Sinus Disease and possible emphysema?

[buddy94]

Hi People,

I'm 40 y.o. have had chronic phlegm for months and was recently diagnosed with sinus disease. The constsnt discharge has been more than annoying, but as of recent, I have developed shortness of breath and chest pain. Most  of the pain is in my ribs, actually. But I do have a cough as well. All of this actually started with a diagnosis of bronchitis 6 months ago that snow balled into all of this. I guess what I'm asking is even with a recent chest x-ray and ctscan that came back clear, is it possible I've developed lung disease? Sorry to say I took up smoking for about 10 years and quit recently.

Thank You.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Sinus infections usually cause a post nasal drip, which can lead to a lower respiratory tract infection. This is more so as you have developed a shortness of breath and chest pain. Fever and cough with sputum also indicate an infection of the lower respiratory tract. You need antibiotics to tackle the infection. So, please consult your primary care physician at the earliest. In the meantime you could try warm salt water gargles, steam inhalation and OTC Tylenol (acetaminophen).  

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[allmymarbles]

Sorry. Vitamin B5. It is a mucolytic (mucus thinner). There are no side effects.

[buddy94]

I'm sorry, but 1000mg of what?

[allmymarbles]

You will know better what is going on if you can get rid of the phlegm. I had chronic bronchitis and took 1000 mg./day until I got it under control. Now I take only half that. It works well for both infectious and non-infectious bronchitis. Mucomyst used with a nebulizer is sheer magic for getting rid of mucus, but the liquid is sold in very few pharmacies.

Something else to consider is that that you may have developed a candida problem if your bronchitis was treated with an antibiotic. That would account for your developing a sinus problem. This could also spread to the lungs. Ask your doctor about this.