I was a cigarette smoker of over 10 years I also smoked marijuana for over 10 years. When the mucus drips down the back of the throat (postnasal drip), it can cause coughing that is sometimes mistaken as phlegm coming from the lungs. It can also be from allergies such as hay fever. However, there are other chronic diseases that can lead to more mucus production and more coughing up of phlegm such as cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis. And it is especially common in people who smoke cigarettes. People with a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may also have darker yellow or green phlegm. Over time smoking can lead to increased mucus production even after quitting smoking. The lining of the airways become irritated and produce mucus to help clear away the pollutants. Ranard Other causes of phlegmД®xposure to toxins or chemicals (like cigarette smoke) can make you produce more mucus. There may be easy treatments for the underlying cause-and it is important to try and figure out if there is an underlying condition causing the mucus.' - Dr. 'If youвЂ™ve been living with chronic cough and mucus, talk to your doctor about what may be causing the mucus. However, you should let your doctor know this happened next time you see them.Д¬all your doctor if youвЂ™re coughing up any significant blood or go to the emergency room if your doctor is not available. This is usually caused by some bleeding, which can happen from an infection, but can also be from other conditions.ДЄ small amount of red-tinged phlegm that goes away within a few days and occurs while youвЂ™re sick with an infection is generally nothing to worry about. Sometimes, you can have brown or red phlegm. You will only be given antibiotics for bacterial infections, since antibiotics donвЂ™t help fight off viruses. Longer lasting symptoms, or more severe symptoms such as fever or shortness of breath may indicate a bacterial infection (such as pneumonia) that requires an antibiotic. But once the infection is gone, the phlegm should also go away. Colds can make you cough up phlegm as the body fights the infection. If you have mild symptoms such as a cough, congestion, and sore throat for a few days, itвЂ™s likely you have a common cold from a virus. Benjamin Ranard Other symptoms you may have For common chest colds, antibiotics do not decrease the duration of symptoms and can have dangerous side effects.' - Dr. The phlegm may be from a variety of infections (viruses or bacteria) and rarely are antibiotics required in those without an underlying lung condition. 'It is a common misconception that a cough with new green or yellow phlegm means you have a bacterial infection needing antibiotics.

Coughing tiny balls of phlegm