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General health

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Original poster

Is greeny-yellow phlegm always a sign of infection?

4 replies

ReshapeWhileDamp · 02/02/2011 09:11

And if so, can someone please help me to persuade DH to go to the GP? We've all got a bad cold - 6 wk DS2 included - but DH seems to have it worst and is coughing up greeny-yellow stuff. Is that just the colour of phlegm, or does it mean he's got an infection, and in that case, will antibs make a difference?

Of course, finding an appt he can get to will be another battle ...

OP posts:

KatyMac · 02/02/2011 09:22

In my experience coughing up greeny-yellow phlegm means he might need anti-biotics

ghosteditor · 02/02/2011 09:22

[Disclaimer that I'm not a medic] I have had many many chest infections though! In my experience coloured phlegm is always a sign of infection, especially with any rattling noises in the chest. And if there's discoloured phlegm the GP is much more likely to prescribe antibiotics.

Honestly, why are men like this?

Hope you all get better quickly!

Original poster

ReshapeWhileDamp · 02/02/2011 10:19

Right. GP booked for this afternoon. When DH gets back from a half day at work.

OP posts:

jardins · 02/02/2011 20:27

No it is not always an infection. Towards the end of a VIRAL infection you will also get yellow/green phlegm. This means generally that your body has managed to fight back. If there is no temperature than wait a while. A cold can take as long as 14 days to clear. I have just had 4 days of yukky green phlegm (ughhhhh) and I am getting better - really.

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