Clear phlegm can be a sign of inflammation in the respiratory system, which can be caused by allergic rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a cold, flu or bronchitis.
Other symptoms that clear phlegm can present with include a fever, itchy nose, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, weight loss and headaches. Learn more about what your phlegm color means and how it can present.
If you frequently notice clear phlegm and/or your clear phlegm presents with other symptoms, you should consult a general practitioner or lung specialist to identify the underlying cause and advise the most appropriate treatment. Clear phlegm can often be treated with medication, respiratory physiotherapy and nasal sprays.

What does clear phlegm mean?
The main causes of clear phlegm are:
1. Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa that is triggered by irritating substances, like dust, pollen or some plants. This condition is associated with symptoms like a runny nose, clear phlegm, red eyes and nose, and itching in the nose, eyes and throat.
What to do: Treatment should be guided by an allergy specialist, and will depend on the intensity and frequency of symptoms. In mild and moderate cases, the doctor will advise conservative treatment with just avoiding allergy-triggering substances.
In more severe cases, the doctor may also prescribe medications, such as saline solutions, nasal sprays and antihistamines, like loratadine and cetirizine.
Also recommended: 5 Allergic Rhinitis Medications Your Doctor Can Prescribe tuasaude.com/en/allergic-rhinitis-medications2. COPD
COPD can present with clear, white, yellow or green phlegm, as well as constant coughing, rapid weight loss, and wheezing, all which are characteristic symptoms of this condition.
Complete our online COPD symptoms quiz to determine your risk for this condition.
What to do: Although the treatment for COPD may vary from patient to patient, your doctor may recommend smoking cessation, respiratory physiotherapy and medications like bronchodilators, corticosteroids, mucolytics and antibiotics.
3. Cold and flu
The cold and flu are viral infections that can cause symptoms such as coughing with clear phlegm, fever, sneezing, general malaise, headache, muscle pain and a stuffy nose.
Also recommended: Cold vs Flu: Main Differences, How to Treat & Home Remedies tuasaude.com/en/cold-vs-fluWhat to do: A cold or flu virus can be treated with antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, such as acetaminophen. Ginger and lemon tea, green tea and garlic and lemon tea are also good home remedies that can help to relieve symptoms.
4. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. It presents with symptoms such as a dry cough or cough with clear, yellow or green phlegm, as well as wheezing, fever and shortness of breath.
Bronchitis can be caused by respiratory infections (like a cold, flu, or COVID-19), smoking, or exposure to dust, pollen or air pollution.
What to do: Your doctor may prescribe medication such as acetylcysteine, ambroxol and ibuprofen, while more severe cases may require respiratory physiotherapy and,oxygen therapy.
Also recommended: 8 Bronchitis Medications Your Doctor May Prescribe tuasaude.com/en/bronchitis-medicationSome home remedies for bronchitis to complement your medical treatment include guaco tea, watercress syrup with pineapple and ginger tea.
5. Asthma
Clear phlegm may also be a sign of asthma, a condition that is associated with increased mucus production.
Other symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, coughing (especially at night), wheezing, excessive fatigue and a rapid heartbeat.
Also recommended: Asthma Attack: First Aid & What to Do Without an Inhaler tuasaude.com/en/asthma-attackWhat to do: Asthma medications that you doctor may prescribe include, budesonide, formoterol and montelukast. They can promote air entry into the lungs to facilitate breathing, which can prevent asthma attacks and relieve asthma symptoms.
6. Gustatory rhinitis
Gustatory rhinitis is characterized by sneezing, running nose or clear phlegm that is triggered by eating spicy or strong-tasting foods, such as chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and curry.
What to do: You are advised to avoid foods that trigger symptoms of gustatory rhinitis. In more severe cases, your doctor may also recommend the use of medications such as nasal sprays, saline solutions and decongestants.
7. Exposure to irritants
Exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke or pollution, can cause throat irritation and inflammation, leading to increased production of clear phlegm in the throat.
Additionally, other symptoms that may also appear are coughing, itching or sore throat.
What to do: You shouldavoid exposure to substances that cause throat irritation. The doctor may also recommend gargling with salt water to reduce discomfort.
8. Gastroesophageal reflux
Clear phlegm and constant throat clearing are common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). This is a condition associated with the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus.
GERD symptoms also include fullness or heaviness in the stomach, a burning sensation in the stomach and/or throat, burping and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
What to do: Some people with GERD may find relief with weight loss and by avoiding lying down immediately after meals. GERD medications by also be prescribed to reduce stomach acidity (like omeprazole and pantoprazole), while in more serious cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Also recommended: GERD Diet: What to Eat & Avoid for Acid Reflux tuasaude.com/en/gerd-diet