Green phlegm and snot ‘not always a sign of an infection needing antibiotics’

Who doesn’t usually need antibiotics when they have coughs with or without phlegm?

•In otherwise healthy non-smoking individuals who have no underlying health problems, having an acute cough with phlegm of any colour is not necessarily a sign of infection and any small possible benefit from antibiotics is likely to be outweighed by the side effects.

•If you are a smoker with no diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) then you are not in any greater need of antibiotics than non-smokers.

•If you are an adult or a child with asthma and have a cough with phlegm you do not need antibiotics to get better, but you may need extra asthma treatment.

Who may need antibiotics if they have a cough with or without phlegm?

•If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with green phlegm you should see your doctor as you may have an infection. People with COPD are more likely to be/have been smokers and green phlegm in this group is more indicative of a sign of infection.

•If you have had a recurrent chest infection you should also see your doctor for a clinical review as you may have an infection.

•Those who are older (over 65) or who have other chronic lung and heart conditions may need to seek advice about treatment.

Who should go to the doctors more urgently?

•If you have difficulty breathing, breathing quickly, have chest pain or are coughing up blood, or feeling confused or are very drowsy.

What can patients do to get better with coughs– now and in the future?

•Try not to cough! although this may sound easier said than done, you may be able to cough less often by trying not to cough, because our desire to cough can sometimes be influenced by our brain.

•Home remedies: try simple home remedies, such as ‘honey and lemon’ – just add freshly squeezed juice from 1 lemon and a teaspoon of honey to a mug of hot water. Drink enough fluids to avoid feeling thirsty and suck lozenges.

•Stop smoking: smoking is one of the commonest reasons for a chronic cough. Stopping smoking – or at least smoking less – not only improves your cough but also benefits your health in other ways (reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and lung cancer, for example).

•Cough mixtures: there is little evidence to say whether over the counter medicines are effective for relieving cough symptoms. Despite the lack of research evidence, you may still get some subjective benefit from over-the -counter preparations – speak to your pharmacist.

•Paracetamol: paracetamol can help relieve symptoms that may accompany a cough, such as a sore throat, fevers, and not feeling well.

Source and for full article visit: Green phlegm and snot ‘not always a sign of an infection needing antibiotics’ – GOV.UK