White phlegm usually arises due to respiratory infections or inflammations such as bronchitis, sinusitis, or more complicated diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But it can also be related to changes in the digestive system, such as reflux or food allergies, for example.
Normally, phlegm is produced and attaches to bacteria, fungi or viruses to expel them through coughing, protecting the body against diseases. In addition, phlegm is also made up of antibodies, which are proteins that help defend the body, fighting viruses, fungi or bacteria.
When you frequently have white phlegm, whether or not accompanied by symptoms such as fever, headache or tiredness, it is important to consult a general practitioner so that the possible causes can be assessed and the most appropriate treatment can be recommended.
The most common causes of white phlegm are:
1. Sinusitis
White phlegm can be formed during sinusitis, which is an inflammation that occurs in the sinuses, around the nose, eyes and cheeks, which can last between 4 and 12 weeks. In addition to the presence of a cough with white phlegm, other symptoms of sinusitis are fever, a feeling of pressure in the ears, tiredness, runny nose, headache and bad breath. See more about what sinusitis is and how to treat it.
What to do: Some measures that can help eliminate white phlegm are drinking at least 2 liters of water per day and avoiding the use of air conditioning, as it can dry out the nose and mouth, making it difficult to eliminate phlegm. To treat sinusitis, it is essential to consult a general practitioner, who may prescribe the use of saline solution in the nose, analgesics for pain, antibiotics or decongestants.
2. Acute bronchitis
In acute bronchitis, the phlegm can be colorless or white and is caused by inflammation in the bronchi, which are the structures responsible for carrying oxygen to the lungs. Normally this inflammation lasts an average of 1 month and its main symptoms are coughing with white phlegm, which tends to worsen at night, tiredness, wheezing and chest pain.
What to do: to treat bronchitis, it is important to consult a general practitioner, who will assess the symptoms and may prescribe paracetamol for pain or a bronchodilator, popularly known as a pump. In addition to medications, drinking plenty of water and hot drinks, such as tea, help improve breathing, relieving the symptoms of acute bronchitis.
3. Asma
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the lungs that can cause the production of white phlegm. Asthma is a genetic disease that begins during childhood and some factors, such as obesity or exposure to dust, perfume or cockroaches, can worsen symptoms, which generally include shortness of breath, coughing, tightness and wheezing.
What to do: to treat asthma, it is essential to receive an evaluation from a pulmonologist so that the best therapy can be indicated. Typically, recommendations for treating asthma include the use of corticosteroid medications and inhalers, avoiding exposure to environmental pollution, such as dust mites, animal hair and cleaning materials, and stopping smoking, as tobacco worsens the disease. Discover other medications to treat asthma.
4. Reflux
Reflux is a disease where stomach acid rises into the esophagus or mouth and can be caused by obesity or old age. The main symptoms of reflux are burning, coughing with the presence of white phlegm, hoarse voice, throat clearing, and tooth wear, caused by the presence of stomach acid in the mouth.
What to do: It is important to have a consultation with a gastroenterologist to confirm the diagnosis and undergo appropriate treatment, which can normally begin with the use of medications to reduce stomach acidity such as omeprazole. It is also recommended to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, avoid smoking and avoid wearing tight clothing. Furthermore, it is important to adopt a balanced diet, guided by a nutritionist. Understand how to follow a diet to treat reflux.
5. Food Allergy
Food allergy is the body’s reaction to some foods, such as peanuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, wheat or soy. Symptoms appear between 20 minutes and 2 hours after eating the food and vary from itching and blisters on the skin, coughing with white phlegm, nausea, vomiting, to more serious reactions such as anaphylaxis, which is a decrease in blood pressure, swelling of the lips and difficulty breathing. Find out more about the causes, symptoms and how to treat food allergies.
What to do: To treat mild food allergies, it is important to consult an allergist or immunologist, who, after evaluation, may recommend the use of nebulization, antihistamines or corticosteroids. If more serious symptoms appear, such as shortness of breath or a swollen throat, you should call an ambulance or go to a hospital immediately. Medical evaluation is essential to identify and exclude foods that can cause allergic reactions from the diet.
6. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a chronic disease that occurs due to prolonged exposure to smoke, dust or other irritants. The disease causes the airways to close, gradually preventing air circulation in the lungs. Difficulty breathing, coughing with excessive production of phlegm, which can be white or other colors, are the most common symptoms of the disease. Understand better what it is, the symptoms and how to treat COPD.
What to do: It is essential to receive an evaluation from a pulmonologist. The treatment of COPD varies according to the degree of the disease, and it is recommended to stop smoking, and the use of medications such as pumps, corticosteroids, oxygen, lung physiotherapy and regular physical activity may also be indicated. Furthermore, a balanced diet supervised by a nutritionist is essential during the treatment of the disease.
