When sputum is released during coughing, this means that the inflammatory process in the respiratory system has begun. The secretory fluid is secreted by the mucous membrane of the bronchi, as well as dust and dead cells - all this creates an environment that is perfect for the reproduction of pathogenic organisms. Sputum when coughing can be of different colors. Its shade depends on the disease. Brown sputum is a sign of some diseases of the lungs and bronchi.
Sputum color and disease
Various impurities that may be present in it affect its color. Also, a change in sputum color depends on what changes the body undergoes. The content of pus and blood is possible if a person has bronchitis or a viral infection. It happens yellow in the presence of bronchial asthma in humans, as the number of white blood cells of a certain type is growing. And for inflammation of the lungs, a discharge of reddish color is characteristic. But only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, and even then, after examining sputum and blood, previously submitted for analysis.
If a white and clear liquid is released in a small volume, then this is the norm. The development of a bacterial infection can be seen by a change in the color of the secretions. Purulent inflammation is accompanied by green phlegm. And brown sputum when a smoker coughs is a completely common occurrence. Also, a similar symptom indicates that there was previously a hemorrhage in the airways. The presence of bleeding at the moment will stain sputum in red or pink.
As it turned out, white and transparent discharge will change color when inflammation in the respiratory system begins. This also includes diseases in which brown sputum is secreted. The causes of their occurrence can be found in the doctor, who must first determine the disease by the presence of certain symptoms.
Discharges from smokers
For smokers, the appearance of brown sputum is not particularly surprising. Smoking contributes to the fact that the volume of mucus increases. Smoke and harmful substances that enter the bronchi provoke a cough.
The protective reaction of the body is to clear itself of various dangerous substances. Therefore, smokers cough much more often than other people. Also, while smoking, the hairs of the bronchial epithelium become immobile. And this, in turn, complicates the process of eliminating sputum.
Other causes of sputum discoloration
With a common cold, mucus can simply go away. But if complications arise, then sputum can be expectorated with pus. Especially should be of concern when pus appeared during expectoration of a child. The secret begins to separate abundantly in the presence of chronic bronchitis, and it begins with a dry cough. After that, pneumonia may occur if not treated properly, although the symptoms will appear at first the same way.
If sputum with brown streaks clears its throat, this means that dust, paint and other substances that can irritate the mucous membrane have got into the lungs.
Morning discharge
Those people who smoke long enough often have a problem like brown sputum in the morning. The accumulation and stagnation of mucus during the night leads to the fact that after waking up during active movements from the bronchi, discharge naturally occurs. Subsequently, the development of chronic bronchitis is possible.
Sputum and smoking
If brown sputum occurs, then this is fraught with many serious consequences. Because a wonderful environment has already been created for the development of new infections. Toxic resins and carcinogens found in smoker's sputum can also poison the entire body.
If the first symptoms appear, then you should immediately consult a doctor to determine the exact diagnosis. Doctors usually advise you to quit smoking. The consequences of the day can be different. Improvement does not come immediately. For several days, the smoker may feel dizzy, as there is a decrease in blood glucose. After a person gives up smoking, it becomes possible to avoid the manifestation of new diseases, but this is not enough for the lungs to clear themselves of accumulations of various contaminants. Inhalations, taking expectorant drugs, as well as breathing exercises will help to achieve a certain result in treatment. But before that, you need to see a doctor who will prescribe all the necessary procedures. Be sure to undergo treatment so that the lungs are clean. Since the consequences may be more serious, the whole organism may suffer. Before you quit smoking, the consequences of the day must be taken into account, a lot depends on the human body, length of use of tobacco products. If done abruptly, it can cause serious harm. This issue is also better to discuss with your doctor.
How to treat?
Coughing up sputum very well helps warming up. Mustard plasters or compresses will help to achieve the desired effect. Inhalations are also effective. Frequent holding of them can be prescribed if sputum leaves very hard.
If these procedures do not help, and brown sputum clears its throat in the morning, then the following rules can be followed:
- you need to eat more fruits and vegetables and reduce the intake of carbohydrates and fats;
- drink a large amount of liquid, which will facilitate liquefaction of sputum and its rapid elimination;
- drink should be alkaline - to soften the cough.
Folk methods
Previously, when antibiotics and other drugs were absent, they fought against sputum using traditional medicine:
- To quench the focus of infection and soften the airways, you can drink milk, after boiling it and adding pine buds. Then the drink should be allowed to brew for an hour and can be taken.
- Onion syrup will help. You need to cook two onions, you do not need to clean them, add a glass of sugar during the cooking process.
- Tea from plantain, marshmallow, peppermint and coltsfoot is drunk twice a day.
Folk remedies can be used, but only if the doctor is correctly diagnosed.
Bronchitis
Brown sputum may be a sign of bronchitis. It is also possible the development of infection in the bronchi. Discharges of this nature may indicate that purulent destructive changes in the lungs occur.
Another manifestation of the disease is shortness of breath. When air enters the lungs, it is cleaned when inhaled. But with a mucus disease, hairs stick together on the inner surface of the respiratory organs. Air is not filtered, and insufficient oxygen enters the body, breathing becomes frequent. In the mucus, microbes multiply and delay various contaminants, which does not help cleanse the lungs and, thus, recover.
Prevention
To prevent brown sputum from appearing, doctors advise:
- give up smoking forever;
- lung cleansing should be carried out in several stages, while all body systems must be taken into account;
- proper nutrition;
- take the medicine prescribed by the doctor.
Conclusion
Thus, if a cough appears, then you do not need to wait until it develops into a more serious disease that requires more complex methods of treatment. You do not need to wait until the sputum, which will clear its throat, turns brown. And do not engage in self-medication and self-diagnosis, you should immediately consult a doctor.