Answer:

A runny nose and phlegmy cough are symptoms of upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold, seasonal flu, bronchitis, and sinusitis. The nasal mucous glands continuously produce mucus to maintain moisture inside the nose and protect individuals from irritants. However, during an infection, inflammation, or allergic reaction, the body increases mucus secretion to eliminate harmful agents. Excessive mucus production can lead to a runny or congested nose.

Similar to a runny nose, a phlegmy cough also stems from the body's mechanism to eliminate harmful agents. However, when this condition persists for an extended period, it can cause discomfort and negatively impact a patient's health and quality of life.

Doctor Minh Thuan examines a patient's throat. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Doctor Minh Thuan examines a patient's throat. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Patients should pay attention to certain factors to gauge the severity of their illness and the risk of other dangerous medical conditions. If a runny nose and phlegmy cough persist for more than 10 days, it may signal a severe infection, sinusitis, or a chronic respiratory illness.

If a phlegmy cough and runny nose result from a virus, the phlegm is typically light white or clear, posing less danger. Should the phlegm turn yellow or green, it may indicate a bacterial infection requiring prompt treatment. If phlegm contains blood, patients need immediate medical intervention, as this can be a warning sign of many dangerous conditions, including pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, or bronchitis. A runny nose and phlegmy cough accompanied by other symptoms, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, unremitting high fever, chest pain, sinus pain, loss of appetite, or weight loss, also signal a serious illness that requires timely treatment.

If you experience persistent coughing and a runny nose, you should visit a hospital for an examination. Depending on your specific symptoms, doctors may prescribe antibiotics, expectorants, decongestants, or antihistamines to control symptoms and eliminate the causative agent.

Doctor Nguyen Minh Thuan, Level 1 Specialist

Respiratory Unit

Tam Anh General Clinic District 7