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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Expert Forum)
Clear Sputum
by redvette, Sep 17, 2008 09:24PM
Unsure if this is chronic bronchitis. 61 yr old male cauc. Non-smoker. Generally good health. Take 20mg Lipitor for 6 yrs. One yr ago contracted bronchitis. Antibiotics cured quickly. 3 mos ago started producing more sputum & lots of throat clearing. Sputum was greenish. Went back on antibiotics & sputum diminished and suddenly, within days, started again. This time clear. Throat clearing worse in evenings. One year ago had lung xray & was considered clear.
Have stopped antibiotics as infection must be viral. Two years ago had intestinal infection & lots of testing. Always produce sputum after milk but was tested as NOT lactose intolerant. Might have lactose sensitivity. Not sure where to turn next. Thank you.
Have stopped antibiotics as infection must be viral. Two years ago had intestinal infection & lots of testing. Always produce sputum after milk but was tested as NOT lactose intolerant. Might have lactose sensitivity. Not sure where to turn next. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish Health, Sep 23, 2008 05:31PM
, Sep 23, 2008 05:31PM
You may have bronchitis but it may not necessarily be infectious, viral or bacterial. You could be having acid reflux with recurrent aspiration or some type of swallowing disorder with the same outcome. This is not lactose sensitivity. You definitely should have your upper intestinal tract checked out by a gastroenterologist, also known as a GI specialist.
Or, the problem could be infectious but with organisms that can cause chronic/recurrent lung symptoms of bronchitis. Specifically this would be an atypical form of tuberculosis (TB) called nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) such as mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). You should see a lung specialist and should definitely have another chest x-ray and may need a CT scan of your lungs.
Finally, you will want your doctors to make sure that you are not suffering from chronic sinusitis, in particular allergic fungal sinusitis, a condition that can cause all the symptoms you describe.
You should discuss this information with your doctor.
Or, the problem could be infectious but with organisms that can cause chronic/recurrent lung symptoms of bronchitis. Specifically this would be an atypical form of tuberculosis (TB) called nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) such as mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). You should see a lung specialist and should definitely have another chest x-ray and may need a CT scan of your lungs.
Finally, you will want your doctors to make sure that you are not suffering from chronic sinusitis, in particular allergic fungal sinusitis, a condition that can cause all the symptoms you describe.
You should discuss this information with your doctor.
