Shiny phlegm?

[rebellion]

I was told accouple of years ago in a brief T/C I had COPD,I have never smoked.

I was given little other information, and my Spirometry test was borderline (even the nurse was puzzled)There’s no doubt I have a cough ,but I don’t have the answers I need. I feel the Spirometry test was very vague ,and I am also wondering if any throat issues could cause a cough that may be misdiagnosed as COPD?

The phlegm I get is "shiny" under light ( a bit snail like!) Does anyone else get this?

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi rebellion and welcome to the site, I can't help with your question apart from asking your GP to do other breathing test and CT scan . That may give you the answers you need . Please keep posting and let us know how you are doing, have a lovely day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌻🌻

[Patk1]

Have u had an x-ray or ct scan? I have vocal chord dysfuntion(vcd) it can cause cough.throat closes to pinhole and struggle to breathe.therr r techniques to help.i also have severe multiple complex lung diseases

[rebellion in reply to Patk1]

Several X-rays that showed clear, then this vague call from the doctor saying I had COPD. No CT scan, have to admit I wasn't keen on the idea of a radiation blast so didnt ask!

[Shrimpy-13-22-25]

Hi rebellion, I think it’s a case of having another doctor appointment and possibly scans/X-ray. Before your visit it may help the doctor if you could take a sputum sample with you. They can always inspect it themselves or send it for testing. You should be able to pick up a sputum pot from your surgery. With regard to COPD, although smoking is the usual cause some people have never smoked, but have been amongst people who do. COPD also covers an umbrella of lung problems. I wish you well, and hope you find the cause of your cough and receive the correct treatment.

[Gillian_ALUK Partner]

Please think about getting in touch with our Helpline Team on 0300 222 5800 9:00am/5:00pm Monday – Friday. We’re here to listen, talk to and answer any questions you have if you’d like to give us a call.

In the meantime, there’s information about COPD, the symptoms you might get and how it’s diagnosed and treated here that you might find useful: blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

[Alberta56]

Hello rebellion, When I had covid I was coughing up shiny phlegm. A snail would have been proud of it. Normally it's clear unless I have an infection. Don't know that helps very much. A CT scan would only subject you to a small dose of radiation and might provide some answers.

[Bingo88]

You could always ask to see a Respiratory nurse or clinic. I did for copd. And find they have more time to do answer questions and are very knowledgeable because they deal with copd every day. Hope you get some help and answers. Also ask about a Pulmonary rehabilitation course. Which everyone says will help you understand your condition and learn how to control your breathing when breathless. I am just waiting to go on this course. Good luck. And let us know how you get on Brian

[Izb1]

I think its just too easy for the gp to put this down to copd instead of doing a proper investigation, ask to be referred to a respiratory consultant, this way you have more chance of getting the correct diagnosis. Good luck x

[MrsSixx5]

I have asthma , Bronchiectasis and ILO( hyperactive larynx) the ILO causes an awful debilatating cough.

Have a Google see if it fits ..