A 47-year-old member asked:
Is it normal to cough up blackish phlegm after you quit smoking?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Hatem Asadanswered
Pulmonology 36 years experience
Blachish phlegm: Phlegm is a result of airway inflamation, which can be of variable color. It is also important to pay attention to the volume, consistancy, timing and associated symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.In general, darker is assocaited with more inflamatory responce that usually lightens up as the condition improves, with the improvement of the other symptoms noted above.In conclusion yes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ronda Alexanderanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 21 years experience
Congratulations!: Quitting smoking was one of the most important things you can do for your health so i'm very excited for you. How long ago did you stop? If it was recently, your body may still be ridding itself of the many toxins and particles you were inhaling before. If it is lasting for more than a few weeks, please see your specialist in adult care- family medicine or internal medicine.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 40-year-old member asked:
Is it normal to cough up black phlegm even after you quit smoking?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Aaron Milstoneanswered
Pulmonology 29 years experience
No: After someone stops smoking there will be a period of weeks of increase sputum production due to recovery of the function of your airways. After six to eight weeks you should no longer have a productive cough/smokers cough. Black sputum can be from certain bacterial/fungal infections ad you should let our healthcare provider know.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
If I quit smoking, why am I not coughing up any more phlegm?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jeffrey Pollardanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 23 years experience
Phlegm: First: congratulation on quitting smoking! now, a decrease in mucus production could be related to the overall improved environment in your lungs now that they don't have to cope with the stress of smoking. None the less, former smokers should pay close attention to their respiratory tracts and report any real changes to their primary doctor in addition to getting routine exams. Good luck!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Is it true that when you quit smoking you start to cough up a bunch of black phlegm?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Stuart Wasseranswered
Addiction Medicine 37 years experience
See below : Smoking paralyzes the ability to mobilize lung secretions. This will resolve as one stops smoking and may present as increased lung secretions during the first few weeks after stopping.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
When you quit smoking is it normal to cough up brown phlegm and does this cause a wheeze?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Adam Frontanswered
Clinical Psychology 29 years experience
Yes: Stick with it, it will clear up. Good for you for quitting!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 13, 2019
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