Possible Chest Infection? Help.

[whiteboy127]

A few days ago I developed a slight cough which I thought was nothing to worry about, coming forward a few days the cough has turned into a deep chesty cough with a metallic taste, i'm also coughing up a lot of green sputum and wheezing a lot more than usual (I have a asthma inhaler) I also find that when I wake up I am sweating but only on the left hand side of my body below the ribcage. What could this possibly be? I have a appointment with my GP but I am curious to know in the meantime, Thanks for replies in advance.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the forum!
The symptoms of cough with wheezing and breathlessness more pronounced on left side could be due to more affection on left lung due to asthma, allergic bronchitis of left lung, left lung pneumonia (though this will also cause fever) and aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is seen in cases of severe GERD or gastric reflux where a part of the refluxed contents are aspirated by the lung. Left lung is more affected than right. GERD also leaves a metallic taste in mouth and so does a post nasal drip.
It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage without examining. You are right in going to your GP. X-ray of chest may be done. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[whiteboy127]

I forgot to add that I also feel breathless sometimes when waking this is also just on my left side.