Most Common Causes for Coughing Up Brown Mucus

Smoking

It is one of the most common causes of coughing up brown mucus, which is mainly due to the combination of tar, nicotine, and resins accumulating into your bronchial and lung passages. Heavy smokers will usually show symptoms such as extreme coughing and brown nails with offensive nicotine odor. Chain smokers will end up developing chronic bronchitis, which sometimes lead to lung emphysema. Emphysema is the outcome of the damage caused by nicotine and smoke to the air sacs in your lungs. The condition makes it difficult for you to receive enough oxygen through your lungs.

The condition requires the use of inhalers, oxygen therapy, lung reduction surgery, medications, and even lung transplants in some cases. Quit smoking today to avoid dealing with the complications, such as coughing up brown mucus.

Acid Reflux

You may be coughing up brown phlegm due to acid reflux. This usually happens when you regurgitate some of the food that turns your phlegm brown. This is especially true in case you've eating red wine, chocolate, or coffee. It is worth mentioning that if your brown phlegm is due to acid indigestion, you may also notice bowel mucus, which in most cases is the sign of irritable bowel syndrome.

Nasal Polyps

Your brown phlegm may well be a sign of nose bleeding, which could happen due to nasal polyps. These nasal polyps are the cause of continuous irritation to the skin that lines the sinuses and nose. This may lead to nasal bleeding and you may notice dried blood turn your mucus brown.

Alcoholics

The excessive use of alcohol may lead to upper respiratory tract infections. This usually results in inflammation to the lungs and throat, which in some cases becomes the underlying cause of coughing up brown mucus. You may see the color of your mucus change if you've consuming certain alcoholic drinks.

Environmental Exposure

Do you live in an area with highly polluted air? This could be the reason behind your brownish phlegm. You may also end up coughing brownish mucus after cleaning a dusty room. The tiny particles of dust and dirt can enter and accumulate into your throat, causing your throat mucus to change its color a bit. The mucus in this case will be brown and grainy. The good thing is that it is a temporary condition and resolves with a change in your environment.

Infections

Some of the serious causes of brownish phlegm could be lung or respiratory infections. Your lung will start to produce more mucus when you get a respiratory illness. This usually helps to trap bacteria and other foreign matter. Your brown phlegm could be a sign of chronic bronchitis or indicate other more serious infections such as emphysema or lung cancer.

Irrespective of the cause, you can try a few steps to help clear sticky phlegm. Here's what you can do about this situation:

• Try salt water gargling: You should make a saline solution by adding a pinch of salt to lukewarm water and use it to gargle. This will help clean the phlegm. Be sure to continue with this remedy for at least a couple of weeks to see positive results.

• Drink plenty of water: You need to keep your body hydrated when you're not feeling well. Drinking plenty of water will also help in thinning of thick sticky mucous, which can then be eliminated from your system with ease.

• Try steam: You may consider inhaling steam if you're also bothered by clogged nostrils and sinuses. Using vapor rub in the water is another good way of opening up your nostrils. Be sure to inhale steam before you go to sleep at night and take it once more in the morning. Be sure to breathe through your nose all the time.

• Blow your nose: It is a good idea to develop a habit of blowing your nose at least once in the morning. Be sure not to do it too aggressively or it may aggravate the situation.

• Avoid certain food: What you eat will also have an impact on the color and texture of your mucus. It is important to avoid refined foods, fried stuff, and dairy foods while you're not feeling well. Avoid heavy meals until you get better.

• Eat more fruits: You should include fresh fruits in your diet – you can also opt for apple or prune juice to make you feel better.

In addition to these steps, you can also consider making use of neti pots to get rid of your brown phlegm.