Guide To The Causes Of Black Phlegm

Being sick is scary enough, but add onto it the presence of black phlegm, and it can cause a lot more stress and questions. Phlegm is similar to mucus, but it is produced in the lungs. It can be an indication of a serious condition or caused by dirt or smoke that might be in the air. Therefore, individuals need to make sure they consult a doctor if they experience black phlegm. Some of the conditions that can cause black phlegm are contagious and others need increased medical intervention. Understanding what is causing black phlegm is critical in being able to treat the underlying condition.

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Pneumonia

Pneumonia, which can affect one or both lungs, can be caused by a virus, bacteria, and other organisms. Depending on when patients get treatment for pneumonia, they can affect the length of time they have it and the severity of it. When it gets very serious, patients may need hospitalization. Additionally, and especially if a patient has a compromised immune system or other conditions, pneumonia can be fatal. Because the illness affects the air sacs in the lungs, it can result in a persistent cough, which can produce dark brown or black (blood stained) phlegm. If patients think they have pneumonia, a hospital can confirm it with an x-ray of your lungs. This can let the doctors know how severe it is and if it is infecting both lungs. The doctor may also want samples of phlegm or mucus to further identify what is causing it, which will lead to an effective treatment plan.

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Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a highly contagious illness caused by bacteria that needs to be identified as soon as possible. There are warning signs, but they also mimic symptoms of other illnesses. It is important for patients experiencing a persistent cough, coughing up blood, or chest pain to be seen by a doctor promptly. It is not normal to cough up black mucus or phlegm and can be an indicator of tuberculosis. If patients are coughing up phlegm with this condition, it can be tinged with blood, which is what can make the phlegm appear black. This is a serious symptom that demands medical attention. There are medicines patients can be given to help fight tuberculosis, though patients still need to be kept away from individuals who are not suffering from tuberculosis due to its contagious nature.

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