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What Causes Yellow And Green Sputum With Occasional Cough?

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Posted on Tue, 11 Oct 2016
Question: I have a yellow - green ongoing sputum issue. No other symptoms. Occasional cough.
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Answered by Dr. Scott Rebich (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Further testing for tuberculosis

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

If you tested positive for tuberculosis then you will need treatment even if the chest X-ray was negative for any disease. The treatment is usually 9 months in duration. The alternative would be to get retested and make sure you do not have it. There are several test for tuberculosis. A chest X-ray that is negative shows there is no active disease, but a positive blood test says there is underlying disease - something that is called latent tuberculosis. It is actually asymtomatic, noninfectious condition that follows being exposed to someone with active tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is contagious so you should be careful when you are coughing, sneezing, or touching.

Otherwise, if you just have a green-yellow suptum cough, then you may want to get it tested for tuberculosis. Your doctor can give you a little jar to spit in to send to the lab. There is a higher rate of tuberculosis in people with liver disease. I would recommend calling your local health department to talk to them.

I would also recommend getting a humidifier, using cough drops, avoiding tobacco and second hand smoke, avoid alcohol, Tylenol for fevers and pain, mucinex, any antihistamine such as Benadryl or Zyrtec, neti pot, nasal spray, and doubling your fluid intake. I would also ask your doctor for an inhaler which will help expand your airways and clear your secretions. If these fail, I would recommend a course of antibiotics and steroids.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Scott Rebich (1 hour later)
Thank you Dr Rebich. I will follow up with my PC. This all might be partially connected to not knowing I had HepB exposure which threw my immune system into spinning off a nasty case of Polyarteritis in 1991. As of 2016 I still have a fever several days a week. My former OR Doctor remains certain I have PMR. My new doctor here in AZ still becoming familiar with my case. Regardless, I acknowledge my incredible body and what it presents daily and power onward. Again, thank you. I will contact my doctor tomorrow.
Most sincerely,
Patty
doctor
Answered by Dr. Scott Rebich (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Get ESR with your blood work for PMR

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

When you get your blood work tested, make sure your doctor adds on an ESR which will help diagnosis PMR. Unfortunately, you will probably not be able to have the treatment for PMR until the tuberculosis is figured out or treated.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Scott Rebich

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2015

Answered : 283 Questions

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What Causes Yellow And Green Sputum With Occasional Cough?

Brief Answer: Further testing for tuberculosis Detailed Answer: Hi there, If you tested positive for tuberculosis then you will need treatment even if the chest X-ray was negative for any disease. The treatment is usually 9 months in duration. The alternative would be to get retested and make sure you do not have it. There are several test for tuberculosis. A chest X-ray that is negative shows there is no active disease, but a positive blood test says there is underlying disease - something that is called latent tuberculosis. It is actually asymtomatic, noninfectious condition that follows being exposed to someone with active tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is contagious so you should be careful when you are coughing, sneezing, or touching. Otherwise, if you just have a green-yellow suptum cough, then you may want to get it tested for tuberculosis. Your doctor can give you a little jar to spit in to send to the lab. There is a higher rate of tuberculosis in people with liver disease. I would recommend calling your local health department to talk to them. I would also recommend getting a humidifier, using cough drops, avoiding tobacco and second hand smoke, avoid alcohol, Tylenol for fevers and pain, mucinex, any antihistamine such as Benadryl or Zyrtec, neti pot, nasal spray, and doubling your fluid intake. I would also ask your doctor for an inhaler which will help expand your airways and clear your secretions. If these fail, I would recommend a course of antibiotics and steroids.