Coughing up yellow phlegm when I first get then white the rest of day?

Yellow phlegm is a common symptom of respiratory infections, such as the common cold, bronchitis, and pneumonia. It is caused by inflammation and infection in the airways, which leads to the production of mucus. The yellow color of the phlegm is due to the presence of white blood cells, which are part of the body's immune response.

White phlegm is also a common symptom of respiratory infections, but it is usually less severe than yellow phlegm. It is caused by the same inflammation and infection in the airways, but there are fewer white blood cells present in the mucus.

The color of your phlegm can change over the course of a respiratory infection. For example, you may start out with yellow phlegm, which then turns white as the infection improves. This is a normal part of the healing process.

If you are coughing up phlegm, it is important to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids will help to thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up. You may also want to use a humidifier to help keep the air moist.

If you have a fever, chills, or shortness of breath, you should see a doctor. These symptoms could be a sign of a more serious respiratory infection, such as pneumonia.

Here are some additional tips for dealing with phlegm:

- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Smoking can irritate the airways and make it harder to cough up phlegm.

- Use a saline nasal spray. Saline nasal sprays can help to loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up.

- Gargle with salt water. Gargling with salt water can help to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation.

- Use a humidifier. Humidifiers can help to keep the air moist and make it easier to cough up phlegm.

- Take over-the-counter medications. There are a number of over-the-counter medications that can help to relieve coughing and congestion.