Sputum or Phlegm

• Yellow or green phlegm is a normal part of the healing process of viral bronchitis.
• This means the lining of the trachea was damaged by the viral infection and is being coughed up as new mucosa replaces it.
• Bacteria do not cause bronchitis in healthy children. Antibiotics are not indicated for the yellow or green phlegm seen with colds.
• The main treatment of a productive cough is to facilitate it with good fluid intake, a humidifier (if the air is dry) and warm chicken broth or apple juice for coughing spasms (if over age 1).