Confused

[Elder1]

Hi I’m just looking for some wisdom ,

I recently was so unwell with a chest infection , I have copd.

I sent a sputum sample in which was green ,

After starting antibiotics , and having all the usual symptoms , coughing wheezing and bursting headaches ,

A few days later sputum changed to brown , so sent that sample in dr changed antibiotics and they eventually started to work .

After ringing dr reception to inquire about the samples I was told they came back clear , this has never happened before I’m totally confused 🤔

I was so unwell that I even took a COVID test which was clear

I now feel I don’t know my own body anymore

I would appreciate any feedback as to if this has ever happened anyone before as I now feel totally stupid

Was it a chest infection or a sinus infection ,I really don’t know

[Hidden]

Good morning Elder1

I've had this experience too when I was very ill of sputum being inactive /clear. It happens usually when anti biotics have already been started before producing the sputum sample.

I know its not always possible, but if you can provide a sample before you start your anti biotics that would show the bugs. At least that is what I have been advised by respiratory nurse.

Having said that if its the weekend or bank holiday its sometimes more important to start the ABs.

Its worth noting also, if you think you have a sinus infection its best to treat that to try and clear it up, as sometimes sinus infections can result in chest infections.

I hope you are feeling better now.

Best wishes BK

[Elder1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply first sample I hadn’t started antibiotics so that’s what confuses me I do normally try to get it to the drs first thing in the morning ,I too take azithromycin 3times a week Just unsure what’s going on I maybe need to talk to my nurse but I appreciate your reply 😀

[Hidden in reply to Elder1]

A good idea to talk to your respiratory nurse, let us know what she may advise.

[sassy59]

Hello Elder, I know that Pete has sent in sputum samples when he has a chest infection and nothing has shown up. He takes Azithromycin three times a week so generally infection has no chance of being spotted. Sample before antibiotics is best if possible. Hoping you feel better soon. Good wishes to you. Xxx❤️

[Elder1 in reply to sassy59]

Thanks for your reply ,I know people on here are very wise as regards to conditions . I don’t normally bring a lot of sputum up and that’s usually the first sign of infection with me when it increases I’m feeling much better now I continued the antibiotics anyway regardless of the results 😀

[sassy59 in reply to Elder1]

Glad you’re feeling better now and you did the right thing. Xx👍😘

[Hidden]

Don't worry. It isn't you it is the lab test. They are notoriously unreliable in sputum nd often come back clear ( because they have been corrupted) when there is obviously a bug in there. The proof is in the result o taking antibiotics and how your chest feels, not what comes out kf a petrie dish.

[Elder1 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply 👍

[knitter]

Happened to me quite a few times , coughing yuck stuff, sputum test OK .A blood test can show an infection, though.

[Elder1 in reply to knitter]

Thanks for replying 👍

[Mooka]

Happened to me regularly. I was colonised with pseudomonas sputum tests came back clear and even a bronchoscope couldn’t find anything except HI. It was eventually found when I had my sinuses washed out nearly a year and almost constant infections later. I hope you are feeling better now.