Why is sputum rust colored

However,white, frothy sputum may be a sign of health failure, leading to an increase in fluids in the lungs or pulmonary edema. Yellow sputum colour is often seen in infection, chronic inflammation, and allergic conditions.

It is due to the white blood cells called eosinphils, which are associated with allergic conditions causingairway hypersensitivity, or neutrophils, which are associated with infection. Examples of conditions when you may have yellow sputum include:. A light-yellow sputum color may be a sign of a normal immune system function, signifying that it is fighting a viral upper respiratory tract infection. However, thick, dark-yellow phlegm may indicate a bacterial infection, which may occur in your sinus or lower respiratory tract, such as chronic bronchitis or pneumonia.

Seek medical attention immediately. Green sputum color is an indication of long-standing or chronic infection. It results from the breakdown of the neutrophils, which causes the release of enzymes from the cells. Non-infectious, but inflammatory conditions may produce large amounts of greenish mucus, but infectious conditions are associated with green sputum that has a large amount of pus more purulent.

These conditions may include:. Aside from green sputum, you may also experience symptoms such as fever, cough, weakness, and loss of appetite. Consult your doctor immediately for proper evaluation and treatment.

Green mucus is indicative of a long-standing, possibly chronic, infection. It may also be seen in long standing non-infectious inflammatory conditions. With infections, the green sputum will be more purulent large amounts of pus while in non-infectious inflammatory conditions, the green sputum will be more mucoid large amounts of mucus. Certain organic and non-organic dusts may also cause a brown to black discoloration of the sputum. Red sputum is usually an indication of whole blood that is more profuse than bleeding in pink colored sputum.

It may completely discolor the mucus or appear as streaks or spots. Hence, those suffering from phlegm should not take any cough suppressants. In case of a mild phlegm infection one may use a home remedy or a natural treatment such as team inhalation or a hot shower that will help loosen the phlegm.

One can also drink some lemon juice and honey with warm water on a daily basis at least twice a day to get rid of the phlegm naturally. Home Blog June 18, Posted in Category : Natural Cures. Red blood cells are broken down to release enzymes called hemosiderin. People who are regular smokers can have brown or black sputum due to excess of tar or resin and other pollutants present in the cigarette.

For some people eating certain foods like lots of chocolates and coffee can cause brownish sputum. Certain medical conditions like chronic pneumonia and bronchitis can cause greenish or brown to black sputum. Infectious diseases like TB and lung cancer can cause brown sputum.

People working in pollutant atmosphere like that of mines and coal fields are highly prone to get brown to black sputum. Red colored sputum is indicative of presence of blood in it. Pulmonary edema building up of excess of fluid in the lungs can cause pink or red sputum.

Red sputum can be due to leakage of blood somewhere in the respiratory tract. People living with heart problems can also get red sputum. Blood streaks can be seen with mucus and for some people the entire mucus color may change to reddish pink. Blood clot inside the body can also cause rust colored mucus.