Phlegm Articles about
Phlegm
 

Information About

Phlegm




In Medieval Medicine , phlegm was counted as one of the four Bodily Humour s, possessing the properties of coldness and wetness, and was responsible for apathetic and sluggish behaviour. This old belief is preserved in the word '' Phlegmatic ''.


COLORS OF PHLEGM

Phlegm may be of several different colors.
  • "Healthy" phlegm is normally clear or white.

  • Yellow phlegm is normally a sign of an Infection .

  • Greenish or brownish phlegm is nearly always a sign of infection. Greenish or Rusty phlegm or phlegm with rusty spots can also be a sign of Pneumonia .

  • Coughing up brown phlegm is also a common symptom of excessive Smoking . This is due to Resin sticking to the viscous texture of the phlegm and being ejected by the body.



ILLNESSES RELATED TO PHLEGM

Phlegm may be a carrier of Larva e of Intestinal Parasite s (see Hookworm ). Blood y Sputum can be a symptom of serious disease (such as Tuberculosis ), but can also be a relatively benign symptom of a minor disease (such as Bronchitis ). In the latter case, the sputum is normally lightly streaked with blood. Coughing up any significant quantity of blood is always a serious medical condition and warrants immediate treatment.


EXTERNAL LINKS

  • http://www.itmonline.org/arts/phlegm.htm