Black Phlegm: What Does It Mean? What Causes It?

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Having mucus or phlegm that is dark or black could cause distress. Oftentimes, this signals unhealthy pollutant exposure or a serious condition.

The Role of Phlegm and Mucus

Mucus itself does not signal disease or medical concerns. In fact, mucus plays a vital role in protecting and lubricating the nasal pathway and other cavities within the body. It can also help with cleaning airway passages and preventing infections.

Phlegm is largely similar to mucus. The only thing is that it is generated within the lungs. It can signify disease and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and other cells that are unwanted. Phlegm can also surface alongside serious lung conditions.

When one feels sick, phlegm is what is coughed from the lungs, while mucus is what is wiped from the nose. When phlegm is coughed out, it is known as sputum.

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Black Phlegm

When phlegm is black, this could be due to pollutant exposure or a respiratory infection. It may also be caused by a condition that is more serious, such as lung cancer. Hence, getting an immediate medical evaluation is recommended.

There are various things that could cause black snot. These include pollutants, smoking, fire, coal mining, fungal infections, tuberculosis, pneumonia, heart valve disease, blood thinners, autoimmune conditions, and lung cancer. All of these could lead to phlegm or snot that is black or dark.

Colored Mucus

Mucus can also come in other colors due to certain illnesses or factors. Different colors signify different health concerns. For instance, clear mucus could indicate pneumonia, allergic rhinitis, or bronchitis, while white mucus may also signify GERD, COPD, heart failure, or bronchitis.

Green or yellow mucus could also indicate sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, or cystic fibrosis, while red or pink mucus could mean TB, lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, or heart failure. Brown mucus could also signify pneumonia, lung abscess, cystic fibrosis, pneumoconiosis, or bronchitis.

Treatments and Remedies

When mucus or phlegm is black, extremely dark, or has blood, it is recommended to see a doctor immediately. While it is not always possible to receive an immediate diagnosis, it is crucial to start understanding why this change surfaced.

For black phlegm or mucus, the exact treatment may vary depending on the cause. To determine the exact issue in the respiratory tract, seeing a doctor, such as a pulmonologist or ENT specialist, is necessary.

In cases where black mucus is due to pollutants in the air, it is crucial to avoid such triggers. For those who engage in smoking, quitting is a crucial first step. It may also be advisable to hydrate a lot and make use of a humidifier at home.

For serious infections, it is important to follow the recommendations of the doctor in order to recover healthily.