Coughing up black phlegm: What it means & what to do

What does it mean if you cough up black phlegm?

What causes a cough with black mucous?

1. Smoking:

Symptoms:

• Persistent cough, especially in the morning. 
• Chest pain or tightness in the chest 
• Black or brown mucous 
• Shortness of breath 

Treatment:

• Quit smoking 
• Medications 
• Practice breathing exercises 

2. Environmental pollutants:

Symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing 
• Chest discomfort 
• Shortness of breath 
• Persistent cough with dark mucous 

Treatment:

• Limit exposure to pollutants 
• Medications 
• Pulmonary function tests 

3. Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (Anthracosis):

Symptoms:

• Persistent cough with black mucous 
• Fatigue 
• Weakness 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Chest pain 

Treatment:

• Avoid working in coal mines or areas with high coal dust exposure.  
• Use inhalers to reduce inflammation 
• Try breathing exercises to help with lung function 

4. Fungal infections:

Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath 
• Fever 
• Chest pain 
• Fatigue 
• Cough with black mucous 

Treatment:

• Take antifungal medications 
• Take proper rest  
• Maintain adequate hydration 

5. Tuberculosis:

Symptoms:

• Persistent coughing 
• Chest discomfort 
• Night sweats 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Coughing up blood or red/rust-coloured mucous 

Treatment:

• Start antibiotic therapy 
• Practice breathing exercises 
• Drink plenty of fluids 
• Take enough rest 
• Eat a balanced diet 

6. Pneumonia:

Symptoms:

• Chest pain 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Fatigue 
• Fever 
• Dark or brownish coloured phlegm 

Treatment:

• Steam inhalation may loosen mucous and ease breathing 
• Take adequate rest 
• Maintain proper hydration 
• Take antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia 
• Take antiviral medications for viral pneumonia if severe 

Is black phlegm serious? 

Home remedies

1. Stay well-hydrated: Consuming adequate amounts of water aids in thinning mucous, making it simpler to clear from the airways.   
2. Inhale steam: Breathing steam from a basin of hot water or during a shower can assist in loosening mucous and relieving congestion.   
3. Avoid irritants: Avoid smoke, dust, and potent chemicals that might exacerbate symptoms. 
4. Utilise a humidifier: Maintaining moisture in the air can prevent mucous from becoming thick.  
5. Gargle with salt water:  Gargling with salt water can help alleviate throat irritation and eliminate lingering mucous.   
6. Explore natural remedies: Ingredients like ginger, honey, and turmeric possess anti-inflammatory qualities that might help decrease mucous accumulation. 

What other colours of mucous mean?

• Clear: Clear mucous is typical and healthy, but an excessive amount of clear mucous may indicate allergies or a minor viral infection like a cold. If it continues, environmental factors or postnasal drip might be leading to irritation.  
• White: White mucous often occurs with colds, nasal blockage, or minor infections, hinting at inflammation within the airways. Thick white mucous can also signify dehydration or the onset of a respiratory illness.  
• Yellow: Yellow suggests that the immune system is actively combating an infection, such as a cold, flu, or sinus infection. If yellow mucous persists for more than 10 days, it may indicate a more significant bacterial infection that requires medical assessment.  
• Green: Green mucous indicates a bacterial infection, sinusitis, or a lingering viral illness. If the mucous is thick, accompanied by fever, or lasts longer than two weeks, seek professional guidance. 
• Brown: Brown mucous results from inhaling dust, smoking, or dried blood mixing with mucous due to irritation in the respiratory system. It may also be associated with environmental pollutants or chronic lung issues in smokers.  
• Red or pink:  Blood in mucous may occur due to irritation, prolonged coughing, or nasal dryness. However, frequent or substantial blood-tinged mucous could signal a more serious issue, such as a lung infection or bleeding in the respiratory tract, necessitating medical attention.  

When to contact a doctor?

• Difficulty breathing or chest discomfort. 
• A fever or indications of infection. 
• Excessive coughing of blood. 
• Ongoing symptoms even after avoiding irritants. 

Speak to an online doctor

• Online doctor appointment: Speak to an Australian GP or an after-hours GP for immediate advice and treatment options via telehealth Australia. 
• Medical certificates: Request medical certificates for single or multiple days, perfect for work, school, or carer responsibilities. 
• Online prescriptions: Receive escripts for medications sent directly to your local pharmacy or medicines delivered to your door. 
• Online referrals: Get specialist referrals or referrals for pathology or radiology without the hassle of waiting for a clinic appointment.