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What Would Cause Chest Congestion, Cough And Blood In Phlegm?

Posted on Fri, 22 Jan 2021

Question: After my walk this morning, I was congested and coughing. I coughed up with I thought was plegm and when I spit it out it was blood.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Get done chest X-ray, ECG and 2D echo.

Detailed Answer:

Thanks for your question on this platform.

I can understand your concern.
You are having hemoptysis.
It is commonly seen with lung and heart diseases.
So better to get done chest x ray, ecg and 2d echo.
Chest x ray is needed to rule out lung diseases.
Ecg and 2d echo are needed to rule out heart diseases.
Please let me know if you are having diabetes or hypertension.
Also let me know if you are active smoker.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

I don't have diabetes or hypertension. Not I don't smoke except marijuana occasionally.

In February I had a physical. I had the ekg and an echo and a stress test. I got very out of breathe with that procedure so the Cardiologist checked my heart with a camera thru a vein in my arm and was declared to have a healthy heart. As part of the physical, they also did a chest xray of my lungs and said they were clear.

I was told I have scar tissue in the bottom of my lungs. In 2006 fluid was found around my lungs and a surgery was done to remove it. My understanding is that is what caused the scar tissue. I've had regular check ups with a Pulmonologist since then and everything has been fine. My Pulmonologist retired a couple years ago so I haven't been getting check ups.

So - these tests you suggest - do you recommend I do them soon? It is Friday before the holiday weekend. How concerned should I be?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you should definitely get done PFT.

Detailed Answer:

Thanks for your follow up question.

I can understand your concern.
Yes, you should definitely get done PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).
Chest x ray can be normal in bronchitis.
If PFT is showing obstructive defect then your all symptoms fit into bronchitis.
So get done PFT.
You need to consult pulmonologist for PFT. So try to take early appointment and get done PFT.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana