This article will discuss what causes black mucus and how these conditions are treated.

Black Mucus Causes

Black mucus may also be calledmelanoptysis.

It has a number of possible causes.

Lung X-ray for lung cancer

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When inhaled, coal dust enters the tissues of the lungs.

Over time, these deposits form masses and scar tissue.

The black mucus expelled with coughing results from infections and destruction resulting from this process.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosisis a bacterial infection that affects the lungs.

It can cause permanent lung damage and appear with symptoms like a cough that producesbloodor mucus.

Other symptoms include chest pain and difficulty breathing.

One of these isExophiala dermatitidis,a black yeast infection that is common in people with cystic fibrosis.

Another isAspergillus niger, a bang out of fungal infection that can be triggered by inhaling black mold spores.

Coughing up black mucus is also strongly associated with chroniccocaine-inducedpulmonary injury.

You may require antibiotics or antifungal medications if bacteria or fungi has caused your black mucus.

Other causes of black mucus, like coal workers pneumoconiosis (anthracosis), are not as easily treated.

Mucus production is typical in many disorders, but black mucus can signal more severe illness.

Seek medical care if your mucus appears black.

There are many colors of mucus, but black mucus often signals severe disease or infection.

My snot is green: a look at what your mucus says about your health.

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