Elderly people coughing up white sputum may be due to respiratory infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, etc., or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung tumors and so on. 1. Respiratory tract infections: including acute upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc., often due to viral infections, resulting in inflammation of the bronchial mucosa, which secretes a large amount of white sputum. 2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Elderly people suffering from COPD will cough up white sputum due to low immunity and reduced respiratory defense. 3. Lung tumors: coughing up white sputum may also occur. There are many other causes of coughing up white sputum in the elderly, so it is necessary to consult a doctor in time to further clarify the cause of the disease and take active treatment measures.