What illness causes a lot of yellow phlegm with coughing?

Coughing up a large amount of yellow phlegm may be associated with conditions such as upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, and chronic pharyngitis. Generally speaking, a comprehensive assessment should be made based on symptoms and underlying causes. Infections in the upper respiratory tract caused by pathogens can trigger inflammation, potentially leading to the production of yellow phlegm. When bronchitis involves mucus and purulent substances, coughing will also bring up significant amounts of yellow phlegm. In pharyngitis, congestion of the mucosal layer in the throat stimulates glandular secretion of mucus, which similarly results in cough with yellow sputum.

1. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

If an upper respiratory tract infection is caused by viruses or bacteria, during the course of illness, viral invasion into throat tissue cells leads to inflammation. At this time, the patient's immune system weakens, and the throat becomes infected. The yellow phlegm produced when coughing consists of cellular debris left behind after viral attack.

2. Bronchitis

When bronchitis occurs due to bacterial infection or excessive secretion from the throat, the bronchi contain mucus and pus-like substances. Therefore, patients often cough up yellow phlegm.

3. Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis may develop when the throat area is infected or affected by other factors. This causes congestion of the mucosal lining in the throat, along with mucosal hyperplasia. Glands in the body then secrete excessive mucus. Over time, this leads to the presence of yellow phlegm when coughing.

When experiencing persistent cough with abundant yellow phlegm, it is recommended to promptly visit a hospital for appropriate examinations to establish a clear diagnosis and initiate timely symptomatic treatment, so as to prevent further worsening of the condition.