What is the reason for coughing up yellow phlegm?

Coughing up yellow sputum is usually the body telling us something. Generally speaking, coughing up yellow sputum may be caused by respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. When our body is attacked by bacteria or viruses, the immune system will respond, white blood cells will gather at the site of infection, and produce yellow or green sputum.

In life, we often ignore some minor symptoms and think that coughing and expectoration are just trivial matters, but in fact they may be alarm signals of the body. Especially when the sputum turns yellow, it usually means that there is an inflammatory response in the body. Bacterial infection is a common cause, especially when you feel fever, chest pain or difficulty breathing, it is important to seek medical attention in time.

Diet and lifestyle habits may also affect the color and texture of sputum. For example, smokers often cough up yellow or gray sputum, which is related to the inhalation of tobacco and other irritants. Air pollution or exposure to chemicals may also cause coughing up yellow sputum. If you are a long-term smoker or live in an environment with poor air quality, coughing up yellow sputum may be a health sign that you need to pay attention to.

From a psychological perspective, stress and anxiety may also affect the function of the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infection. Although this may sound far-fetched, mental state is closely related to physical health. Maintaining a good attitude and moderate relaxation may help improve immunity and reduce the chance of infection.

If you find yourself coughing up yellow phlegm frequently, or if the symptoms last for a long time, it is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor may examine you based on your specific situation to determine whether antibiotic treatment or other medical intervention is needed. At the same time, maintaining good hygiene habits, increasing water intake, and eating a proper diet are all good ways to help the body recover. In these ways, we can better understand the body's signals and take appropriate measures to maintain health.