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Suggest Treatment For Coughing Up Of Phlegm
Question: I have been coughing up an ever increasing reasonable volume of white/clear phlegm for approx. 4 weeks. Recently the volume has greatly increased to the point of being able to hear the phlegm in the lungs. Chest hurts slightly and is tight. What is it and what do I do? Thanks, XXXX
Brief Answer:
infection or COPD exacerbation or both
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
increased amount of phlegm for so long is probably due to a COPD exacerbation. You haven't mentioned COPD though, so I'll give you some information about it. COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and may present with various clinical pictures but the common symptoms are shortness of breath and phlegm production. The doctor may detect abnormal breathing sounds with auscultation. Sometimes the patient can hear the abnormal sounds (wheezing), particularly during expiration.
Infections may cause a stable COPD to get worse. Signs of worsening include increased phlegm production, colored phlegm (instead of clear) and shortness of breath. Fever may be present or absent depending on the infection. Treatment with antibiotics and various types of bronchodilators are the most important tools to "fix" this condition. Corticosteroids might be required in some cases.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind regards!
infection or COPD exacerbation or both
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
increased amount of phlegm for so long is probably due to a COPD exacerbation. You haven't mentioned COPD though, so I'll give you some information about it. COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and may present with various clinical pictures but the common symptoms are shortness of breath and phlegm production. The doctor may detect abnormal breathing sounds with auscultation. Sometimes the patient can hear the abnormal sounds (wheezing), particularly during expiration.
Infections may cause a stable COPD to get worse. Signs of worsening include increased phlegm production, colored phlegm (instead of clear) and shortness of breath. Fever may be present or absent depending on the infection. Treatment with antibiotics and various types of bronchodilators are the most important tools to "fix" this condition. Corticosteroids might be required in some cases.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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