White mucus can be due to:
There are a number of potential causes of white mucus.
Bronchitis
Bronchitisis an inflammation of the airways in the lungs.
The swelling contributes to the increased production of mucus.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
Bronchitis may be because of a viral infection or by exposure to pollutants, such as cigarette smoke.
Instead, treatment is focused on helping your immune system fight the infection.
Using a cool-mist humidifier and saline nasal sprays can help thin the mucus and make it easier to clear.
Lozenges (cough drops) can also help relieve symptoms.
Is Cough Medicine Effective?
Avoiding your triggers can also help you keep your asthma under control.
Can Allergies Cause White Phlegm?
Allergies can cause white phlegm (mucus) or phlegm that has no color.
Allergy treatment can include taking an antihistamine, using a nasal steroid, or consulting with an allergy specialist.
Other symptoms of COPD include:
COPD can be managed with short- or long-acting bronchodilator inhalers.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe a steroid inhaler if first-line treatments aren’t working.Certain oral medications can also help.
Losing weight and changing your diet can also offer relief.
Severe cases of GERD might require surgical intervention.
Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary edemacauses fluid to build up in the lungs.
This can make you cough up white or pink foamy mucus.
Heart Problems
Sometimes, coughing can be a sign of heart failure.
Otherwise, an OTC or prescription medication may be useful for your symptoms.
Do not attempt to self-treat infections or other serious conditions with home remedies or OTC medications.
If you have certain symptoms or your symptoms persist, however, call your healthcare provider.
You might be able to have your healthcare provider assess your mucus production at an office visit.
This is a test that can help identify bacteria in your sputum.
Summary
Coughing up white mucus has several possible causes.
If you are concerned about your coughing or mucus production, call your healthcare provider.
It’s imperative to have a medical evaluation to hasten recovery and prevent future episodes.
American Lung Association.Understanding Mucus in Your Lungs.
Hill DB, Button B, Rubinstein M, Boucher RC.Physiology and pathophysiology of human airway mucus.Physiol Rev.
2022 Oct 1;102(4):1757-1836. doi:10.1152/physrev.00004.2021
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Bronchitis.
Kinkade S, Long NA.Acute bronchitis.Am Fam Physician.
2016;94(7):560-565.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About RSV.
Diagnosis and treatment protocol for COVID19 patients (tentative 10th version).Health Care Sci.
2023;2(1):10-24. doi:10.1002/hcs2.36
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of COVID-19.
2021 Jun 18;2(3):e12467.
doi:10.1002/emp2.12467
Nationwide Children’s.Cough and cold medicines.
Gillissen A, Paparoupa M.Inflammation and infections in asthma.Clin Respir J.
2015;9(3):257-69. doi 10.1111/crj.12135
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma symptoms.
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.What does the color of phlegm mean?.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.COPD.
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.Pocket guide to COPD diagnosis, management, and prevention.
2020;201(9).
2022;79(17):e263e421.
doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2021.12.012
Beck AM, Seemer J, Knudsen AW, Munk T.Narrative review of low-intake dehydration in older adults.Nutrients.
2017 Dec;12(1):31. doi:10.1186/s40248-017-0113-4
National Health Service (UK).Cough.
University of Florida.Diagnosing your cough: when to seek urgent care.
2017;114(21):371-381. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2017.0371
Earwood JS, Thompson TD.Hemoptysis: evaluation and management.Am Fam Physician.
2015;91(4):243-249,
Naum R, Speed B.Hemoptysis in pediatric patients.Cureus.
2019 Mar;11(3):e4305.
doi:10.7759/cureus.4305
Kurahara Y, Shimatani Y.Melanoptysis,QJM Int J Med.2023;115(7):540-541. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcad042
