I’m wondering if anyone out there has even just a slightly similar experience to me. I’m just turned 22 and for the last few years I have been coughing up sputum (mornings mostly but now more often through the day). I’ve not been diagnosed with anything but my lungs are clearly not 100% - breathless, chest pain, wheezing, chest infections - this isn’t too unusual but the black sputum I occasionally cough up is. When I say black I don’t mean dark drown or red I mean jet black streaks, like pen ink. It comes and goes every few months or so and only stays for a few days max - I’m usually put back on antibiotics but it always comes back eventually. Is it worth going back to the GP for what feels like the thousandth time or is it most likely harmless and just something strange with my lungs? Oh and I’m not a smoker or a coal miner 😵💫
Black sputum/phlegm/mucus: I’m... - Lung Conditions C...
Black sputum/phlegm/mucus
It’s certainly worth going back to your GP. Have you been seen by a respiratory consultant? If not then you need to be. Fight your corner and get doctors to take you seriously. Let us know how you get on.
I totally agree with sassy59. Demand further investigation not antibiotics Bernardine.
I agree with Sassy and Bernardine. You need to see a respiratory consultant and have all the tests to get a diagnosis.
The others are right, you need a proper diagnosis and referral to an expert, it isn't normal for a non smoking 22 year old to have a lot of mucus at any time of day especially if there are jet black streaks in it.
the Lung Conditions forum has a helpline is wo/manned by respiratory nurses. Do give them a call uk office hours 00300 555 2800 . Sadly, we have to be very proactive in getting medical attention these day and I dont think you can leave it Cait, having excess mucus sitting in your lungs usually leads to bacteria growing rapidly & becoming an infection needing a good antibiotic for two weeks not the usual 5 days. There are quite a few lung conditions and most are very manageable. Try to find out if there a gp at your practice who specialises in lungs - they're often more knowledgeable about one thing as well as being 'general' practitioners, for ie mine is the go to for balance issues.
Wishing you all the best in your quest for proper diagnosis. P
Cait, you need proper help and diagnosis asap, this is not right for someone your age. It's no good being fobbed off with antibiotics and i'm really SHOCKED your GP is doing this. You are going to have to be strong, go to a different GP first and INSIST on help....take a sample of the black sputum with you. THIS IS NOT NORMAL!
As said by others please return to the gp and 'request' a referral to a respiratory specialist.
Hi Cait, welcome to the forum. I can only repeat what the others have said. You need a proper diagnosis. Ask for a referral to a lung specialist. Let us all know how it goes 🤞🙂
Hello Cait, I have to agree with the other members, you need this matter investigated . Its not usual to cough up coloured sputum or any sputum in general at your age and a none smoker or coal miner as you say. Anti biotics are only of use in bacterial infection. Every best wish with a speedy action by your GP on this matter, however if not try a private route just to get a guide line as to what it might be. Maybe Asthma UK might be able to help also. Take care
Hi Cait_, I have never heard of this one but it sounds like your GP is taking a casual approach to your health problem, you really need to tell the doctor that you want to know exactly why you are having these symptoms, it's not good enough that they keep giving you antibiotics without looking into the root cause of the problem, none of us want to be taking antibiotics regularly, they just aren't great in the long term, I hope you get it sorted very soon..
Thanks everyone for the replies, it really means a lot and I’m going to stand my ground with the GPs and get some real help and answers. Thought I’d also mention that I have had sputum cultures and they come back with 1 or more bacteria every time but I do also wonder if it’s possible there’s a fungus at play too - I don’t know what’s included in general sputum testing but have read it’s maybe the cause of the black colour. Anyway I will update with hopefully more answers, wish me luck
You clearly need more investigations. You shouldn’t be getting chest infections every few months. However it maybe that you are simply not receiving enough antibiotics to properly clear the original infection and hence it keeps reoccurring. This will often make infection worse because it’s fighting off the insufficient antibiotics. Also it could be worth keeping a diary because your symptoms might be environmental especially the black streaks in mucus. The only reason I suggest this is because if I travel on the tube (in London) I have back streaks in mucus the next day!! Just a thought.
Yeah I’ve thought the same I’m regards to the antibiotics and also thought it must be environmental (even questioned if it could be makeup because of how jet black it is) but now it’s been 3 years since the first time and I’ve lived in 4 different settings it feels less likely - hopefully some answers soon
Hello Kate. Phlegm with dark brown in it, is blood causing inflammation.
It can happen with a chronic disease.
If the Doctor doesn’t know it may be that. Then go to the walk in Centre at your nearest hospital.
You can be X Rayed there.
You may have to wait a while but
at least you will know someone will help you?
The colour is dried blood.
Don’t worry it can be sorted.
Good Luck.
I’m a retired RGN DiPLOMA Nurse.
Put a specimen in for testing.is it viruses that trigger the cough+ thn mucous?
Bacterial infections every time I’ve done a sputum test
Sputum
Sputum Culture
Dam Sputum is always Lurking.
blood in Sputum
Sputum sample
