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What causes yellow phlegm in the lungs?

Sep 13, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
In general, yellow phlegm in the lungs may be associated with conditions such as pneumonia, acute sinusitis, bronchiectasis, lung abscess, or tuberculosis. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, it may also be related to factors like pharyngitis or tonsillitis. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment as directed by a healthcare provider.

In general, yellow phlegm in the lungs may be associated with conditions such as pneumonia, acute sinusitis, bronchiectasis, lung abscess, tuberculosis, and other factors. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance for symptomatic treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Pneumonia

If a patient has low immunity and the lungs are continuously invaded by pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, inflammatory secretions may exude from the respiratory mucosa, resulting in persistent yellow phlegm. Patients can take medications such as azithromycin tablets or oxacillin sodium capsules according to medical advice.

2. Acute Sinusitis

Inflammation of the nasal sinus mucosa produces pus-like nasal discharge, which flows into the throat and triggers coughing, causing patients to cough up yellow sputum.

3. Bronchiectasis

Patients with bronchiectasis typically experience excessive sputum production. During acute exacerbations, the sputum may turn yellow, indicating worsening pulmonary infection. Under medical supervision, patients may take medications such as ampicillin capsules or amoxicillin sulbactam potassium clavulanate tablets for treatment.

4. Lung Abscess

Lung abscess is characterized by high fever and large amounts of thick yellow sputum. Severe cases may develop septic shock, and chest CT scans typically reveal a visible air-fluid level. Patients may take medications such as dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablets or compound clorprenaline hydrobromide and bromhexine tablets under medical guidance.

5. Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that can affect many organs. When tuberculosis bacteria infect the lungs and trigger pulmonary tuberculosis, they may induce excessive secretion in the respiratory mucosa. As white blood cells gradually kill the bacteria, yellow secretions form, manifesting as persistent yellow phlegm. Patients may take medications such as isoniazid tablets or acyclovir tablets under medical supervision.

In addition, yellow phlegm may also be related to factors such as pharyngitis and tonsillitis. Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment as directed by a physician.

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