What does it mean when coughing up white, viscous phlegm?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been experiencing recurrent coughing, accompanied by white phlegm. What could be causing this white, viscous sputum?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Coughing up thick, white phlegm may result from a bacterial or viral infection. When the respiratory tract and lungs are infected with certain bacteria or viruses, conditions such as interstitial lung disease, chronic obstructive pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, or bronchiectasis may develop. Additionally, acute pharyngitis or concurrent infections involving the lungs and bronchi may occur—all of which can lead to coughing up white phlegm.
