Green phlegm is a sign that the body is fighting a sinus or respiratory infection, caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It can also be caused by environmental factors such as dry air or allergens, asthma, or smoking. Sinus infections can lead to green mucus from the nose and throat.
Green phlegm production is usually the result of the body fighting a sinus or respiratory infection. In fact, it’s often an indication that the body is successfully getting rid of the invading virus or bacteria; the green color comes from enzymes in immune cells that are responding to the disease. The types of infections that cause greenish phlegm can arise for a variety of reasons. Lung diseases such as bronchitis or pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Irritation of the sinuses from dry air or allergens can make them susceptible to attack by various infections. People with asthma are often prone to lung infections due to airway irritation, as are people who smoke.
People suffering from respiratory infections often spew phlegm as their bodies work to fight off and remove germs. This is very common with upper respiratory infections, which are often caused by viruses. It is also common with more serious infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis. People with lung cancer also sometimes produce and expel greenish phlegm.
Green phlegm can also be produced in the sinuses and be expelled from the nose. When the sinuses become irritated and air and mucous membranes can’t move freely through them, they become a breeding ground for viruses or bacteria, often leading to a sinus infection. People with sinus infections will often notice green mucus coming from their noses and also draining down their throats; it should not be ingested if possible, however, as it contains high levels of infectious agents. Sinus irritation is often the result of environmental factors; excessive exposure to dry air or irritants or allergens such as smoke, dust or pollen may be to blame.
Asthmatic patients are often susceptible to the kinds of problems that lead to green phlegm. The condition often irritates and inflames the airways in the lungs, opening them up to attack by pathogens. Because asthma is an ongoing problem, people with the condition are often faced with repeated cases of these types of infections.
Another common cause of the types of infections that create green phlegm is smoking. Inhaling cigarette smoke irritates the airways in the lungs and leaves small particles in the lungs. This type of damage and buildup weakens them and makes it easier for infection to set in.
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