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Yellowish sputum indicates respiratory infection or inflammation. Other conditions can also cause yellow mucus. Phlegm traps airborne substances and protects the body from invading bacteria and fungi. Dark yellow mucus is caused by bacterial infections, while cystic fibrosis causes thick, sticky mucus. Allergies and asthma can also cause yellow phlegm. Sputum can be brown, green, yellow, or black, and red or bloody mucus requires medical attention.
Yellowish sputum usually indicates that there is an infection or inflammation of the respiratory system. Other more serious conditions and diseases can cause the body to produce yellow mucus. Sputum, also known as phlegm or mucus, is the body’s way of trapping airborne substances that enter the body through the nose or mouth in mucus, which is then spit out or passed out through the nasal passage. Sputum protects the body from invading bacteria and fungi and helps doctors determine the type of infection or disease based on the color of the sputum.
Phlegm can be caused by a variety of factors and yellowish sputum is normal, especially in the morning as the body gets rid of foreign bodies inhaled during the night. Dry air can cause phlegm to take on a yellow tint. Most phlegm, if the person is healthy, is clear or white.
Dark yellow mucus is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, sinusitis, or strep throat. Colds and viruses can cause a person to cough up yellow or green mucus. Drinking large amounts of water will help reduce the amount of yellow mucus produced if it is caused by the common cold. If the person also has a painful, strong cough or experiences wheezing, the yellow sputum may be the result of inflammation of the airways in the lungs, known as bronchitis. Pneumonia can occur if the inflammation progresses and causes the lungs to become infected.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, causing blockages. Those with this degenerative disease often suffer from lung infections and cough up yellowish sputum. Patients may also experience chronic weakness and frequent diarrhea.
Allergy sufferers often cough up yellowish sputum as their body’s immune system attacks normal foreign objects in the environment. Allergies to common substances like hay, mold, or pollen can cause cold-like symptoms that include a cough, headache, and watery or itchy eyes. Asthma, the chronic inflammation of the airways, might cause a person to cough up yellow phlegm and experience wheezing and shortness of breath.
Sputum can be brown, green, yellow and even black. If a person coughs up a red substance or bloody mucus, he should see a doctor. Phlegm can reflect the color of the substance the person has inhaled. Laryngitis, tuberculosis, lung abscesses, or the fungus Pneumocystis carinii can also cause a person to produce colored sputum.
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