Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
Coughing up mucus from lungs. its yellowish green and it tastes horrible. does that mean it's bacterial or viral?
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Unfortunately no: It turns out that mucous colors have limited predictive value for distinguishing between viral vs bacterial infections!
Answered 1/18/2016
3.7k views
Thank
Productive cough: We used to think that colored mucus was a sure sign of a bacterial infection, but that is not always the case. Often, discolored mucus may be draining from the sinuses vs the lungs. Get an evaluation if this persists.
Answered 2/23/2015
3.7k views
Thank
Related Questions
A member asked:
Direahha, chills, severe congestion, no productive cough, chest wheezing, mucus yellow, green & blood tinted when does come up, ears plugged help!
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
I have a horrible cough, dark yellow mucus, sore throat, chest hurts, body chills.. I'm only getting worse. What should I do?
5 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
A member asked:
Stuffy runny nose no fever sneezing with somewhat productive cough that burns chest when coughing mucus is green yellow and white?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
No fever cough 5 days throat sore one side at night chest sore after coughing hard, stuffy nose 3 days, green and yellow mucus coughed up. What is it?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
So sick!! Bright yellow coming out of nose with clear that voluntarily runs out, throat on fire, congestion and coughing up very dark green mucus. NO FEVER though so I'm puzzled. Voice is GONE. Viral or bacterial.?
I have a sore throat, green yellow mucous coming out my nose and body feels weak. Is this most likely bacterial or viral?
I have a bad chest cold loose mucus and cough and yellow and black flem and weak and off balance some vision change and taste change?
Have had a bad chest cough for 3 weeks suddenly am having bright yellow thick mucus in my nose. I've totally lost my taste and smell..Is this serious?
I am experiencing cough (quality: blood in phlegm, with phelgm or mucus) and arm pain. The following also describes me: Chest congestion. Green and yellow phlegm with blood.. Was prescribed zpak. But afraid to take. Is there a substitute?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHOAccredited
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
