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Green sputum can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, inflammation of mucous membranes, and environmental factors. It can be a symptom of respiratory infections, bronchitis, or sinusitis. Nasal decongestants can help prevent it, while suppressing the cough can lead to more serious illnesses.
Green sputum is most often caused by a bacterial infection, although it can also appear several days after a viral infection. If your sputum has been this color since the onset of symptoms, it is more likely the result of bacteria. It can be the result of a respiratory infection or a drip from a sinus infection, although pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis are all other common causes.
The sputum itself typically consists of mucus secretions from the respiratory system, in addition to drainage from the sinuses. Many respiratory infections can cause inflammation of the mucous membranes, which produce excess mucus. This excess is often expelled from the lungs through coughing and can mix with the nasal drip to become sputum, which can be swallowed or spit out. A green color often indicates a bacterial infection within the respiratory system or sinuses, although in some cases the cause may be viral or environmental.
Bronchitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes inside the lungs and can have viral, bacterial or environmental causes. A small proportion of acute bronchitis cases are caused by bacteria and typically produce green phlegm. The chronic form, however, will often have environmental causes and can cause sufferers to cough up sputum for several months of the year for years at a time. The root causes of chronic bronchitis and the phlegm it produces can be anything from cigarette smoke to excessive air pollution.
Another common cause of green sputum is sinusitis. This sinus infection will typically result in some form of nasal drip. A bacterial infection usually causes green discharge, although viral sinusitis can also cause similar discoloration. Sinus infections can cause the nasal passages to become blocked, allowing mucus to become stagnant. Like bronchitis, sinusitis has both acute and chronic forms. Chronic sinusitis can have environmental or physiological causes, and internal problems with the nasal passages can be to blame.
Any infection or irritation of the upper or lower respiratory system can eventually result in green sputum. In cases where the onset of the disease is accompanied by clear sputum, taking nasal decongestants can help prevent it by promoting proper drainage. When a cough produces green secretions, it is important for patients to avoid taking medications that suppress the cough. This can interfere with the body’s natural ability to discharge irritants and can lead to more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia.
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