Aa
Recurrent unilateral bronchitis
Hello,
For the past few years I have been getting acute, mild to moderate bronchitis almost every time i come down with a cold. The phlem is difficult to cough up and it can take a few weeks to clear, with or without antibiotics. This happens 2 to 3 times a year and usually in late winter or early spring. What concerns me more is that the bronchitis, along with the production of greenish phlem, is almost always limited to my left lung. Normally my breathing is normal and I do not have any sensation of obstruction or flutter when inhaling or exhaling except, ofcourse, during the bronchitis. I also tend to develop sinusitis concurrent to the bronchitis. I am concerned that perhaps I have developed a physical problem in my left bronchial that hinders proper clearance of mucus during colds or flu. Is this possible? I was a light smoker (about 5 cigarettes per day) for 20 years and have been smoke free for more than two years. I am 40 years old. The GP has told me that the bronchitis should be treated with antibiotics when it persists for more than a week but the fact it is on the left side should not be an urgent concern since it has been an "unchanged problem for a long time".
Any response as to the possble causes would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Regards, JF
For the past few years I have been getting acute, mild to moderate bronchitis almost every time i come down with a cold. The phlem is difficult to cough up and it can take a few weeks to clear, with or without antibiotics. This happens 2 to 3 times a year and usually in late winter or early spring. What concerns me more is that the bronchitis, along with the production of greenish phlem, is almost always limited to my left lung. Normally my breathing is normal and I do not have any sensation of obstruction or flutter when inhaling or exhaling except, ofcourse, during the bronchitis. I also tend to develop sinusitis concurrent to the bronchitis. I am concerned that perhaps I have developed a physical problem in my left bronchial that hinders proper clearance of mucus during colds or flu. Is this possible? I was a light smoker (about 5 cigarettes per day) for 20 years and have been smoke free for more than two years. I am 40 years old. The GP has told me that the bronchitis should be treated with antibiotics when it persists for more than a week but the fact it is on the left side should not be an urgent concern since it has been an "unchanged problem for a long time".
Any response as to the possble causes would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Regards, JF
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You may have a physical problem in one or more of the large airways of your left lung that could hinder proper clearance of mucus during colds or flu. A chest x-ray or chest CT scan may reveal the problem. A pulmonologist would be the type of specialist to examine you further to determine the nature of the problem and the best treatment.
You could have some lung damage such as stenosis of a bronchial airway, which tends to trap mucus. The way to find out is to see a pulmonologist when you have the problem and get an x-ray and CT scan. If a nodule or mass is seen, he might want to do a bronchoscopy. If damage is confined to one lobe, surgery might be an option. This is major surgery.
correction: "it can take a few weeks to clear without antibiotics."
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