Does anyone know if coughing up very frothy phlegm is serious.?

I've had a really bad cough ever since I had a horrible cold about 5 weeks ago. I coughed up the usual thick phlegm for weeks but now it is frothy and nearly makes me choke trying to get it up. It's pretty constant through the day and wakes me up in the night also. I've tried a basic bronchial type over-the-counter medicine, but that's all so far. Should I see my G.P. do you think or try a different medicine myself?

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Answer:
Following a chest infection it is normal to cough up phlegm. It will initially be coloured (greenish/grey or yellowish) because it is composed of millions of dead bacteria or less commonly viruses. As the cough progresses the phlegm will become clearer in colour, indicating less infection organisms but still the need to expel damaged lung lining. As it gets thinner it will be frothy because it is blended with air from the lungs and is shunted up and down the air tubes before being expelled. Lungs are very sensitive organs and will continue to get rid of the tiniest bits of rubbish long after the infection has gone. This is normal and you should be grateful to your lungs that they keep themselves clean. If you get a cough suppressant (if such a thing exists) you will not be helping your lungs. They need to keep coughing until they are clear. Annoying yes, but necessary.
Most over-the-counter 'bronchial' medicines have so little active ingredient as to be a waste of money. If you are worried go and see your physician for reassurance that what you are experiencing is normal for chest infection recovery. This condition does not indicate antibiotics because the infection is over, finished, defeated. You’re now clearing up the results

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Answer:
Hi P L,

You don't mention what colour it is but the reason it is frothy is because it has come from the lungs and is blended with air bubbles.

Yes I strongly advise you to see your GP as it sounds like an antibiotic job to me.

Hope you feel superior soon.

Love Mel.X

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Answer:
If it is yellow or green than you need to see a GP because you could have a chest infection that will need clearing up no doubt.