Brown phlegm can be caused by smoking, air pollution, dust, and certain foods and drinks. It can also be a sign of respiratory infections or lung problems. A doctor’s examination is recommended for ongoing or severe cases. Phlegm is a thick substance similar to mucus that is produced in the respiratory tract to expel foreign particles.
The most common causes of brown phlegm are smoking and secondhand smoke exposure; a number of other environmental problems such as air pollution and dust may also be responsible. Sometimes a person’s diet could also trigger phlegm production. In severe cases the root cause could be a respiratory infection or lung problem, although in these cases the phlegm tends to be ongoing, meaning it doesn’t go away on its own – and in fact can actually get worse as the time passes. People are often alarmed when they start coughing up brown phlegm, but it’s rarely anything to worry about. Similarly, anyone concerned about their condition, particularly if the phlegm is accompanied by other symptoms such as wheezing or fever, should usually get the advice of a qualified doctor.
Understanding Phlegm
Phlegm is a thick, sticky substance that is sometimes coughed up from the body. It can come in different colors, such as white, yellow, green, and brown. It is very similar to mucus, and in fact many experts claim that the two substances are biologically identical. The difference in title is often related to where each occurs in the body, rather than the primary function. Based on this understanding, phlegm is mucus that occurs in the respiratory tract and is usually triggered by some sort of irritant.
Some mucus or phlegm is almost always in the throat and lungs, and is one of the main ways the body moves foreign particles such as dust through the lungs. Small particles are often accidentally inhaled, and moving them around is a relatively easy way for the body to maintain its efficiency. The cilia of the lung, which are cells that line the lung walls, are where mucus is produced. These contain hair-like protrusions that essentially act to “sweep” the particles away.
People usually don’t notice their phlegm or don’t know what color it is until there is so much of it that the body needs to expel some. When something triggers an increase in production, people often find themselves coughing or spitting up phlegm. A brown color is generally considered unusual, although there are many possible explanations.
Concerns for smokers
Smoking is one of the most common causes of brown-colored phlegm. When people regularly ingest smoke from cigarettes, cigars or pipes, in most cases they inhale more than just the smoke of nicotine: they also receive a variety of resins, tars and other chemicals. These tend to get trapped in the lungs. Heavy smokers often pass a small amount of brown mucus, especially in the morning, and in most cases this is just a normal part of the lungs trying to clean itself and expel foreign particles.
Individuals who are trying to quit smoking may also find themselves coughing up large amounts of brown phlegm. After a person quits, the cilia in the lungs, which have often been damaged or at least slowed down by smoking, begin working again at a fuller potential. These tiny hair-like projections then begin to sweep away the large amounts of phlegm caught in the lungs. This process can take months in some individuals.
Environmental exposure
People who live in areas with very polluted air might also pass brownish phlegm from time to time. Dust and dirt can also be a cause. When cleaning a dusty room or working around blowing sand or dirt, tiny particles can get caught in the throat. This mucus will then be expelled and the resulting phlegm will appear brown and gritty. In almost all cases this is a temporary condition and will disappear as soon as the exposure is over.
Food and beverages
Certain foods and drinks can make a person’s phlegm appear brown. This is usually harmless, although it can be worrisome. Chocolate, red wine, and dark sodas can temporarily change the color of a person’s phlegm.
Infections and health problems
Some respiratory or lung infections are more serious causes. Usually when a person has a respiratory disease, the lungs start producing more mucus than normal to trap some bacteria and other foreign bodies. Brown phlegm is a common sign of chronic bronchitis, for example, and more serious respiratory infections, such as lung cancer or emphysema, may also be present.
Many things can contribute, but getting to the root of the exact cause almost always requires an examination by an experienced physician. Anyone worried about phlegm that they’re throwing out, particularly if the problem has been going on for some time, is usually advised to get a medical checkup just to rule out more serious conditions.
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