What Is A Chest Cold

A chest cold, also known as acute bronchitis, is an inflammation of your lungs and airway passages that can follow the common cold. This kind of inflammation in your upper respiratory tract can lead to some uncomfortable symptoms as your body tries to fight off the virus. Secondary infections could result.

If you think you have acute bronchitis, consult with a healthcare professional. Over-the counter medications may help to provide temporary relief of symptoms associated with a chest cold, but they will not cure your illness.

CHEST COLD SYMPTOMS

Coughing
Soreness in the chest
Fever
Sore Throat
Headaches
Fatigue and Body Aches

DIFFERENT TYPES OF MUCUS

WHAT CAN YOU LEARN FROM YOUR MUCUS/PHLEGM COLOUR

Your immune system has a lot of work to do while fighting off a chest cold. One of your body’s best defenses is to produce mucus to flush the virus or infection out of your system. Phlegm is the name for mucus that is coughed up from your lungs when you have a wet cough¹.

Whether it’s clear, white, yellow, or green – the colour and texture of your phlegm can vary when you get sick and even as you get better. Though some colours are more common for certain ailments, the colour of your phlegm is mostly determined by how thick and concentrated the discharge is.

Here’s a rundown on some of the more common colours of phlegm and what it might mean for your health:²

Clear mucus: your body produces this 24/7, usually over a litre a day even when you’re healthy
White mucus: your nose is congested which is causing your mucus to become thicker and cloudy a virus may be present
Yellow mucus: your cold or flu is progressing ,and white blood cells are rushing to the site of infection
Green mucus: your immune system is working hard, and your mucus is thick with dead white blood cells

Phlegm Colour Chart²

Colour	Meaning
Clear Mucus	Normal. Your body produces this 24/7, usually over a litre a day even when you’re healthy. Clear mucus contains proteins, antibodies and dissolved salts.
White Mucus	Your nose is congested which is causing your mucus to become thicker and cloudy a virus may be present. May be a sign of nasal infection or a cold.
Yellow Mucus	Your cold or flu is progressing, and white blood cells are rushing to the site of infection.
Green Mucus	Your immune system is working hard, and your mucus is thick with dead white blood cells. If you’re feeling sick after 12 days or you’re feeling feverish or nauseated, see a doctor.
Pink or Red Mucus	Blood from an injury, or a dry nose.
Rust or Brown Mucus	May be blood, or from inhaled items such as dirt
Black Mucus	If you are not a smoker, or use illegal drugs, black fungus can mean a serious fungal infection. See a doctor.

Prolonged production of thick yellow/green phlegm or any other colour (dark red or brown) are a signal to see a doctor to ensure it is nothing more serious.

Thick and cloudy or thin and runny, just remember if you’re sick and stuffed up it’s because your immune system is fighting back.

Graphic explaining the varying colour of phlegm and its meanings

HOW TO GET RID OF A CHEST COLD

CHEST COLD HOME REMEDIES TO SUPPORT YOUR GET BETTER STRATEGY

There are plenty of things you can do at home to help relieve your symptoms. To feel better, try these easy to follow proven home remedies. Give them a one-two punch by also taking a cough/cold medicine that contains a cough suppressant and an expectorant (like guaifenesin), which thins and loosens up the mucus in your airways making it easier for you to breathe.³

TIPS TO HELP YOU FEEL BETTER WHEN YOU HAVE A COUGH⁴:

Have a hot shower or use a humidifier
Drink herbal tea with honey
Sleep on an incline
Drink plenty of fluids
Gargle with salt water

These few simple steps will help keep you well rested, well hydrated, and ensure your mucus keeps flowing. Even though it may sound gross now – there is truth in the old adage “better out than in” when it comes to a chest cold.