brown phlegm

I have no coughing but 2 big brown tissue like pieces came out of my mouth. Can phlegm turn this brown color and turn hard if it was inside your system for years? What could it be? What causes brown phlegm?

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

Yes, mucous plugs can turn brown and be quite firm in consistency, either with or without being infected.  The site of origin of your “big brown tissue like pieces” could be anywhere from your sinuses to your lungs.  Or even, although less likely, from your intestinal tract.  

If from the lungs, they most often are cylindrical, a reflection of the shape of your bronchial tubes.  If you have asthma, these “tissues” would most often arise from a condition called ABPA or ABPM, an allergic condition related to the asthma.

If you still have these “tissues” you should give them to your doctor, to have them sent to the laboratory for examination.  The same goes for any additional plugs you might raise.

You should report these to your doctor, arrange for a physical exam and, minimally have a chest X-ray.  He/she may see fit to refer you to a lung specialist for further evaluation.

Good luck