Persistent Cough With Phlegm | Causes and Warning | CHI Guide
A cough that lingers for weeks is more than an annoyance. When you have a persistent cough with phlegm , sleep suffers, conversations are interrupted, and worry builds about what might be causing it. Understanding the possible causes helps you decide when to rest at home and when to seek care. Complete Healthcare International (CHI), Singapore, assesses coughs thoroughly so that patients get clear answers and appropriate treatment. Why Phlegm and Cough Stick Around Phlegm is mucus produced by the airways to trap dust, germs, and irritants. A short term increase is normal during a cold or flu, but when it continues, the airways are usually inflamed or irritated. Doctors often classify coughs by duration. Acute coughs last under three weeks, subacute coughs last three to eight weeks, and chronic coughs go beyond eight weeks. Common causes include lingering infections such as bronchitis, postnasal drip from allergies or sinusitis, asthma, and acid reflux. Smoking and exposure to air...