Coughing Up Weird Stuff
 

I hope this isn't too gross or disgusting but sometimes I hock up little bits of something. Usually I get this tickling in the back of my throat like there is a hair or something back there and after a few minutes of trying to hock it up this little bit of yellow material pops into my mouth. Its small, yellow and smelly. Does anyone know what this is? Is there a way to stop it? ANy help would greatly appreciated. Thanks again

really, we aren't a group of doctors, and health concerns should be taken to a medical professional. Especially when the lungs are involved (they're kinda vital, ya know ;)) hope you feel better soon

I am sorry I didn't mean to imply that this happened on a regular basis. It happens once in a while. But thank you for your concern. Thanks all the same

Cheerios, would those quotes in your signature by lyrics from Tom Waits songs?

the first is from Ben Folds Five, the second I don't know where I found. It always amused me, though. :D And even infrequent symptoms deserve attention sometimes. Just be sure not to ignore something important!

first question: do you smoke? if so, it might be tar or some of the other bajillion cruddy ingredients in smokes

second: might be a low-grade, chronic infection or post-nasal drip... but, like someone else said, (don't feel like looking to see who said it) go see your doc and find out for sure whether it's something that needs treatment and/or if something can be done to get rid of it for you.

those are called tonsiliths
most people apparently get them but never notice, and they are harmless, as far as I know
I am not sure exactly how they form, but they can be small to large, soft to hard, and they always smell nasty.

Dude, I know exactly what you mean. Lately its been large globs of this in my throat. I usually get it wiht my allergies or a sinus infection. Its pretty much sinus drainage. If its really dark in color, you better see your doctor to get some meds for a sinus infection. I havent found any way to stop it other than hocking it up all the time. I know its disgusting, but its gotta come out. Ive found that cough drops help loosen it to either spit it or swallow. Good luck.

If you are concerned, go see a doctor.
We are not medical professionals.

It's certainly worse if you're a smoker tho!

I know what you mean MahlerIsGod, I get those too. It freaked me out the first time they came out, but I've never found a way to solve that problem :confused:

man i've had those, except mine are pure white and literally smell like shit! I fucking hate them, but they are extremely fascinating. I have no idea how so much stink can be packaged inside such a small object.

Just found this little bit about them. you learn something every day!

i get those too... like every month or every couple months... gross shit... first time i was at work and i was coughing and it came flying out... eeew

Hmmm you may want to try a little nasal irrigation...couldn't hurt.

i don't think it is gross in the least. it is just phlegm. instead of thinking about how nasty it is, think about how far you could spit it :)

Had this a few years ago, it seems that I had a cyst in my lung. They had to operate to get it out and I had a chest tube for a couple of weeks. You had better see a lung specialist and get an xray.

Um, well, I am a medical professional (please bow), and anything coughed out of your lungs is Not Good. Allergic or cold-related symptoms are transient and not very dire. If you smoke, don't. Smoking tobacco is probably the single worst and most avoidable thing you can do to your body. If you don't smoke, consider other, possibly work-related irritants.