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What Does Spitting Of Light Pinkish Fluid Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014

Question: When I get up in the morning my spit/Sylvia is sometimes light pinkish even though I brushed the night before. Mouth is also very dry during the night. One time I noticed a very small red dot which got me concerned if everything is ok. Once I am up then my spits are normal throughout the day but do get yellowish green phlegm. Ent didn't find anything but just acid reflux. I also sometimes keep clearing my throat with coughing. Never a smoker or drinker. My chest xray came normal 3 months ago. Please advise. Also is there an alternative to regular chest CT scan I.e. low dose CT scan where one doesn't get lot of radiation, and do I need one? Thanks, XXXXX age 49.

Answered by Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: GERD Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for posting the query on HCM. After going through the query, I would like to comment the following: 1. Your symptoms are consistent with GERD. You need to take medications for GERD in consultation with your doctor. Also a Gastroenterolgist evaluation will help. 2. GERD is known to cause trickling sensation in throat and coughing symptoms. 3. If chest Xray is normal then no major issue seems to be there. Regular CT scans are not indicated and only if symptoms are persitent, not responding to medications and there is a possibilty of another etiology , does a CT scan help. At present you need to get evaluated by a Pulmonologist in detail. 4. Also are you overweight? Do you snore? As these are factors that can lead to such symptoms. In sucha scenario OSA (Obstructive sleep apnoea) also needs to be ruled out. 5. Sputum examination needs to be done. If there is evidence of infection then a 2 weeks course of antibiotic is recommended. I hope I have answered your query. I will be glad to answer follow up queries if any. Please accept my answer if you have no follow up queries. Regards Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra MBBS MD DNB Consultant Pulmonologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra (2 days later)

I thought I had submitted a follow up. Anyway, is there an alternative to high radiation Chest CT, I.e Low dose CT. Can I get it for peace of mind as I taste metal or bitter taste at back of my throat.

Answered by Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer: CT scan isn't lowdose. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for the follow up query. After going through your follow up query, I would like to comment the following: 1. There is nothing called a low dose CT scan. A CT scan is always associated with significant radiation exposure. 2. Primarily a Chest Xray preferably (digital film) needs to be done. Any major abnormality is most of the times screened out by this. 3. Endoscopy can reveal GERD. Also bronchoscopy can be done by a pulmonologist, if required to search for any intrabronchial infection source. I hope I have answered your query. I will be glad to answer follow up queries if any. Please accept my answer if you have no follow up queries. Regards Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra MBBS MD DNB Consultant Pulmonologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar