Orange sputum??

[Anon2023]

Hi. I’ve been coughing up orange coloured sputum for a couple of years and just put it down to my heart problems (severe mitral regurgitation). I’ve now had ohs twice to replace the mitral valve and have had various other problems including stroke, sepsis, endocarditis which was cleared through surgery . I was on antibiotics for 13 weeks in total both oral and iv but this orange mucus keeps coming up. I don’t have a particular bad cough and I only cough it up once a day. Sputum sample tests come up negative for infection and the doctors seem unconcerned. The cardiologist and the surgeon said they had no idea what it was. I was referred to a respiratory doctor who was quite dismissive and just said I didn’t have any problems with my lungs and my pulmonary function was normal. Ive had numerous chest X-rays that show nothing. After my recent health problems I do have health anxiety. I’m wondering whether this orange mucus is nothing to worry about and to ignore it. I’m wondering if anyone else coughs this stuff up and has any idea what it is. I’ve never smoked and all my blood tests including crp are normal.

[Megaladon]

Hi,I have the same mucus for about two years nowZ had mitral valve replacement op 5 weeks ago. I feel much better and mucus is there.

Originally I was told the mucus was because of acid reflux and mild gastritis I had (i have small hiatus hernia as well). It originally bothered me but after the op it did not stop. Therefore I think it must be connected to acid reflux rather than my heart so I am not bothered too much. Stressing about it was making it worse. Now I get very little. Early April I have consultation with my surgeons. I am going to ask them about it again.

[Anon2023 in reply to Megaladon]

Hi. Thanks for your reply. I also have a small hiatus hernia and reflux. I was wondering if it was connected to that. I would be really grateful if you could let me know what your surgeon says in April. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. Thanks again.

[Megaladon in reply to Anon2023]

Ok when I speak to them I will let you know the outcome.

[Anon2023 in reply to Megaladon]

By the way hope that you are feeling ok after your op. I’m 7 weeks post my 2nd mitral valve replacement. It’s brutal surgery but I’m pleased that you are feeling better.

[Megaladon in reply to Anon2023]

Of course I am not 100% there yet. It will take time. But I feel ok so far except when breathing deeply there is a slight pain in my heart. After discharge nobody communicated with me. Therefore I could not ask anyone. First appointment with my surgeon is next month . That makes me feel a bit anxious. However I do about 3 k walk for the past week. And its fine. Just trying to get my INR levels stabilized atm.

If you don’t mind me asking why was your mitral valve replaced twice?

[Anon2023 in reply to Megaladon]

I had my first valve replacement in sept 21. I contacted sepsis in Oct, had a stroke in November and then diagnosed endocarditis in November. I was extremely unlucky as it’s rare. They say that the stroke was directly related to endocarditis. They hospitalised me and I was on iv antibiotics but the endocarditis had attached to the valve. I had my next surgery in January this year to replace the valve and clear the infection and other that a couple of arythmia events, I’ve been ok. I was just extremely unlucky and every one else I’ve met with a valve replacement has been fine. If you can walk that distance and feel ok then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. I get occasional pain in my chest but attribute that to the healing process and nerves reconnecting but if it worries you then get checked out. I’m in the north east and we have specialist cardiac nurses at the hospital. They rang me within days of discharge from hospital but that was perhaps because of complications. I’ve rang them a few times since with questions and they’ve always been great. I would enquire if there are any at your hospital. They usually have them attached to the outpatient cardiology department. follow up care from my surgeon is a bit hit and miss and other than when I’ve been in hospital I’ve not seen the cardiologist. I think the specialist cardiac nurses are the way to go if you have any concerns at all. It’s such a shame that follow up is so inconsistent but nobody is going to criticise you for contacting cardiology if you have any concerns although you sound as though you are doing really well.

.

[Megaladon in reply to Anon2023]

Thank you for the detailed response and I do hope you will fully recover soon. It sounds like you have been little bit unlucky there. Cardiac rehab nurses call on Fridays. I will ask them when they call me tomorrow. I will ask about the orange mucus to them, incase they have an idea as well.

Yeah walking is absolutely fine now. But bear in mind I am only 45. And got this condition unexpectedly as I was diagnosed in November.

This weekend my plan is to increase the steps to 5k. Next week is my 6th week after the op.

Take care

Ken

[Hidden]

Dear Anon2023

I read your post with great interest as it was like time travel for me.

Now first please remember that I am not medically trained and I am only giving you the best description of what happened to me some years ago now.

Like you I began to cough up an orange mucus that at the beginning I totally ignored (my typical male attitude) anyway like you I had many tests,

One test showed that I had a ulcer ( camera down the throat) I was given some strong antibiotics (very, three types I think) and not only did the ulcer go but so did the orange mucus.

I have never had another incident of it since then.

I hope that this helps in anyway

[Anon2023]

Hi thanks for your reply. That’s very interesting and I’m thinking it is gastro related although I never have heartburn. Not sure what the symptoms of an ulcer are I think I need to go back to my gp and try and get to the bottom of this. I’m pleased you are feeling better.

[Qualipop]

It may have nothing to do with your lungs b ut could be coming downteh back of your nose from your sinuses. Have you been to ENT?

[Anon2023 in reply to Qualipop]

Hi. Thanks for your message. I did go to ent as I had a hole in my septum as a result of numerous sinus ops in my youth. I asked the ent consultant about the mucus but he didn’t think it was due to sinus issues. The respiratory doctor suggested otherwise but both discharged me saying that it was not my lungs or sinuses. I did have very loud crackling noises while lying down for a long time but this has subsided for the time being. I think this is was related to my heart problems and the pressure it placed on my lungs. All of my lung X-rays come up clear and as a result of endocarditis I had 13 weeks of antibiotic treatment which should have knocked any infection on the head. My pulmonary function is said to be ok and my oxygen saturation hovers between 97 and 99%. I’n view of this I’m leaning towards thinking it may be a gastro problem. Not sure if I’ll be able to convince by gp to do a referral though.

[Qualipop in reply to Anon2023]

That's very possible