Intermitent but frequent heavy congestion/wheezing/white sticky sputum

[Bawbo]

I am a 54 year old Caucasian male who has always been in good health.  I have never smoked.  About 6-7 years ago I began developing a condition where I will have periods of heavy chest congestion and production of a sticky, thick white sputum.  Occasionally it will have a red or pink tinge to it, but usually it is white.  The congestion is accompanied by heavy wheezing and fatigue.  These periods of congestion can last up to a week and then they will subside for 1-3 weeks, then reappear.  About 5 years ago I went to a clinic (free through my wife's Indian heritage), they did lung function tests and took xrays.  I did have some restricted lung function, and the xrays showed something ( a sinewy mass I think they said) in one of my lungs....but the people at this clinic did not know what it was they were seeing.  They took a sputum sample and tested it and determined whatever I have was not cancer.  They wanted to refer me to a Pulmonologist, but there was none in this particular health care facility.

I do not have health insurance and I have not sought further medical attention because of the cost.  I have some savings and can invest in a little treatment.  What do you think is my problem.  One additional thing I can tell you, my problems began shortly after we moved into our current home and we know that there is mold in these walls.  We have had some of the mold removed, but I am not sure how much more there is.  Could that be a cause?  

Thanks.

Bob

[Bawbo]

Thank you forum MD.  I will follow the recommended steps.

[National Jewish]

The onset of your respiratory symptoms shortly after you moved into your present home is highly suspicious for an environmental cause, quite possibly the mold you mention.  This type of lung disease is usually a form of allergy and is called hypersensitivity pneumonia.  It can be acute or chronic and can result in permanent lung damage.

If possible, return to the clinic where you were previously seen for an examination of your lungs and a chest x-ray and breathing tests.  Then ask the physician who sees you the x-ray and the breathing test results.  We know this is difficult, without health insurance, but for you to not seek assistance now, may result in further permanent lung damage.

National Jewish Medical and Research Center does offer the Physician Line (800) NJC 9555 or [phone] from 8 am to 4:30 pm Mountain time (10 am to 6:30 pm Eastern time) Monday through Friday or email anytime ***@****.  This free service is exclusively for physicians to refer patients to National Jewish or consult with a National Jewish physician.  Another option is for the physician to complete the consultation form on the National Jewish website at https://www.nationaljewish.org/contact/phys/consult.aspx.