Is it a cold or infection??

[Nique87]

A couple of weeks ago I was sick with a runny nose, and a cough.  I took medicine I bought from the store and it seemed to go away.  However, lately I would start coughing at random and my phlegm would either be brown or green.  Do I still have a cold or did a gain an infection somehow?

[Enoch Choi, MD]

kaysav05, you should stop smoking!

green and brown phlegm is more concerning for a bacterial infection, even though some viruses cause such a productive cough.

Nique87, if you're getting worse, see a doc.  If you're getting better, great!  good luck!

[kaysav05]

I'm not a Dr. but I am a smoker and this happens to me everytime! I'll get a cold and just when I think it's gone; it pops back up stronger than ever with the same symptoms that you have. Which always ends up being bronchitis, I would get tothe Dr. and let them tell you if you need an anti biotic. Most Dr.s will give anti biotics if you have green or brown phlem; just because. They say that it's an infection. My Personal opinion; go get checked out by your doctor.
Good Luck

[Nique87]

Also, after I spit up the phlegm it leaves a nasty taste in my mouth that I can't get rid of.  I don't know if this makes a difference but I'm a non-smoker