What does it mean when coughing up white phlegm?

The onset of coughing and production of white phlegm often indicates a respiratory tract infection. During infection, inflammatory cells accumulate at the site of inflammation to engulf invading viruses or bacteria. In viral infections, phagocytes, eosinophils, or other immune cells gather at the inflamed site to engulf the invading viruses.

Subsequently, these cells undergo desquamation and necrosis, mixing with inflammatory exudates secreted at the affected site to form phlegm. In viral infections, the resulting phlegm is typically white. This phlegm further irritates the respiratory mucosa, triggering coughing—hence the symptoms of cough and white phlegm.

At this stage, antiviral anti-inflammatory medications should be administered first—for example, Pudilan Anti-inflammatory Oral Liquid, Lanqin Oral Liquid, or Ribavirin Granules. Additionally, cough-suppressant and expectorant agents should be used in combination, especially expectorants such as Ambroxol Hydrochloride, Ambroxol Terbutaline Oral Solution, or Feilike Oral Liquid.