Question 1

can phlegm contain parasites?

Accepted Answer

Sputum pathogens: Yes. Depending on what you mean by parasites. Sputum does contain bacteria, viruses & many other types of parasites (helminths) that are not common in this country. Sputum is contagious in many  but not in all situations. Many diseases are transmitted through cough including common influenza.

Question 2

does milk/dairy really thickens mucus? reports say its a myth that it causes more phlegm but i find contradictory info about thickening it.

Accepted Answer

Probably a myth: My patients who normally have no problems drinking milk, haven't confirmed getting thicker mucus or getting more mucus when they are ill with colds, coughs, or asthma, JUST BECAUSE they drank milk or ate other dairy foods while they were ill. Maybe it happens to a few people out there... but I haven't noticed it. Realize that the amount of mucus changes anyway, during the course of one's illness.

Question 3

i have recently had a cold, and now all thats remaining is a wet cough with phlegm. the phlegm occasionally is accompanied by small traces of blood. should o be worried?

Accepted Answer

Amount/duration: The source of the bleeding may be the nasal passages, since the infection and inflammation make the nose prone to minor bleeding. If the blood seems to be from the bronchi or airway, similarly this may be a result of minor vessel bleeding. If the amount is more than minor or is associated with shortness of breath, please see the emergency department.  Gentle nasal saline rinses may be helpful.

Question 4

what helps to remove phlegm?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Try Mucinex (guaifenesin) along with avoiding dairy and perhaps going gluten free.  Try this for 3 weeks and see how you do.

Question 5

what causes excessive phlegm?

Accepted Answer

Phlegm: Phlegm is the response to an irritant, allergen or inflammatory response which affects the mucus membranes  of the nose, throat, lungs and sinuses resulting in the over production of mucus.

Question 6

what causes tiny tapioca looking phlegm balls?

Accepted Answer

Mucus cast: Bronchial casts of thick mucus can create that appearance.
Steam/vapor inhalation will help in expectorating the thick mucus.
Wish you good health!

Question 7

what to do if i have pinkish phlegm what is it?

Accepted Answer

Pink Phlegm: That pink color suggests the presence of blood, so you should really be evaluated by your doctor to make sure we get this figured out for you.

Question 8

i'm not a smoker but how cani ppreventz  too much phlegm?

Accepted Answer

Have good work up: You have to go to your doctor and determine if this is phlegm (from the lungs) or post nasal drip. One of the most common causes of secretion production is bronchectases which may or may not show up well in cxr but allergies and allergic rhinitis can cause it, too. A good work up is necessary.

Question 9

brown spots in my phlegm ?

Accepted Answer

Need more info: Brown spots in phlegm could be due to bleeding in the respiratory system or from inhaled pollutants. The fact that you are bringing up phlegm warrants seeing a doctor for an evaluation.

Question 10

how come i cough up phlegm?

Accepted Answer

Possibilities...: If you have a productive cough chronically, you may have chronic bronchitis, a form of COPD typically caused by smoking. You should see your doctor as this can be treated and symptoms lessened. If you still smoke, smoking cessation is also needed and your doctor can help with this as well.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Phlegm and parasites

A member asked:

Can phlegm contain parasites?

A member asked:

Does milk/dairy really thickens mucus? reports say its a myth that it causes more phlegm but i find contradictory info about thickening it.

A member asked:

I have recently had a cold, and now all thats remaining is a wet cough with phlegm. the phlegm occasionally is accompanied by small traces of blood. should o be worried?

A member asked:

What helps to remove phlegm?

A member asked:

What causes excessive phlegm?

A member asked:

What causes tiny tapioca looking phlegm balls?

A member asked:

What to do if i have pinkish phlegm what is it?

A member asked:

I'm not a smoker but how cani ppreventz too much phlegm?

A member asked:

Brown spots in my phlegm ?

A member asked:

How come i cough up phlegm?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?