Bronchitis: Symptoms and Treatments

2. Mucus production

Phlegm or mucous may also be a factor in bronchitis. In acute bronchitis, the cough can start as unproductive, dry, and irritating, but as the condition progresses, it can begin producing sputum. The productive cough tends to last longer. In chronic bronchitis, about half of people have a productive cough. Sputum color can vary. Dark yellow or green sputum may indicate a bacterial infection, like pneumonia, though color alone is not a definite indication of infection. Blood-tinged sputum can occur in bronchitis due to damage to the airway, but it can also indicate a more serious health problem. If you are coughing up blood-tinged or pink sputum, seek medical attention.