Constant green phlegm since March 2023

[Rhirhi234]

Hello. I was diagnosed with asthma in 2019 after a nasty chest infection where the GP said my chest was very wheezy and suggested that she thought I had asthma. It was confirmed over the next 2 months by spirometry and peak flow with the asthma nurse. I was given Fostair 200/6 and used it until February this year when I asked if I could step down as I was getting such high peak flows so went down to luforbec 100/6. Since then I have had very green phlegm with occasional blood streaks so I had luforbec 200/6, steroids and 5 lots of antibiotics but still having lots of green phlegm.I had a referral to respiratory who said my feno and breathing tests suggested I wasn't asthmatic which she didn't really explain and also my lung CT scan was clear. I have had 3 lots of blood tests which have shown raised white cell count.I am so confused. Just wondering if anyone has experienced something similar?

[Rhirhi234]

Also I am now back on Fostair 100/6

[peege in reply to Rhirhi234]

Good, if its the MDI (spray type) then you can take more if you need it - look up MART regime. Secondly, it sounds as though the bacteria (there are different ones and some can colonise your lungs needing IV antibiotics).

Your medics are doing you a disservice by allowing you to have this green phlegm for so long - in my humble opinion. P

[Troilus]

Raised white blood count and green phlegm says chest infection to me. Could be wrong of course. Has anyone asked you for a sputum sample?

[Rhirhi234 in reply to Troilus]

Sorry.I should have mentioned that.I have done loads of sputum samples but only one came back showing a fungal infection but that was in March.The rest have come back as normal.I am so confused.

[peege in reply to Rhirhi234]

Arrrgh, fungal infection has to be treated with antifungal. Always important to find out the name of these so you can do your own research to make sure you're being treated properly. The NHS website is brilliant for ailments, symptoms and treatments to expect. Sounds as though a big learning curve ahead of you. We have to learn as much as we can to advocate for best treatment

[Rhirhi234 in reply to peege]

I'm wondering whether I do in fact have asthma.The respiratory consultant was so rude to me as if I was wasting her time.I had psedemonas on my lung which I only found out as I have been going back and for so many times.My CT scan was normal too so I have no idea what to do next.Thanks for all the support.I don't feel like I'm going crazy anymore.

Green phlegm every day.

[peege in reply to Rhirhi234]

Goodness, I'm so sorry. This is one of the bugs that needs managing and possibly intravenous antibiotics if it's got a hold. Do write pseudomonas in the search bar to see how others have been treated and with which particular antibiotics. Also do give ALUK_NURSES a call for guidance on how to go about getting treated properly.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

It's completely possible to have normal spirometry, FENO, and CT scan results and still have asthma. Asthma is variable, so even with severe asthma a one-off reading the day of your appointment could be fine, especially if you'd taken your medication. The readings that were taken over time by your asthma nurse would show asthma better than going only on one-off tests. And not all types of asthma have raised FENO - it's just one test that picks up certain types of asthma.

I agree with others to call the ALUK nurses - 0300 2225800 or WhatsApp [phone] Monday-Friday 0915-5pm. Someone should be assessing and treating your infection at the very least, and if you do have asthma, making sure that's treated properly. It sounds as if at least one medical professional thinks you do have asthma - and respiratory consultants don't necessarily know that much about it, I've found.

[Rhirhi234]

Thank you everyone for your your advice.I feel as though I'm banging my head against a brick wall.I will do some more research and give the ALUK helpline a call. I really appreciate you all taking the time to offer advice.Take care.