Though chest phlegm is usually not itself identified as a dangerous symptom, it often is indicative of serious illness or infection. The most common cause of chest phlegm is the common cold, though those younger than the age of thirteen who experience chest phlegm are more likely to be diagnosed with croup. Other common causes of chest phlegm include sinusitis, bronchitis, and different types of pneumonia. Often, these conditions are treated quite aggressively, especially for the elderly, the very young, or others who may be suffering from a weakened immune system as they can develop into quite serious conditions.
One of the most common causes of chest phlegm is the common cold. Unlike colds that predominantly target the upper respiratory system, those that cause chest phlegm tend to last for several weeks. In some cases, prescription medications may be required to completely eradicate symptoms.
Another common cause of chest phlegm is croup. Typically, croup occurs almost entirely in children below the age of thirteen. Other common symptoms associated with croup include extreme breathing difficulty, a hacking cough, and other similar conditions. Croup can be difficult to treat, as it is often mistaken for other conditions that affect the very young.
Sinusitis has also been commonly linked to the development of chest phlegm. As the name suggests, sinusitis typically starts with sinus inflammation. While most cases of sinusitis are relatively acute, chronic sinusitis is more often to blame for the development of chest and nasal phlegm. As with colds that refuse to go away, patients whose sinusitis does not respond to normal treatment may require prescription medications.
One of the more serious causes of chest phlegm is pneumonia. Pneumonia is most often caused by a viral or bacterial infection, and typically leaves those affected with high amounts of chest congestion, breathing difficulty, fatigue, and a high fever. Pneumocystis carnii pheumonia is a specific type of pneumonia that is caused by a fungal infection, and occurs most commonly in those who have previously been diagnosed with AIDS. In some cases, pneumocystis carnii pheumonia can lead to heart failure and death.
Bronchitis is another of the more serious causes of chest phlegm. Bronchitis typically occurs when the bronchial tubes in the lungs become inflamed. This results in the development of high amounts of chest mucus and phlegm, and can also lead to severe shortness of breath, sinus pressure, and difficulty eating or even swallowing. Due to these symptoms, bronchitis is often treated quite aggressively, especially in the elderly or very young.