What Causes Coughing with Phlegm?
Disease description:
I’ve been coughing frequently over the past few days, especially at night; the cough is milder during the day. It’s a productive cough—accompanied by phlegm. What are the possible causes of a productive cough?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Cough with phlegm may result from several causes:
1. Respiratory tract infections—such as acute bronchitis or pneumonia—commonly present with coughing accompanied by sputum production.
2. Rhinitis or sinusitis—nasal secretions draining into the pharynx can lead to excessive phlegm and coughing, often producing thick, viscous sputum.
3. Bronchiectasis or bronchial tumors—these conditions cause localized inflammation, resulting in cough, sputum production, and sometimes hemoptysis; coughing typically occurs more frequently in the morning and evening.
