Coughed Up. Noticed Thick And Very Fibrous Clump Of Phlegm. Which Specialist Should I Consult?

Posted on Fri, 12 Oct 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 Answered on

Mon, 5 Nov 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had a word throat for a day or so. The irritation has caused unproductive coughing although I felt like something was in my throat. Just a few moments ago I coughed up what looked like a thick, very fibrous clump of phlegm (?). It is thicker in some parts and blood throughout like veins. I have kept it to show a doctor but not sure what type of doctor to see. what is this? Should I go to an urgent care?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The piece of tissue that you have coughed up could be a detached polyp or a part of the respiratory tract mucosa that became detached due to an inflammation in the area. A histopathological examination will help in the confirmation.
If there is any bleeding form your throat and the raw sensation is persistent then you need to attend an ER for proper examination and management. Otherwise you can fix an appointment with an ENT surgeon for treatment. Doing warm saline gargles and steam inhalation will provide you a symptomatic relief.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar