What Causes Orange And Black Flecs Within The Sputum In An Asthma Patient?

Question : I am 48 and have a Hx. of asthma since 3, then TB exposure in 2002 with INH treatment for 9 months. In 2007 I was diagnosed with Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergilliosis in Florida. I used to see orange flecs and black flecs within my yellow or white sputum. I get the symptoms each year at least of sob, coughing, and needing more medication. Could these flecs be a fungus where I should be taking an anti-fungal. It hit me hard with Spring coming in and I have not had a sputum.

Thank you

I moved to a dryer and colder climate in XXXXXXX from Florida. I think I would be dead had I stayed in the tropical climate of Florida. A few times a year in XXXXXXX including Spring the past few years I get the flare up of sob, tight frequent coughing, mucous and yes..with orange flecs and sometimes black flecs.
Questions:
1). Normally when symptom free I just take an allergy medication PRN and Flonase nasal spray. But a good majority of the year I just take two puffs Pro-Air or Ventilin two times daily and still exercise 3-4 times a week vigourously with no problem. When asthma and/or this other breathing issues begin, I take Albuterol updrafts every 4 hours PRN sob. Sometimes 2 x day is enough.

I don't take a steroidal inhaler regularly because it has never made a difference for me when this condition kicks in and don't want long term side effects. I just saw the doctor and am on Prednisone in which I will taper down over the next couple of weeks. I have also been taking a over the counter Guafenesin to help loosen mucous.
2). I generally do great on PFT's because of my exercise and compensate well. Last PFT was at least a few years ago with moving, changing doctors, jobs, etc. I would not do as well with sob however.
3). When I was diagnosed with ABPA in 2007 I had at least 2 Bronchs in two years and they did do sputum at that time.

I'm glad that your able to tell me it could be fungus because prior to the Dx. of 2007 ABPA I never had flecs in my white or yellow sputum. I'm wondering why I get it in a dryer climate, although we had snow melt and the temperature has been warmer with Spring. Summer gets bad too.

Thank you

Hello Doctor, I am not familiar with the term LABA 2 agonist. Is this a steroidal inhaler? I have not had improvement from them in any form over time. I do take the Symbicort with symptoms but don't notice any change with it. Just the Prednisone, occasional antibiotic with fever....and rarely an antifungal with bronchodialtors has helped me breath when worse. I guess I should try to get with a Pulmonologist again or Allergist for this condition. Which would you suggest? I've seen an Allergist about 2 years ago.

Ha! I'm awake because I'm working a 12 hour night shift in home health. Ok, I'll certainly ask about these medications and give one a try once I get a Pulmonologist consult. Thank you for the information. It is good to get a few opinions and I thought it was probably a fungus.

Thank you