HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Treatment For Post Nasal Drip And Mucus Discharge

Posted on Tue, 28 Apr 2015

Question: Going on for about three weeks i have had mucus of all colors either blowing nose or hawking it down into my throat and spitting it out. Not allergies as i was tested a couple days ago. About a month ago i had a tickle in my throat which i guess was somkind of post nasal drip. I have tried all kinds of meds for allergies and for cold/flu. About two weeks ago i was on antibiotics for a cut which was smack in the middle of this mucus episode. I dont know if that killed my good antibodies but i usually dont get sick let alone hawk green stuff all day. I feel fine other than the snot. Mucus in the morning is usually bloody but only traces throughout the day. I am extremly dry in the am and live in dry climate. Could this be a bacterial infection?

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please consider following investigations, this could be an infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I had gone through your question diligently and I can understand your concern
I see patients with similar complaints in my clinic routinely and I will definitely help you as well in best possible way

bloody sputum is a matter of concern it could be related to any of following conditions like
1. Acute bronchitis or URTI
2. Tuberculosis
3. Lung cancer

I would like to know whether you smoke or not?
Since how long are you having this problem
have you lost any weight recently

i would advise for a battery of tests like blood for hemoglobin CBC liver function test ESR sputum microscopy and culture

you may require a course of antibiotics depending upon clinical findings and lab reports
meanwhile you should do gargling with warn saline water or antiseptic mouth wash
Multivitamin supplements preferably vitamin C
Waiting for your reply
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (22 minutes later)

I have never smoked and im pretty sure its coming from my nose not lungs. I blow up with my nose and get the loogie. The bloody stuff isnt every morning but im always dry mouth and breath through my mouth and not nose. No loss of weight and i am a type 1 diabetic for 19 years. I have had these loogies for about three weeks. All colors for the most part.

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It could be fungal infection of sinuses like aspergillosis

Detailed Answer:
Hello
sinus infection is very commonly associated with diabetes
it could be due to sinusitis or sinus infection
Greenish coloured sputum is suggestive of fungal infection most likely aspergillosis

you should consult an ENT surgeon with an X ray PNS (paranasal sinuses) and a sputum culture and KOH fixation test

Hope this answers your question
wishing you good health
regards

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj