After recovering from a cold, is it dangerous to have phlegm in the chest?

My father is 64 years old this year, has been smoking since he was 17 years old. He has quit for about 4 months. However, after quitting smoking, he always feels like there is phlegm stuck in his chest, especially 1 month ago, he had a cold but after recovering, he still feels like there is phlegm stuck in his chest, often coughs but does not produce phlegm. I took him for a normal chest X-ray. Is my father's condition dangerous, doctor?

Báo Đồng Nai•28/07/2025

(Mr. Hoai Nam, residing in Dau Giay commune)

Doctor replied:

Hello Nam!

First of all, it is quite common for your father to feel phlegm stuck in his throat and unable to cough it up after quitting smoking, as the respiratory tract lining is recovering after a long period of irritation from cigarette smoke. Coughing and coughing up phlegm after quitting smoking is a normal reflex of the respiratory system in the process of “cleaning” the lungs.

However, if the feeling of phlegm congestion persists and cannot be coughed up, it may be related to increased mucus secretion, chronic inflammation, or some problems such as chronic bronchitis.

Even if your chest X-ray is normal, you should still have a respiratory function test. Your doctor may order a pulmonary function test to check for obstruction. Bronchodilators, expectorants, and respiratory physiotherapy may be used if needed.

In addition, you should note that you need to keep warm, drink enough water, increase light exercise, and avoid cold and dry air.

Wishing you continued good recovery, and good health to you and your family!

Specialist Doctor I Nguyen Huu Bach,

Head of Examination Department, Hoan My Dong Nai Hospital