Coughing up phlegm that occurs as a result of productive coughing is a symptom very frequently found in atelectasis. At first, the patient can experience a dry cough. However, it is common for those with an airway deviation or an infection to report an accompanied mucus cough. This remedial tool is the body’s method of delivering the deposited mucus and other debris in the respiratory system through the cough. A harsh cough can cause your throat to become red, and you can also feel ill.
The composition and thickness of the phlegm can function as a clue for the real cause of atelectasis. Normally, clear or white phlegm does not pose a major problem because it could mainly be an indication of the natural process of mucus production. However, blood-streaked mucus can be from an irritation or extreme lung involvement, and the yellow or green phlegm is caused by a bacterial infection.
The best way to treat a cough in atelectasis is to apply both supportive and medical strategies. Methods such as a short and strong cough, deep breathing, chest-course tapping, and some other techniques can support the effectiveness of mucus clearance. In some cases, thinning the mucus to which a mucolytic drug may be used can be beneficial to increase the effectiveness of the coughing.
