Pieces in the expectoration
October 9, 2013 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann
Dear medical team,
I am 24 years old and have been smoking for 8 years, around 15 cigarettes a day.
For some time now, especially in the mornings, I have been experiencing a cough with white/clear phlegm, in which tiny, greyish-brownish specks/pieces/dots can be seen.
My question is: Could this possibly be the worst possible illness (lung cancer) or are they more likely "normal" consequences of smoking?
Best regards and thank you very much!
Good evening,
I am happy to help you further.
The lungs and especially the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract constantly cleanses itself through mucus formation. This mucus then accumulates especially at night when lying down, which you may notice as morning cough with mucus.
When smoking cigarettes, you inhale substances (primarily tar) that deposit in the lungs and then appear as grayish deposits in the mucus.
Therefore, in your case, I would assume "normal" mucus formation. Of course, you should definitely consult a pulmonologist for an examination. But I still want to reassure you.
However, I strongly recommend reducing your cigarette consumption, or even better, quitting altogether.
Do you have any questions about this? I am happy to help you further.
Take care and get well soon!
Best regards,
Dr. K. Hamann
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