Pneumonia phlegm can be a variety of colors, including yellow, green, and sometimes even bloody, depending on the cause and severity of the infection. Yellow or green phlegm is often a sign of a bacterial infection, while bloody phlegm may indicate inflammation or the presence of blood in the lungs.
If you’ve ever coughed up phlegm and thought, “That looks disgusting,” you might be onto something. According to Dr. Lindsay, phlegm from pneumonia can range from dark brown to vibrant yellow or green and yes, it often “just looks gross.”
“If you look at it and go, ‘Eww,’ or it has a foul taste, there’s a good chance the cause is bacterial pneumonia,” she says.
What Color Is Pneumonia Phlegm?
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Recommended Reading: What Are The Four Stages Of Pneumonia?
What Do Different Phlegm Colors Mean?
Pneumonia phlegm can appear in various shades, each hinting at the infection’s cause and severity:
Yellow or Green Phlegm
- Often a sign of a bacterial or viral infection.
- The color comes from white blood cells fighting the infection.
- May shift from yellow to green as the illness progresses.
Bloody Phlegm
- Could indicate inflammation or damaged blood vessels in the lungs.
- Sometimes seen in severe pneumonia or bronchitis.
Brown or Rust-Colored Phlegm
- May suggest old blood or other substances in the mucus.
- Can occur with certain types of pneumonia or prolonged infections.
When to See a Doctor
While phlegm color alone isn’t a definitive diagnosis, unusual or persistent changes especially with fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain—should prompt a medical evaluation. If your mucus looks (or tastes) alarming, don’t ignore it.
Have you ever had pneumonia? What was your experience with phlegm color? Share your thoughts in the comments!
