"What Causes Coughing Up Coffee-Colored Phlegm?"

Coughing up brownish sputum may be caused by environmental factors, medication, bronchiectasis, bacterial pneumonia, tuberculosis, among other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate treatment measures under medical guidance, including general treatment and medication. Details are as follows:

1. Environmental Factors

When the air is relatively dry, the nasal mucosa dries out, leading to local capillary rupture and bleeding. This blood may flow back to the throat, causing irritative coughing and resulting in brownish sputum. This is a normal phenomenon, and simply maintaining nasal moisture is sufficient. Special treatment is generally not required.

2. Medication Factors

Long-term use of anticoagulant medications such as Aspirin Enteric-coated Tablets, Warfarin Sodium Tablets, and Clopidogrel Bisulfate Tablets may lead to a bleeding tendency. When coughing, mucous membrane damage can occur, causing bleeding that oxidizes into a brownish color. Patients are advised to strictly follow medical instructions when using these medications and may consider switching to alternative medications under doctor's guidance.

3. Bronchiectasis

Recurrent bacterial infections or abnormal immune system function can cause excessive dilation of the bronchi, leading to recurrent hemoptysis and expectoration of sputum, which may appear brownish or brown. Medication such as Amoxicillin Capsules, Levofloxacin Hydrochloride Tablets, and Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride Tablets can be prescribed under medical guidance.

4. Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial infection of the lungs can cause inflammatory changes, damaging lung function and often leading to coughing and expectoration. In severe cases, local capillary rupture and bleeding may occur, resulting in the expectoration of dark red or brownish sputum. Treatment can include the use of Roxithromycin Capsules, Azithromycin Dispersible Tablets, and Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium Tablets under medical guidance.

5. Tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis easily invades the lungs, causing infectious lesions that damage lung tissue and trigger coughing. Typically, the sputum contains bloodstains, accompanied by symptoms such as fever and weight loss. Antituberculous medications like Isoniazid Tablets, Rifampicin Tablets, and Pyrazinamide Tablets can be prescribed under medical guidance.

Apart from the aforementioned causes, other possibilities include lung cysts, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung tumors. Patients are advised to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke to prevent symptom exacerbation.