It’s a well-known fact that smoking leads to cancer, and every pack of cigarettes comes with a warning about it.
Brown phlegm doesn’t automatically indicate cancer.
Many smokers experience it as a result of their lungs trying to clear out tar, smoke particles, and old mucus that has built up over time.
Even though brown phlegm may not be harmful, you shouldn’t ignore it if it continues or gets worse.
Smoking leaves behind sticky brown tar in the airways, which can show up in your phlegm when you cough.
Smoke and pollution can darken and thicken mucus.
Infections can also make mucus thicker and darker.
Long-term irritation of the airways from smoking can lead to a daily cough and dark mucus.
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Most of these issues are treatable, especially if you quit smoking.
However, you should take them seriously if any symptoms last longer than 2-3 weeks, become darker or thicker, include blood streaks or clots, persist with hoarseness or unusual fatigue, or involve unexplained weight loss, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
These symptoms might not mean cancer, but they definitely suggest that you should visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Within a few weeks of quitting smoking, a person will notice that their lungs begin to clear out, their mucus production decreases, and the brown phlegm frequently turns clear or even disappears.
It’s never too late to stop smoking; even long-time smokers can benefit from quitting.
Brown phlegm in a nonsmoker may be caused by severe acid reflux, work-related exposure, sinus irritation, chest infections, or pollution.
DISCLAIMER: This article is derived from information available in the public domain.It’s always a good idea to check your doctor before beginning any new routine.
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