HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

How do you tell the difference between phlegm caused by asthma and phlegm caused by a flu/cold?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Color: Color could be one criteria that you could use. In asthma it would likely be clear or white in color. But in a cold, especially if there is bacterial involvement than phlegm could be green/yellow in color. If you are having difficulties breathing than see a doctor as soon as possible.

Answered 1/20/2016

1.7k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

My mother has asthma attack all the time though she is taking 7.5 mg of predesilone daily. Now she has flu and feeling cold more recently.?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

Had flu then persistent sinusitis. Also have scars in lungs (asthma). Can any of these cause lung pain? It's intermittent, both sides of upper chest.

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Still running a tempature 37.2 and over over 5days, can't seem to lower taken ibuprofen and nurofen, cold flannels, cool showers have got the flu but having an affect again with my asthma, doc Monday?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I have asthma & I had cold/flu/covid last wk. I have tightness in my chest & my asthma presents w/coughing fits, & some post nasal drip. Last wk had temp of 100.4 bout 4-5 days fatigue,nausea My inhalers are low. I dont have reg Dr. how do I proceed?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

Is it true that , flu like symptoms and or sore throat sometimes be just a symptoms of coming of asthma, while having no virul/bacterial cause ?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

I developed flu like symptoms yesterday. This morning, i coughed up clear phlegm with brown spots. I am asthmatic. Normal?
Over the few weeks been coughing up more phlegm white sticky like glue more frequently since having flu, also get blood stain when I blow my nose not always green can be clear I am asthmatic as well?
Should get the flu and phemonia shot same day ? Have asthma and get colds easy . Or wait in between shots ?
Asthma with high-grade fever. Already had a flu shot hence flu is ruled out. What is the possible cause? Patient went on a field trip the day before symptoms arose.
For what reason can't people with asthma get the nasal spray flu vaccine?

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
Ask your question
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 question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
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.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.