If you or a loved one has lung cancer, it’s important to pay attention to symptoms that may change over time. Coughing up phlegm is a common symptom of lung cancer — and it can be concerning.

“I got good news, but I still feel the uncertainty of this lung cancer. I still cough and spit up thick mucus that plays on my mind,” a MyLungCancerTeam member wrote.

Coughing up phlegm that’s a different color or consistency than you’re used to can be particularly alarming. If you or your loved one is coughing up white phlegm, it’s important to know it’s generally not an indication of a serious health problem related to lung cancer. It may, however, be a sign of another health condition. Other colors of phlegm, however, can be a cause for concern.

Here’s more information about what white phlegm with lung cancer may mean, as well as other colors of phlegm. If you have questions about coughing up phlegm, be sure to discuss them in detail with your doctor.

What Is Phlegm?

Phlegm — also known as sputum — is a buildup of thick mucus in the upper airways of the lungs. Mucus production or phlegm can occur due to various problems in the lungs, including irritation, allergies, infection, or lung disease such as lung cancer.

Healthy mucus in the lungs consists of water, proteins, and other molecules that promote immune system functions. Mucus helps protect the respiratory system (lungs and sinuses) from infection by flushing out irritants and disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Both mucus and coughing can help the body get rid of substances that might harm the lungs.

It’s frequently not serious when thick or excess mucus — or phlegm — is coughed up. Common causes of clear or white phlegm can include:

• Respiratory infections, such as a common cold or flu
• Allergens, such as pet dander or dust
• Dehydration
• A dry environment

White Phlegm in Lung Cancer

It’s important to know that clear or white phlegm is the healthiest type of phlegm. In people with lung cancer, clear or white phlegm is not usually considered a sign of lung cancer or disease progression and is often treated as a common symptom of lung cancer.

However, some research has shown that white phlegm that has a thick, sticky consistency may be a risk factor for lung cancer.

In some cases, white phlegm may be a sign of conditions such as:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Viral bronchitis
• Congestive heart failure, particularly with shortness of breath or leg weakness

If you experience a persistent cough with white or clear phlegm, your doctor may recommend testing you for other conditions. Clear phlegm can sometimes be a sign of viral infection such as viral pneumonia or bronchitis.

Discolored Phlegm

Coughing up different colors of mucus or phlegm can indicate a range of lung issues and should be reported to your doctor. These are some conditions to watch out for:

• Yellow or green phlegm may be caused by infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
• Red or pink phlegm is caused by blood due to serious conditions such as congestive heart failure, pulmonary embolism, tuberculosis, or lung cancer.
• Black phlegm can be caused by smoking, inhaling coal dust or other dark substances, or a fungal infection known as exophiala dermatitidis.
• Brown or rust-colored phlegm, or brown-spotted phlegm, shows signs of old blood that may be due to bacterial infection, cystic fibrosis, lung abscesses (pus-filled sores), or lung cancer.

Importantly, rust-colored phlegm or coughing up blood can also be a sign of lung cancer, especially with other symptoms such as persistent coughing, hoarseness, chest pain, weight loss, and shortness of breath or wheezing.

Always seek emergency care if you cough up blood.

Managing Coughing With White Phlegm

A persistent or chronic cough with white phlegm can be fatiguing and distressing and can even interfere with daily activities.

“I have been having an issue with coughing up clear mucus every day since my surgery nine weeks ago. Is anyone else experiencing this? My doctors act as if it’s no big deal unless it’s green or bloody. But it’s horrible and it makes me winded and I feel exhausted afterward,” a MyLungCancerTeam member shared.

Your doctor can give you medical advice for managing a cough with phlegm and may recommend treatment options such as a prescription or over-the-counter cough suppressant, expectorant, decongestant, or antihistamine.

Your doctor can also provide advice on how best to control coughing when it happens. For instance, sitting upright can be beneficial when coughing up white mucus or phlegm.

You can take other steps to help relieve a cough with white phlegm, including:

• Using a humidifier to help prevent dry air, which can irritate the lungs
• Drinking warm tea or lemon water to help soothe a cough
• Adding honey or ginger to a warm beverage as a home remedy for a cough
• Practicing breathing exercises to help suppress coughing

“I have been drinking his throat comfort tea made by Yogi. It does help with the mucus in the throat and the coughing,” wrote another member.

Keep Your Doctor Informed About Your Symptoms

With lung cancer, you may develop new or changing symptoms over the course of your condition. By keeping your health care team up to date on symptoms such as coughing up phlegm, you can help ensure that your treatment plan is as effective as possible in both treating your lung cancer and managing symptoms that may have an impact on your quality of life.

If you find that your coughing has intensified or the amount of phlegm you are coughing up has increased, be sure to inform your doctor. It’s also essential to talk to your doctor if the color of your phlegm has changed.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLungCancerTeam is the social network for people with lung cancer and their loved ones. More than 12,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lung cancer.

Have you coughed up white phlegm with your lung cancer? Do you have any tips on how to manage coughing up white phlegm? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.