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What Causes Coughing Up Phlegm With Green Specks In A Smoker?
Question: Hello Doctor, I am a 30-year old male. Smoker (5 cigarettes a day) for 10 years, For a couple of weeks now, I've been coughing up phlegm with green specks. It was bad during the first 10 days, but in the last few days, the cough has almost completely vanished, but there are a few times in the day that I have to cough up phlegm (with the green dots).
I did take Moxifloxacin (prescribed by a GP) for a week, which brought down the cough and the amount of phlegm production. Was just worried, and thought I'll get your thoughts as well.
I did take Moxifloxacin (prescribed by a GP) for a week, which brought down the cough and the amount of phlegm production. Was just worried, and thought I'll get your thoughts as well.
Brief Answer:
You had a bout of LRTI.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
It seems, you had a bout of `lower respiratory tract infection`(LRTI) which has responded favourably to the moxifloxacin that you took.
Though there is not much to worry as of now but let me tell you that smoking damages the lining of the airways and you become prone to repeated chest infections. In the long run you may develop COPD which is a progressive and debilitating disease.
Beside this, you may be well aware that smoking has been established as a cause of lung cancer.
Needless to say that you should stop smoking and earlier the better.
You had a bout of LRTI.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
It seems, you had a bout of `lower respiratory tract infection`(LRTI) which has responded favourably to the moxifloxacin that you took.
Though there is not much to worry as of now but let me tell you that smoking damages the lining of the airways and you become prone to repeated chest infections. In the long run you may develop COPD which is a progressive and debilitating disease.
Beside this, you may be well aware that smoking has been established as a cause of lung cancer.
Needless to say that you should stop smoking and earlier the better.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much for your response, Dr. Dangwal. I intend to give up smoking for good right away.
Just another point doctor: I have also had to blow my nose a few times throughout these days. At the risk of sounding gross, there has been thick white mucus discharge on a regular basis during the last 2 weeks. Is that expected in 'LRTI'?
Just another point doctor: I have also had to blow my nose a few times throughout these days. At the risk of sounding gross, there has been thick white mucus discharge on a regular basis during the last 2 weeks. Is that expected in 'LRTI'?
Brief Answer:
It is because of inflammation of lining of nose.
Detailed Answer:
Yes, when ever there is resp tract infection, it generally starts with upper resp tract which begins from nose. If it is severe it may travel to your lungs and then it is termed as LRT. So probably the inflammation of the lining of upper resp tract is persisting and resulting in mucus discharge.
It is because of inflammation of lining of nose.
Detailed Answer:
Yes, when ever there is resp tract infection, it generally starts with upper resp tract which begins from nose. If it is severe it may travel to your lungs and then it is termed as LRT. So probably the inflammation of the lining of upper resp tract is persisting and resulting in mucus discharge.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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