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Having green, yellow, or thickened phlegm (sputum) does not always indicate the presence of an infection. Also, if an infection is present, the color of the phlegm (sputum) does not determine whether a virus, a bacterium or another pathogen has caused it. Simple allergies can also cause changes in the color of the mucus. [1]
Along with a runny nose and sore throat, green phlegm is another cold-like symptom of COVID-19. Interestingly, the color of the mucus is an important indicator when it comes to infection.
Its color can vary from transparent to pale or dark yellow and green, from light to dark brown, and even to dark grey depending on the contents. [1] The body naturally produces about 1 quart (about 1 litre) of phlegm every day to capture and clear substances in the air and bacteria from the nose and throat.
Also known as phlegm, mucus is made up of mostly water, but it also contains "remnants of skin-lining cells (epithelial cells), antimicrobial enzymes, proteins and inorganic salts," explains Nasseri.
Doctors break down why snot changes color, and what each snot color means, including green, yellow, red, brown, and black. They also share treatment options.
The green color of mucus comes from the heme group in the iron-containing enzyme myeloperoxidase secreted by white blood cells as a cytotoxic defense during a respiratory burst. In the case of bacterial infection, the bacterium becomes trapped in already-clogged sinuses , breeding in the moist, nutrient-rich environment.
Sputum culture results are of great value in determining antibiotic resistance. [7] First-line treatment is cefuroxime or co-amoxiclav. [7] Third-line treatment, as well as treatment in penicillin-allergic patients, is a fluoroquinolone such as ciprofloxacin. [7] An agent active against Streptococcus pneumoniae may have to be added. [7]
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