Bronchial Conjestion

[boblrob]

I am 65 yrs old Aeronautical Engineer. I have never smoked or been exposed to a toxic environment nor am I overweight. About ten months ago I began having smothering spells that woke me during the night. About six months ago I went to a Pulmonologist and had a CT scan. Although the Radiology report suggested COPD, the Pulmonoligist said it was not. He also said that I didn't have Asthma or Emphysema. He did say he saw some evidence that my lungs had combated a fungus, but that this is a common lung condition in some areas of the Southwest. I told him my eyes itched and watered a lot. He suggested I take a combination of Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine and Benadryl, especially before bedtime. The smothering went away. But, I still can't seem to ever clear the mucus off of my broncials. When it is productive, it is only a piece of phelgm about the size of a BB. The phelgm is usually very rigid and has a greenish yellow color.  I have taken Zithromax and Omni-Cef more than once during this period, but still produce the same phelgm. Once or twice a week I lose my voice if I talk for over a few minutes. I suspect that I have a low grade upper respiratory infection, and plan to have a culture run on the phelgm, hoping to find a specific antibiotic. And, finally, I find myself feeling exhausted much of the time. Should I see an ENT or Allergy Specialist or what?

[phylnel]

A related discussion, 10 year chronic cough was started.

[Jo940]

A related discussion, conjestion was started.

[poppiegrammie]

I am 63 year old female and I have recently been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and reflux. The problem that I am having is the mucus that is in my bronchial tubes and seems to be aggrevated by eating. I cough a lot getting little pieces of yellowish "gunk" up especially when I lie down to go to sleep. I have been put on Aciphex and it has helped somewhat but the coughing, wheezing, and tight bronchials continue. It has been suggested that I have the hiatal hernia fixed and that maybe that will take care of the reflux. I am at my wits end as I have been going through this for almost a year. I have never smoked, I don't drink or use drugs. This is the most frustrating thing that I have ever experienced. I could almost deal with the burning stomach if I didn't have the tight bronchials, coughing, mucus, feeling like I am choking, burping, and just generally focused on every wheezing breath routine. If someone has any suggestions other than take more tums, proton pump inhibitors, eliminating foods, raise head of bed, inhalers, I would appreciate them. Thank you, Poppiegrammie

[National Jewish]

You probably have a low-grade lower respiratory infection.  This infection could be either bacterial or fungal.  Any phlegm coughed up should be cultured for both bacteria and fungus.  Also the phlegm should be looked at under a microscope.

[Duchess47]

I would start with ane ENT who can look down your throat with a small tube that goes thru your nose (painless) and tell you pretty much what is going on.  I myself had some of these issues which turned out to be acid reflux disease or GERD.  I have also learned that I may be alergic to a cat that I inherited several months back.