Is Excessive Mucus In The Throat Associated With Asthma?

Posted on Mon, 18 Sep 2017

Question: I had n asthma attack about four years ago and was hospitalized for 8 days . I was very congested with what seemed to be Pneumonia and Asthma. I never had asthma before that I can remember. Could this possibly be something other than Asthma as I'm continuously coughing up phlegm and what they call plugs. My GP now wants me to have an X-ray to see if I have pneumonia. Is Pneumonia a disease that would have lasted this long a time and is imbedded in my lungs? I never have fevers or sore throats and seldom have shortage of breath. I am 77 years old, active and otherwise in good health.
Past disease are Prostate cancer for which I had a successful Prostatectomy.
I have not smoked, but was I was always in a second hand smoke environment when I flew 30 years for the airline industry.
Thanks,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
This might be chronic bronchitis!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Phlegm is no characteristic of asthma. I am pretty confident this information will not culminate to asthma as an end diagnosis. Likewise, pneumonia is not a possibility as well.

At the time, chronic bronchitis seems the most likely cause of your symptoms. Bring this up with your doctor and hear what his thoughts are. In an case, an x-ray is indispensable in looking directly at the lungs and making clear cut decisions. I strongly recommend you get this done. You could share the findings with me for more insights and guidance.

I hope this guides and helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad