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4 Months Of Post Nasal Drip And Visits To My
Question: 4 months of post nasal drip and visits to my PCP and 2 different allergists. The 2nd allergist yesterday did a sinus scope and said he saw nothing alarming, no polyps, some drainage from left side sinuses & a red spot on both left and right sides. He said he wasn't sure what the red spots were but could just be irritation from the 4 months of PND. My biggest concern right now is that first thing in the morning for the last 3-4 weeks the phlegm that I'm bringing up from my throat from overnight is brown or rusty color. I have never had that color phlegm, even with a sinus infection it's always been green. The phlegm the rest of the day from the PND is clear or sometime a little yellow, only for the fist 15 minutes in the morning is it rusty or brown in color. No other symptoms other then constant PND. No a smoker.
Brief Answer:
These are clumps which consist of blood clots & dead cells from the mucosa
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
I have gone through the query and also examined the image thoroughly. I am of the opinion that clumps in the sputum are normal and nothing dangerous. Clumps consist of blood clots and dead cells from the mucosa which gets accumulated overnight in the sinuses. Zyrtec causes dryness of the mucosa and thickening of the secretions. Hence, the secretions are retained for a longer duration inside the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses.
My suggestions to you are:
1. Do steam inhalation 2-3 times a day, for not more than 5 minutes a session.
2. Drink frequent sips of warm water.
3. Continue with the medicines given by your doctor.
4. You would require a mucolytic such as bromhexine or ambroxol or acetylcysteine to relieve the secretions from the sinuses.
5. Use the saline nasal rinses at least 5-6 times a day. This helps in rejuvenating the inflamed nasal & sinus mucosa and liquifies the hard secretions.
6. Avoid coffee/chilled food and beverages.
Hope this answers your query. Revert back to me if you have any follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
These are clumps which consist of blood clots & dead cells from the mucosa
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
I have gone through the query and also examined the image thoroughly. I am of the opinion that clumps in the sputum are normal and nothing dangerous. Clumps consist of blood clots and dead cells from the mucosa which gets accumulated overnight in the sinuses. Zyrtec causes dryness of the mucosa and thickening of the secretions. Hence, the secretions are retained for a longer duration inside the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses.
My suggestions to you are:
1. Do steam inhalation 2-3 times a day, for not more than 5 minutes a session.
2. Drink frequent sips of warm water.
3. Continue with the medicines given by your doctor.
4. You would require a mucolytic such as bromhexine or ambroxol or acetylcysteine to relieve the secretions from the sinuses.
5. Use the saline nasal rinses at least 5-6 times a day. This helps in rejuvenating the inflamed nasal & sinus mucosa and liquifies the hard secretions.
6. Avoid coffee/chilled food and beverages.
Hope this answers your query. Revert back to me if you have any follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2542 Questions
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