What Causes Persistent Coughing with White Phlegm?

     In general, persistent coughing with white phlegm may be caused by air pollution, lifestyle habits, bronchitis, sinusitis, tuberculosis, or other factors. Symptomatic treatment such as general care and medication may be needed. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

     1. Air Pollution

     Living long-term in an environment with severe air pollution can allow harmful substances to enter the throat and lungs, easily causing discomfort such as throat itching and coughing with white phlegm, possibly accompanied by symptoms like sore throat, swelling, and difficulty breathing. It is recommended to avoid such environments and use air purifiers to improve air quality.

     2. Lifestyle Habits

     Long-term不良 lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and staying up late can damage respiratory mucosa, easily causing discomfort like throat itching and coughing with white phlegm, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as sore throat, swelling, and breathing difficulties. It is recommended to quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, maintain regular sleep patterns, and enhance physical health to help alleviate symptoms.

     3. Bronchitis

     Bronchitis may be triggered by factors such as infection, allergies, or weakened immunity. Repeated inflammation can cause thickening of the airway walls and increased secretions, producing large amounts of thick white or yellowish-white phlegm. Patients often experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, and paroxysmal nighttime coughing. It is recommended to use medications such as azithromycin tablets, cefaclor tablets, or cephalexin capsules under a doctor's guidance for treatment.

     4. Sinusitis

     Sinusitis is mainly caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. When sinusitis occurs, the sinus openings become blocked, preventing normal drainage of sinus secretions, which then flow downward into the throat, irritating the throat's mucous membranes and causing coughing with white phlegm. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, headache, and reduced sense of smell. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as roxithromycin tablets, cephalexin dry suspension, or clindamycin hydrochloride tablets to alleviate symptoms.

     5. Tuberculosis

     Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When the lungs are affected, symptoms such as coughing and phlegm production may occur, with patients often experiencing systemic symptoms like low-grade fever, night sweats, and weight loss. It is recommended to undergo combined anti-tuberculosis drug therapy, such as isoniazid tablets, rifampin capsules, and pyrazinamide tablets.

     It is recommended to ensure adequate water intake daily to help alleviate coughing symptoms, thin phlegm, and facilitate its expulsion.