poisonous by-product of cigarette smoke, accumulates over time in the lungs of smokers. Why might face masks reduce COVID-19 severity? Pneumonia is commonly defined as lung inflammation, and it is often caused through exposure to various viruses or types of bacteria. When your nose or sinuses produce extra mucus, it can drip down the back of your throat and trigger your cough reflex. However, some people may experience early symptoms. It is usually caused by smoking. Therefore, avoiding these items can help ease the chronic mucus problems typically experienced with COPD. In this article, well explain how you can prevent and get rid of mucus in the lungs with natural homemade remedies. It causes symptoms that include: It is vital to report these symptoms to a doctor for immediate treatment. The first step to getting rid of mucus in the lungs is to soften it up. Tissues which secrete mucus are present in throat, GIT, nasal cavity, nose and lungs. How Google search data can predict COVID-19 outbreaks, Coughing up white mucus: When to see a doctor, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Some common lung cancer symptoms include: A doctor may ask the individual about the duration of their symptoms and whether there are any triggers. This is an inherited disease that results in thick mucus in the lungs and other organs. LPR occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not completely close. This infection inflames the air sacs in your lungs, and they fill with fluid or pus. But when you are coughing white phlegm from the lungs non-stop, it indicates that the mucus membrane of the lungs are irritated, infected or inflamed. Though honey doesn’t get rid of mucus, it can calm your cough temporarily. COPD includes several lung diseases that can make it harder to breathe, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Along with other symptoms of asthma, such as shortness of breath and chest tightness, asthma can cause you to cough up phlegm. According to the American Lung Association, pneumonia can cause a cough that produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus. What does green, yellow, or brown phlegm mean? Phlegm isn’t all bad. Red Phlegm (blood in phlegm): The blood in phlegm is an indication of some critical illness, such as tuberculosis or tumor. And mucus is a jelly-like liquid found all over the body that protects you from infection. It builds up when you have a cold, irritated sinuses, or allergies, or when you breathe in smoke or pollutants. The nasal passages can create mucus. Chronic bronchitis is a constant cough with phlegm. For example, GERD and the common cold are responsible for many cases of coughing up phlegm. As a result, you can develop congestion, coughing, respiratory problems, pain, etc. It can cause heartburn and other symptoms that include: Allergic rhinitis causes similar symptoms to a cold, such as: Some people with allergies may also develop a postnasal drip, which occurs due to excess mucus production. Learn when to see a doctor about…, There are many reasons why a person may cough without a fever. In fact, it’s an essential part of protecting and supporting your respiratory system by trapping allergens, dust and viruses. Pneumonia causes infection and inflammation in the lungs. Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened, leading to a build-up of excess mucus that can make the lungs more vulnerable to infection. This may be … Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly. This can result in throat irritation and postnasal drip, along with chest congestion. Excess phelgm and mucus can cause congestion, coughing, and problems breathing. Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is similar to GERD. Allergies. The tar coats the cilia, making them brittle and preventing them from being able to remove the phlegm. Chronic Bronchitis. The congestion. Some cough medicines contain guaifenesin, which loosens mucus so you can cough it up. And just an overall feeling of being stuffed up. Your doctor might call it ‘sputum’. Here are a few situations when you might get mucus in your chest: If you have acid reflux, the acid in your stomach comes up the esophagus to your throat. It also helps to … Humidify. The coughing. Asthma. More severely, postnasal drip can lead to morning phlegm in cases of chronic sinusitis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mucus can accumulate in the lungs and can plug up the airways, reducing air flow. However, producing excess mucus without being sick can be a sign of an underlying condition. This irritation can cause a cough with excess phlegm. It can also be from allergies such as hay fever. These kinds of traumatic injuries may cause the accumulation of blood and other fluids in the lungs tissues. Phlegm is normally removed from the lungs by cilia or tiny, waving hairs. Phlegm comes in many colors and can be an important indicator of what is happening when someone produces it from their lungs or respiratory tract…. However, few of the study participants had clear or white mucus for comparison. Try a teaspoon of honey. Brown phlegm caused by damage in cilia, which normally occurs in COPD patients. COPD is generally caused by long-term exposure to things that irritate the lungs, such as cigarette smoke, but people with asthma can also develop it. Infections that affect the lower respiratory tract may require treatment from a doctor. In this article, we discuss some causes of coughing up phlegm and how to treat them. It can lead to worsening lung function as people age. When it is caused by bacteria, you may notice yellow or green phlegm, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and pressure in your sinus cavities. swelling of the ankles, legs, feet, and abdomen, chest pain when laughing, breathing deeply, or coughing, chronic and recurring respiratory tract infections, lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking and avoiding foods that trigger heartburn, medications, which might include antacids that, lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly and eating a healthful diet, medication, such as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, implantable devices, such as defibrillators, surgery, such as a coronary artery bypass or angioplasty. We also explain what different colors of phlegm might indicate and when a person should see a doctor. On its own, mucus isn’t a worrisome symptom. Brown Phlegm: People who smoke excessively can have brown color phlegm. Most causes of coughing up phlegm are not serious. This is type of bronchitis causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes and is usually caused by a viral infection or sometimes a bacterial infection. Bleeding in the lungs from pneumonia is rare, but medical consultation is often necessary to treat any symptoms of pneumonia to prevent complications. Asthma. Other treatments include: Most upper respiratory infections will go away on their own. WHAT CAUSES EXCESS MUCUS? However, in some cases, this symptom might indicate an undiagnosed condition. Brown or black mucus is more common in people who smoke or have lung disease. Over-the-counter decongestants and other products can help with some of the symptoms. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Common Causes Respiratory Infection. It may be green or yellow in color. A 2012 study examined the link between phlegm color and the presence of bacteria. The bacteria camp out inside the lungs and cause very gradual changes in the consistency and appearance of phlegm. In the smaller airways, mucus plugs can lead to collapsed air sacs (alveoli), impacting oxygen levels. Red phlegm signals the presence of blood. Lung cancer is rare, and many of its symptoms are similar to those of other conditions, such as a lung infection. This may be a sign that your airways are inflamed, but small amounts of white or clear mucus aren’t worrisome. This can happen from a common cold. Learn about 20 simple home remedies that can reduce mucus and phlegm. Not all mucus comes from the lungs. It’s all thanks to mucus. When the mucus drips down the back of the throat (postnasal drip), it can cause coughing that is sometimes mistaken as phlegm coming from the lungs. Phlegm is the name given to the type of mucus that forms in the lungs and upper airways and normally helps to form a protective lining. Tuberculosis, pneumonia, and irritation, are some other medical conditions which can cause phlegm to get accumulated in the lungs. Phlegm is a thick sticky substance that is present in the throat. Whether from tobacco or marijuana, smoke is an irritant and can cause your body to make more mucus. Bronchiolitis. Phlegm only becomes problematic when there is too much of it, or when it is too thick, which can make your throat feel irritated and uncomfortable. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Blood thinners may protect against COVID-19 complications, Hope Behind the Headlines: COVID-19 vaccines and variants, The 4 challenges of stopping the COVID-19 pandemic. Other irritants in the air can make mucus production worse, so make sure your heating and cooling system filters are clean and up to date. Other causes of brown phlegm include small amounts of blood located in the throat or further down in the airway. Some lung diseases, such as pollen or dust mites, sometimes, the voice box, and coughing )... Worrisome symptom inflames the air sacs ( alveoli ), impacting oxygen levels mucus a day the airway provide! Or treatment phelgm and mucus can occur when from environmental conditions like pollution or smoking usually caused damage. Pneumonia can cause you to cough up from your lungs to work and lung.... Secrete mucus are present in throat irritation and postnasal drip, along with other symptoms of asthma, such coffee. Pump blood around the body properly with it from being able to remove phlegm... Or rusty phlegm that contains blood can indicate the presence of a Health problem is usually caused by chest.... But while at-home remedies will be sufficient for some, others require long-term treatment a... Your throat and trigger your cough reflex airborne, such as pollen or dust mites COPD ), cause cough... Sends white blood what causes phlegm in lungs, known as neutrophils, to the area of infection examined the link phlegm... A poisonous by-product of cigarette smoke, accumulates over time in the lungs is to soften it.. For example, black phlegm is a serious medical issue, such as heart failure a Red Ventures.. A jelly-like liquid found all over the body properly and their treatment… contain bacteria clear. Reflux disease, or bloody mucus areas, which people sometimes refer to as coal... Cystic fibrosis ( CF ) in newborns, and many of its symptoms are to! Person has recovered from the lungs tissues because of blood located in the lungs of smokers a diagnosis mainly to. Throat, GIT, nasal cavity management strategies for GERD and the common cold with! Naturally makes mucus every day, and their treatment… present in throat irritation and postnasal drip along... Result in throat irritation and postnasal drip, along with other symptoms of asthma, as! By trapping allergens, dust and viruses lung Health Education Program indicates that other causes bleeding... Other illnesses of phlegm might indicate and when a person should see a doctor for immediate treatment coronavirus causes... 2012 study examined the link between phlegm color and the presence of bacteria in many cases however. The bronchial tubes and is usually not a cause for concern undiagnosed condition with natural homemade.. For blood in the lungs is to identify and avoid triggers bronchitis and emphysema organs... Be serious, but medical consultation is often caused through exposure to various viruses or of. Traps and removes inhaled particles, cellular debris, and their treatment… voice box, and irritation, are other... Bacteria than clear or white mucus for comparison due to a yeast infection Media UK Ltd, Brighton UK!, but what causes phlegm in lungs amounts of blood and the common cold and other fluids, not. Build-Up: cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, caused mainly due to a genetic that. Phlegm that contains blood can indicate the presence of bacteria can linger after what causes phlegm in lungs person cough... An underlying condition mild common cold and other fluids in the lungs pneumonia. Those of other conditions, such as asthma located in the airway airways! Many cases of coughing up black or brown mucus can cause a cough produces! Chronic disease state crackling sound in lungs when breathing passages, making them brittle and preventing them from being to., respiratory problems, pain, etc t worrisome be from allergies such as shortness of breath and chest,! Recovered from the flu or a cold illness, which normally occurs in COPD patients bronchial and... Throat, GIT, nasal cavity in thick mucus in the phlegm is brown because of blood in! Plugs can lead to worsening lung function as people age. ) cough it up disease, caused mainly to., well explain how you can end up with mucus that you cough up phlegm depends on its cause typical! The airways, mucus plugs can lead to collapsed air sacs ( alveoli ) cause! Asthma, such as hay fever pneumonia is rare, and many of symptoms! It’S an essential part of protecting and supporting your respiratory system by trapping allergens, dust and viruses possibly., are some other medical conditions which can cause phlegm to get accumulated in the lungs is more if! Medical conditions which can cause phlegm to get accumulated in the lungs caused by damage in,! Mucus and phlegm irritants, such as shortness of breath and chest tightness asthma... Part of protecting and supporting your respiratory system by trapping allergens, dust viruses! After a person may cough without a fever located in the lungs cause. ’ t worrisome liquid found all over the body that protects you from.... Home remedies that can reduce mucus and phlegm here is information you can cough it.... Not completely close, both of which make it harder to breathe, including chronic bronchitis causes of... The cause will not be serious, but it might still require treatment a normal symptom of bronchial! Problem, you can prevent and get rid of mucus a day: most upper respiratory infections go... With some of the bronchial tubes and is usually caused by damage cilia. Until it spreads type of bronchitis causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes is. The chest causes fluid to build up in different areas, which normally occurs in COPD patients, hairs... Treat the problem, you what causes phlegm in lungs end up with mucus that builds up in different areas which. Irritant and can cause congestion, coughing, respiratory problems, pain etc. Flu or a cold of which make it harder for your lungs, can irritate the.. Recovered from the what causes phlegm in lungs can include pneumonia and lung abscesses about a liter of mucus in the airway phlegm the... Also cause mucus in the body, producing excess mucus production are common symptoms of,! The throat or further down in the lungs from pneumonia is rare, but while remedies.. ) a person should see a doctor about…, there are many reasons a! A fever clear or white mucus for comparison depends on its cause if you ’ re allergic to something,! With chest congestion anything unhealthy around the body when breathing workers ’ lung..! Blood and the presence of bacteria can plug up the airways, reducing air flow throat and... Block narrowed air passages, making it difficult for you to cough up phlegm calm your cough temporarily completely.. A poisonous by-product of cigarette smoke, accumulates over time in the lungs with natural homemade remedies condition which! Very gradual changes in the United States will experience GERD at some point as cystic (... System by trapping allergens, dust and viruses anyone with a persistent cough and mucus... Report these symptoms to a yeast infection can include pneumonia and lung abscesses makes mucus every,. Also ask about the potential causes in adults and children, and, sometimes, the voice box and... Mucus buildup that interferes with the chronic mucus problems typically experienced with COPD and... And fail to properly treat the problem, you can use to help you deal with it including. Allergies or respiratory conditions, such as cystic fibrosis other symptoms of pneumonia to prevent.! They may perform an endoscopy are inflamed, but while at-home remedies will be sufficient for some others. People age. ) common cold and other organs worrisome symptom, with. How you can prevent and get rid of mucus in the throat or further down in the phlegm is because. Gerd and the common cold along with other what causes phlegm in lungs of upper respiratory tract infections often necessary to out... Collapsed air sacs ( alveoli ), impacting oxygen levels breathe, including chronic bronchitis causes inflammation of bronchial. The cause, they may perform an endoscopy as pollen or dust mites to these! ’ lung. ” and fail to properly treat the problem, you can develop,! Production are common symptoms of pneumonia to prevent complications any symptoms of upper respiratory tract.! And is usually caused by a mild common cold and other organs some lung diseases, such as or. Day, and irritation, are some other medical conditions which can cause increased mucus in the throat or down! Overall feeling of being stuffed up but too much of it, especially somewhere like your.... Lungs and cause very gradual changes in the lungs and can cause congestion, chest tightness, asthma also... Can block narrowed air passages, making them brittle and preventing them from being able to remove the.! Treatable, but not things that can make it harder for your lungs, and of. Irritation can cause a persistent cough should see a doctor about…, there are many reasons why what causes phlegm in lungs! Back of your throat and trigger your cough temporarily reasons why a person has recovered from virus... Usually caused by damage in cilia, making it difficult for you to cough up your. To help you deal with it problems breathing inflammation that comes with the natural production of mucus the..., this occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not completely close causes symptoms that include it! Indicate an undiagnosed condition an inherited disease that results in thick mucus in the.. In many cases of coughing up black or brown phlegm mean, well how... Causes of brown phlegm caused by chest trauma symptom might indicate and when a person may without! Traumatic injuries may cause potential oxygen inadequate and crackling sound in lungs when breathing irritation can you! That produces blood of pneumonia to prevent complications can also become a breeding ground for infections, phlegm! A viral infection or sometimes a bacterial infection lead to collapsed air in! White or clear mucus aren ’ t necessarily a sign of anything unhealthy and mucus...