Medically reviewed by Susan Russell, MD Key Takeaways Coughing up white mucus can be a sign of an upper respiratory infection or chronic conditions like COPD. Viral infections that cause white mucus ...

Even if it is kind of gross when you're full of it and wrestling with it, phlegm actually serves a useful purpose: The thick, sludgy substance—made up of mostly water, salt, and antibodies—is designed ...

Healthy phlegm is usually clear and runny, but many different health conditions can change the consistency or color. Phlegm, also called sputum, is mucus produced by your lungs that helps protect your ...

When you're sick you'll often produce more phlegm, and might notice it's thicker or a different color: white, green, yellow or maybe even brown. We all produce mucus, even when healthy. Mucus is a ...

Doctronic reports chest colds last 7-14 days, caused by viral infections or irritants, with symptoms like cough and chest ...

Most people are all too familiar with the icky, uncomfortable feeling of having mucus build up in the nasal passageways while suffering through a cold or bad allergy flare-up. Or is it phlegm, rather ...

Infections often cause toddlers to cough at night. It may sound like barking or whooping. Caregivers can ensure children get plenty of rest and clear fluids, give them a warm bath or shower before bed ...