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What Causes Productive Cough With Light Brown Phlegm?

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Posted on Mon, 16 May 2016
Question: I've had a wet cough since December. Sounds like something is stuck in my throat. There is a lot of light brown phlem. Smoker for 20 years. Misuser of nasal spray and have acid reflux. I am probably dying. No medical insurance
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Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possibility of bronchitis or lower respiratory tract infection is more.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.

Since you are chronic smoker, your symptoms are suggestive of either bronchitis or lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI - pneumonia). I don't see any concerning symptoms. However I would prefer to do a chest x ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) - chest x ray is needed to rule pneumonia and PFT is must for the diagnosis of bronchitis.

You may need antibiotic, inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) on the basis of reports.
And please, quit smoking as soon as possible.

Your local GP will know about these.

Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Dr. Drkaushal85

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Practicing since :2008

Answered : 15005 Questions

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What Causes Productive Cough With Light Brown Phlegm?

Brief Answer: Possibility of bronchitis or lower respiratory tract infection is more. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Since you are chronic smoker, your symptoms are suggestive of either bronchitis or lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI - pneumonia). I don't see any concerning symptoms. However I would prefer to do a chest x ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) - chest x ray is needed to rule pneumonia and PFT is must for the diagnosis of bronchitis. You may need antibiotic, inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) on the basis of reports. And please, quit smoking as soon as possible. Your local GP will know about these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.