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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Cycle of cold, bronchitis and laryngitis
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
Cycle of cold, bronchitis and laryngitis
by jdtm, May 22, 2005 12:00AM
Interacting with people totally exhausts me! I tend to get a minor cold three or four times a year. About three or four days later I will develop bronchitis, followed by a laryngitis and perhaps a minor sore throat. I will have coughing spasms in which I gag and cough for several minutes, at times spitting up yellow mucus. Incontinence is common during these coughing spells. I have no trouble breathing; I am a non-smoker. But the major symptom is extreme fatigue. These periods of ill-health tend to last at least two months where I will get a month's reprieve and then the cycle begins again. I am a retired teacher and I feel part of the problem might be a "damaged" larynx as the mucus seems to stick to my voice box. By the way, I also take medication for hypothyroidism. I do feel better if I do not interact with people - either in person or on the telephone. My doctor says it is viral bronchitis with no medication to help me. This "cycle" has been going on for about 10 years. Is there any hope?
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Jun 08, 2005 12:00AM
, Jun 08, 2005 12:00AM
You should have an exam of both your lower and your upper respiratory tract. This would include a laryngoscopy. This procedure is done using a small camera at the end of a flexible tube, called a fiberoptic laryngoscope. During this procedure your vocal cords and the upper part of your windpipe can be examined. You also need a thorough evaluation for fatigue. You might consider seeking a second opinion.
Your "periods of ill health" could be due to asthma along with an allergic condition called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) causing the yellow mucus. However the yellow mucus would be more typical of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is the back flow of stomach contents, including digestive juices, into the esophagus or food tube. This is most commonly called acid reflux or heartburn. This reflux can come all the way up into the mouth and nose. When this happens the material can be aspirated, dribbling into the windpipe and lungs. This could explain your symptoms, including the bronchitis.
GERD can cause the following symptoms:
· Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth;
· Pain occurring in the middle of the chest;
· Coughing and/or choking while lying down;
· Increased trouble breathing while asleep; and
· Even no symptoms at all. This is called “silent reflux” and it is common.
You will need to check with your doctor to know for sure what is causing your symptoms. A pH probe is the best test to find out if you truly have GERD. This test measures the acid in your esophagus to see if digestive juices are coming up from your stomach. Please read our Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease MedFact at http://www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/reflux.html for more information about things to do to lessen GERD. A gastroenterologist is the type of specialist to let you know if further testing is needed to identify GERD and the best treatment.
Your "periods of ill health" could be due to asthma along with an allergic condition called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) causing the yellow mucus. However the yellow mucus would be more typical of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is the back flow of stomach contents, including digestive juices, into the esophagus or food tube. This is most commonly called acid reflux or heartburn. This reflux can come all the way up into the mouth and nose. When this happens the material can be aspirated, dribbling into the windpipe and lungs. This could explain your symptoms, including the bronchitis.
GERD can cause the following symptoms:
· Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth;
· Pain occurring in the middle of the chest;
· Coughing and/or choking while lying down;
· Increased trouble breathing while asleep; and
· Even no symptoms at all. This is called “silent reflux” and it is common.
You will need to check with your doctor to know for sure what is causing your symptoms. A pH probe is the best test to find out if you truly have GERD. This test measures the acid in your esophagus to see if digestive juices are coming up from your stomach. Please read our Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease MedFact at http://www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/reflux.html for more information about things to do to lessen GERD. A gastroenterologist is the type of specialist to let you know if further testing is needed to identify GERD and the best treatment.
Member Comments (2)
by Inanga, May 31, 2005 12:00AM
I have had excessive mucous problems for years and it lead to constant infections, etc. Turned out to be food allergies to wheat/gluten/SOY. Felt better after the FIRST DAY avoiding them and have continued to improve - been a month now and feel like normal - had forgotten what it's like to breathe easily.
