Chest phlegm can indicate serious illnesses like croup, sinusitis, pneumonia, and bronchitis, which can be life-threatening for the elderly and young. Prescription medication may be needed to treat symptoms.
Although chest phlegm is not usually identified as a dangerous symptom by itself, it is often indicative of a serious illness or infection. The most common cause of chest catarrh is the common cold, although those under the age of thirteen who experience chest catarrh are more likely to be diagnosed with croup. Other common causes of chest catarrh include sinusitis, bronchitis, and several types of pneumonia. Often, these conditions are treated quite aggressively, especially for the elderly, very young, or others who may be suffering from a weakened immune system as they can develop into quite serious conditions.
One of the most common causes of chest catarrh is the common cold. Unlike colds that predominantly affect the upper respiratory system, those that cause chest catarrh tend to last for several weeks. In some cases, prescription medications may be needed to completely eliminate the symptoms.
Another common cause of chest catarrh is croup. Typically, croup occurs almost entirely in children under the age of thirteen. Other common symptoms associated with croup include extreme difficulty breathing, dry cough, and other similar conditions. Croup can be difficult to treat, as it is often mistaken for other conditions that affect the very young.
Sinusitis has also been commonly linked to the development of chest catarrh. As the name suggests, sinusitis typically begins with sinus inflammation. While most cases of sinusitis are relatively acute, chronic sinusitis is more often the cause of the development of chest and nasal catarrh. As with colds that refuse to go away, patients whose sinusitis doesn’t respond to normal treatment may require prescribed medications.
One of the most serious causes of chest catarrh is pneumonia. Pneumonia is most often caused by a viral or bacterial infection and typically leaves those affected with high amounts of chest congestion, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and a high fever. Pneumocystis carnii pheumonia is a specific type of pneumonia caused by a fungal infection and occurs most commonly in those previously diagnosed with AIDS. In some cases, pneumocystis carnii pheumonia can lead to heart failure and death.
Bronchitis is another of the more serious causes of chest catarrh. Bronchitis typically occurs when the bronchial tubes in the lungs become inflamed. This results in the development of high amounts of mucus and chest phlegm, and can also lead to severe shortness of breath, sinus pressure, and difficulty eating or even swallowing. Because of these symptoms, bronchitis is often treated quite aggressively, especially in the elderly or very young.
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