Green phlegm

[Helennn]

Does green phlegm from nose always mean an infection? I am trying to avoid going back to the doctors for more antibiotics and have been trying to get rid of it myself but not working. She has given me emergency steroids, shall I use these or do you need antibiotics too?

[Hidden]

If your sputum is green I would see your GP you might need antibiotics take care x

[Helennn in reply to Hidden]

Hmm yeah, haven't got time to go to the doctors as I work 5 days a week! Really trying to not take anymore time off work either :/ xx

[Hidden in reply to Helennn]

Do you have COPD or lung disease if you are coughing up green phlem you need antibiotics if you are breathless and wheezy you need steroids too.

[Helennn in reply to Hidden]

I have asthma. It's not that I'm coughing it up, I'm always a bit phlegmy and its when I blow my nose. I don't know why she's given me emergency steriods and no emergency antibiotics! Xx

[Hidden in reply to Helennn]

Sorry I don't know about asthma I have COPD may be someone else will come on and help you. You will have to ask your GP why you only have steroids take care x

[Helennn in reply to Hidden]

Aww no bless you thank you for your reply! Take care too xx

[soulsaver]

Green stuff from the nose doesn't necessarily mean its an infection.. but certainly inflammation of some kind- rhinitis/sinusitis. It'll pass, but if its painful/pressure/swollen maybe see GP. Try a Hot Lemon containing phenylephrine (unless you have high blood pressure/heart disease) in it to get some relief/sleep. Don't take for more than 4 or 5 consequetive days or risk a nasty rebound rhinitis .. emedicine.medscape.com/arti...

I use it to get a good nights sleep at the weekend if plagued in the week.

[Helennn in reply to soulsaver]

Hi, thank you for your reply. Lemsip contains that ingredient I believe? I think I've had rebound sinusitis for the past 4 years haha! Xx

[bayleyray-uk]

I have Bronchiectasis, Chronic Asthma, COPD and Hayfever. I have restricted breathing through my nose most of the time usually when it starts to get really clogged up with the mucky stuff and pain in my cheeks and eyebrow line either an infection is setting in or it's time for my seasonal hayfever to kick in (I have pollen and mould allergies) so my nasal passages become inflamed. As you have been given steroids could they be to reduce the swelling in your nasal passages as the mucus could be being made by your body to fight off allergens you are breathing in.

Could you perhaps book a telephone consultation, if your surgery has that option or make an appointment to see your GP.

Hope you feel better soon.

Sue

[Helennn in reply to bayleyray-uk]

Hi thank you for your reply. Aww no bless you I don't have hay fever or allergies I just have recurrent sinusitis even after a sinus operation. Most of the time I think it's due to being given so many antibiotics over the years and my immune system may be resistant to most of them. It may be, yes. I will call them and ask as not sure if they have telephone consultations. Thank you Sue xx

[Hidden]

It may or may not. I do nasal rinses even if taking meds. Maybe do salt and water nasal rinses. I use a special bottle that you just squeeze by "Nellie-Med" In fact, got mine free from them. I like it better than a Netti Pot. . It has a white hose down inside it and you can purchase it at drugstores or online. Don't do it too hard at first or it will go way up into your sinuses and hurt. Slowly and gently until you get the hang of it. That should kill the bacteria and anything up in the nose and sinuses.

I buy a small bag of natural organic type salt for nasal rinses which lasts for a very long time and only costs a couple bucks, but I suppose tablesalt will work in a pinch. You don't need much salt. Maybe a 1/4 teaspoon to a cup of warm (preferably, previously boiled and cooled down) water. Hope it helps. I blow my nose into the sink after each squirt. Then keep proceeding and do it again.

It does help get over being sick.

[Helennn in reply to Hidden]

I have exactly that neilmed sinus rinse with the neilmed sinus sachets of salt too, just placed an order on amazon last night for a new bottle as had mine about 5 months and know your meant to replace every 3! Xx

[Hidden in reply to Helennn]

Great! Then, you're all set! Glad you already have them. I wouldn't be without mine!

Had mine a while before I made it a point to use it daily. Now, it is in my daily routine to "keep" from getting sick because I believe you can breathe in unhealthy things in public that can begin a sickness.

And, it has helped!

[FarmerD]

Hi Helennn,the colour of phlegm does not always mean infection.I always get it wrong.Best to see doctor again.I don,t think self diagnosis is a good thing,we are not trained doctors .My doctor is sometimes not sure so what chance do we have?I know I try to avoid going to the GP but with our condition we must.Get yourself back to the doctor,good luck.D.

[Helennn]

Hi, hmm no I guess were not. But that's true I've gone to the doctors many of times and they have even been unsure whether to prescribe an antibiotic or not. I'm using my sinus rinse and steaming with cinnamon and clove oil daily but still going to work as I can't stand the thought of phoning in sick again. I finish at 3:30 tomorrow so might ring the doctors early on and see what they say. Thank you for your reply xx