The organs of the body protects a sticky substance called mucus, and when the body suffers from the disease, it increases its secretion and becomes more intense, and its color may change, so it becomes white, green, yellow, or perhaps even brown, after it was transparent, and we call it sober, so what is phlegm and when should it be worn from it?
The mucus is produced by special cells inside the fabric that lines organs, cavities and surfaces in the body, which is known as the epithelial lining, including the eyes, mouth, in the nasal passages and lungs, and the cells of this lining are constantly secreting the mucus.
This mucus works as a slippery material that prevents the drying of tissues, as a material barrier that books molecules such as dust, allergens and bacteria, and acts as an immune barrier that contains various antimicrobial molecules capable of eliminating a wide range of bacteria, fungi and even viruses.
The phlegm is defined as an excessive amount of normal rate of thick mucus produced by the cells lining the upper airways and lungs, and sputum accumulation may result from infection, irritation or chronic pulmonary disease, and may cause chest and chest pain.
Why does mucus production increase in illness?
The epithelial lining cells are one of the first defense lines for the body when developing an infection. When these cells discover the cause of the disease -whether it is bacteria or a virus -they produce more mucus to strengthen the physical and immune barriers of the body.
And sputum accumulates in the nasal passages when a cold is infected, and sometimes in the lungs when an infection in the chest, and the cilia of the epithelial cells – which are hairs appears on the surface of some cells – this mucus is far away and keeps the airway open, but the infection may be damaged or exhausted, which forced the patient to cough or blow in the handkerchief to deal with this phlegm.
Upon allergies, a similar thing occurs, as the immune system exaggerates its reaction to non -harmful substances (such as dust, pollen and some foods) and produces excessive amounts of mucus, and overpopulation of mucus secretion also affects people with chronic diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Why does the density of mucus increase?
The disease can also affect the strength of phlegm. When a healthy person consists of about 90 to 95% water, and the rest consists of mucous proteins and salts. For this reason, mucus is usually transparent and liquid. But when a person is sick or recovered from an infection, his body produces more mucous proteins, which increase the density of phlegm.
A thick, white or disturbing mucus is usually an early sign of an infection such as colds, and it may also indicate inflammation caused by allergies or chronic diseases such as asthma.
In the late stages of the infection, the color of phlegm is usually green, yellow, or even brown, and the green yellow comes from an enzyme called the meeloperoxidase produced by the immune cells that fight the infection.
And reddish brown mucus usually contains blood, and this may happen when the nasal paths are damaged or irritable, often due to the frequent blowing or due to its dryness, and this should not cause anxiety in the patient, but if the mucus comes out of the mouth, that is, the patient coups blood, this may indicate a more serious condition, including a serious lung infection or even cancer, and here you should consult a specialist.
In rare cases, the mucus is black, and it may be a sign of a fungal infection, or exposure to pollutants such as charcoal, dust, or cigarette smoke, and the doctor should be seen in this case.
Does the patient need an antibiotic to solve the problem of phlegm?
The doctor may ask about phlegm to diagnose the condition; Its color, strength, quantity, andThe doctor may use phlegm colors to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections, and determine whether he will prescribe antibiotics.
Some evidence indicates that yellow green mucus may be caused by a bacterial infection, and this is not always true, so the color of sputum is not sufficient to diagnose the infection accurately and determine whether you need antibiotics.
Drinking a lot of fluids or using a short -term congestion sprays, and you should consult a doctor if this is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fatigue or loss of appetite for more than a week or two weeks.