Bad phlegm

[Iain1962]

Hi again folks need advise please when should one seek medical attention phlegm’s getting really like the consistency of contact adhesive really struggling to bring it up and breathings getting more and more difficult thanks

[RibvanRey]

You should contact your doctor or respiratory nurse if your sputum changes colour. Greens and browns in particular indicate infection. If you notice blood in the sputum. Especially dark blood. Bright red blood is likely to be from straining your throat.

HTH. Regards, Rib

[skybluepink in reply to RibvanRey]

Funny my Surgery have said don't deal with cardiac or respiratory when holding back diagnosis causing heart failure & lipo -lymphoedema stage 2 too ??And me to change surgery numerous times as my health & safety are at risk re antibiotic connection . Could it be a good omen as infection is not sitting on your chest causing wheezing as having acupuncture , homeopathy & reflexology? This is via the MS Therapy Centre that takes Associated conditions self funded for their pressurised oxygen chamber .NB How pharmacies & surgeries behave when antibiotic is needed - surely it should be immediately not a week later when dosset box delivery happens ?

[Llgr]

I would definitely contact the doctor. If you can't breathe very well then there's something not quite right. It's better to be more cautious than not so it can be caught before your breathing gets worse and you're really in trouble.

[gingermusic]

I was always led to believe we should start antibiotic immediately if phlegm was a dark colour as that indicated a chest infection, but I have called out my pulmonary nurse twice this year due to an increase in normal coloured phlegm but plagued with a cough and each time been given antibiotic as they have heard a crackle on my lung. So yes definitely see your GP or pulmonary nurse.

[btown]

Hi Iain, now is the time to contact your doctor, I had the same problem and was given Carbocisitine and wow dose it work, no more phlegm, good luck.

T👍👍

[toerag in reply to btown]

Erdotin is a stronger form of Carbocysteine / Mucodyne. It is given as a 1 week course only

[jacqui7]

i drink juice from fresh lemons in warm water, and gargle with salt water hardly ever get phlegm. even with infection i get very little. over a year between infections, usually get from thoughtless people coughing without covering move and nose. good luck

[starskyd]

you need to get to the gp now. Sounds like a chest infection and you need steriids and antibiotics.

[Alfiebax2]

Ask your doctor if you can have carbocisteine tablets as these help with mucus .The hospital gave them to me when I was admitted last August and they work a treat.Good luck .Babs xx

[peege]

This is what I do if I suspect an infection, call the doc and ask for a GP to give a quick listen to my lungs to confirm or not an infection. A doctor calls back within the hour to check I'm not swinging the lead, I remind that I've asthma and bronchiectasis and they put me in for same day appointment. Better to be safe than sorry. Don't hesitate to call - especially if you feel unwell too. P

[Grayjay]

Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids, water being the best.