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Diagnosed With Mononucleosis. Have Foul Smelling Mucus In Cough. Should I Be Concerned?

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Posted on Sat, 9 Nov 2013
Twitter Sat, 9 Nov 2013 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 9 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on
Question : I have been diagnosed with Mono, and the past few days I have been coughing up mucus that smells / tastes like rancid meat or feces is this normal / something I should be concerned about?
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Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Indicative of an infection or abscess in lungs Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. Presence of foul smelling mucus is indicative of an infection or abscess (collection of pus) in the lungs. As mentioned in your post, you have been diagnosed with Mono, which is a viral infection & reduces the immunity of the body. Because of this immuno compromised state, the body becomes susceptible to secondary infections, such as lung infection in your case. Investigation like complete blood count, X ray of the chest & culture & sensitivity of the sputum will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis. Management will involve a course of antibiotics based on culture & sensitivity reports. So, kindly consult your treating Physician & discuss regarding this. There is no need to worry, you will be fine. Wishing you a good health & speedy recovery. Please let me know if I need to clarify further. Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Polash Sannigrahi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 3353 Questions

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Diagnosed With Mononucleosis. Have Foul Smelling Mucus In Cough. Should I Be Concerned?

Brief Answer: Indicative of an infection or abscess in lungs Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. Presence of foul smelling mucus is indicative of an infection or abscess (collection of pus) in the lungs. As mentioned in your post, you have been diagnosed with Mono, which is a viral infection & reduces the immunity of the body. Because of this immuno compromised state, the body becomes susceptible to secondary infections, such as lung infection in your case. Investigation like complete blood count, X ray of the chest & culture & sensitivity of the sputum will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis. Management will involve a course of antibiotics based on culture & sensitivity reports. So, kindly consult your treating Physician & discuss regarding this. There is no need to worry, you will be fine. Wishing you a good health & speedy recovery. Please let me know if I need to clarify further. Take care.