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Question: I have had a cough, fatigue and some breathing issues on and off since my Trip to AZ in Feb.2016.
My last "bout" has lasted since 24SEP16 to present. This last bout was horrible, I coughed up something similar to a liquid jellyfish, or rubber cement in consistency, twice (this scard me). 2 trips to ER and 2 chest xrays were clear. The only relief I get at all is from inhalers (only use when I can't breath or have wheezing) and acupuncture. I'm concerned about the cause. Could it be "valley Fever'? and what is NMT respiratory infection? My local health care system (not my PCP) is treating symptoms but not looking at the big picture.
I have an appointment to see a Pulmonary Dr. at XXXXXXX Clinic but I just found out my insurance won't cover any out of state treatments. Your advise. . .
My last "bout" has lasted since 24SEP16 to present. This last bout was horrible, I coughed up something similar to a liquid jellyfish, or rubber cement in consistency, twice (this scard me). 2 trips to ER and 2 chest xrays were clear. The only relief I get at all is from inhalers (only use when I can't breath or have wheezing) and acupuncture. I'm concerned about the cause. Could it be "valley Fever'? and what is NMT respiratory infection? My local health care system (not my PCP) is treating symptoms but not looking at the big picture.
I have an appointment to see a Pulmonary Dr. at XXXXXXX Clinic but I just found out my insurance won't cover any out of state treatments. Your advise. . .
Brief Answer:
Bronchitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Thank you for writing to HCM.
It sounds like you might be suffering for chronic bronchitis which is characterized by airflow limitations that are not fully reversible. It is basically chronic inflammation and progression of productive cough over several months that can last for years. It is different from emphysema as there is no actual destruction of the lung tissue - bronchitis is just inflammation and overproduction of mucus glands with a chronic cough.
It was most like started by an infection that you caught when you traveled to Arizona, however the cause may never be known. Occasionally, the infection can still be present which means you may need antibiotics.
I would recommend a pulmonary doctor who can preform pulmonary function test and stage the level of bronchitis. In addition, you might need a stronger inhaler. Depending on the severity, you may also need steroids to help decrease the inflammation and antibiotic. You should also avoid all tobacco smoke (including first hand and second hand smoke). You should have all vaccinations updated.
Bronchitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Thank you for writing to HCM.
It sounds like you might be suffering for chronic bronchitis which is characterized by airflow limitations that are not fully reversible. It is basically chronic inflammation and progression of productive cough over several months that can last for years. It is different from emphysema as there is no actual destruction of the lung tissue - bronchitis is just inflammation and overproduction of mucus glands with a chronic cough.
It was most like started by an infection that you caught when you traveled to Arizona, however the cause may never be known. Occasionally, the infection can still be present which means you may need antibiotics.
I would recommend a pulmonary doctor who can preform pulmonary function test and stage the level of bronchitis. In addition, you might need a stronger inhaler. Depending on the severity, you may also need steroids to help decrease the inflammation and antibiotic. You should also avoid all tobacco smoke (including first hand and second hand smoke). You should have all vaccinations updated.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you Dr. Rebich.
But both of my chest x-rays have been clear. So the doctors here ruled out bronchitis.
For chronic bronchitis would it be wise to adjust my diet to help eliminate inflammation?
I have had 5-7 antiobiotics since March and nothing seemed to help.
I live in a smoke free home and I detest smoking so I always try to avoid second hand smoke.
What else can I do to try to heal the inflammation in my lungs?
Will eating gluten free, dairy free, grain free help?
Thanks again, XXXX
PS
I forgot to share with you that during the peak illness, 2-3 hour coughing fits in the middle of the night, I twice, coughed up/threw up a clearish, watery jellyfish consistency of something.
After I threw up "this" the first time the heaviness in my left lung eased.
The amount of velocity of this expelling out of me, scared me.
I tried to save some to show my doctor but by the time I could in, it was dried out.
Several days later, mold spots and 2 blood spots appeared on the tissue, in the baggie.
Thanks again. XXXX
But both of my chest x-rays have been clear. So the doctors here ruled out bronchitis.
For chronic bronchitis would it be wise to adjust my diet to help eliminate inflammation?
I have had 5-7 antiobiotics since March and nothing seemed to help.
I live in a smoke free home and I detest smoking so I always try to avoid second hand smoke.
What else can I do to try to heal the inflammation in my lungs?
Will eating gluten free, dairy free, grain free help?
Thanks again, XXXX
PS
I forgot to share with you that during the peak illness, 2-3 hour coughing fits in the middle of the night, I twice, coughed up/threw up a clearish, watery jellyfish consistency of something.
After I threw up "this" the first time the heaviness in my left lung eased.
The amount of velocity of this expelling out of me, scared me.
I tried to save some to show my doctor but by the time I could in, it was dried out.
Several days later, mold spots and 2 blood spots appeared on the tissue, in the baggie.
Thanks again. XXXX
Brief Answer:
You have options still
Detailed Answer:
Hi there XXXXXXX
A chest x-ray usually doesn't show anything abnormal with bronchitis.
I would recommend getting pulmonary function test which are a broad range of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and exhale air and how efficiently they transfer oxygen into the blood.
I would recommend getting a high resolution CT scan of your lungs. High resolution CT scans are very good a demonstrated most types of lung diseases and some heart conditions. They are reserved for people in your situation with obvious disease without a diagnosis. They are used to better visualize the lungs, heart, and areas surrounding them.
I would recommend high dose inhaled steroids and a short course of oral steroids, as well as long acting inhaled medication with antibiotics.
I would recommend getting an ultrasound of your heart to rule out heart failure as a cause of your your symptoms. Pulmonary artery hypertension can also cause some of these symptoms.
I hope this helps.
You have options still
Detailed Answer:
Hi there XXXXXXX
A chest x-ray usually doesn't show anything abnormal with bronchitis.
I would recommend getting pulmonary function test which are a broad range of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and exhale air and how efficiently they transfer oxygen into the blood.
I would recommend getting a high resolution CT scan of your lungs. High resolution CT scans are very good a demonstrated most types of lung diseases and some heart conditions. They are reserved for people in your situation with obvious disease without a diagnosis. They are used to better visualize the lungs, heart, and areas surrounding them.
I would recommend high dose inhaled steroids and a short course of oral steroids, as well as long acting inhaled medication with antibiotics.
I would recommend getting an ultrasound of your heart to rule out heart failure as a cause of your your symptoms. Pulmonary artery hypertension can also cause some of these symptoms.
I hope this helps.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
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