When sleeping, the operation of the respiratory system and cough reflexes decrease, causing phlegm accumulation, which can cause a sense of throat and cough in the morning. Normal phlegm is clear, sometimes slightly opaque. Coughing up yellow sputum is mainly due to the presence of neutrophils who have died, showing that the immune system is active to combat infections. The presence of bacteria and increased mucus secretion can also change the color of phlegm.
Many causes can cause yellow sputum cough, the most common are respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, bronchiectasis, pneumonia, sinusitis. In addition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma may also be the cause. Bronchitis caused by viruses or bacteria, increases mucus secretion and changes the sputum properties from inside to gold. The disease usually lasts about two weeks with symptoms such as runny nose, mild fever and fatigue. Pneumonia can also produce yellow mucus, accompanied by fever, chest pain, shortness of breath.
Coughing of yellow sputum may be a sign of respiratory disease. Artwork: Tam Anh General Hospital
Bronchiectasms reduce the ability to clean sputum and create favorable conditions for bacteria to multiply, leading to yellow sputum cough, usually in the morning. The smoke can cause irritation, damage to the mucosa of the smoker and increase the secretion, resulting in yellow sputum cough.
If coughing up yellow sputum for a week or recurring many times, especially when accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, night sweating or unexplained weight loss, you need a specialist to be diagnosed and treated promptly.