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Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Mold In Lungs

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Posted on Thu, 12 Feb 2015
Question: Hi I beleave i have mold in my lungs. been going on for 3 months now. taken 2 different antibiotics. now i am coughing up more material. At first was small pepper like flakes now its larger. My asthma is not bad but never had it early in life.Now my sinus is blocked at night. The color is grey,black i suspect aspergillosis. I had flu type symtoms last week & was producing yellow thick flem with the grey,black & with blood.And have been coughing up blood here and there. I am going back to my primary care today for a third time of this . Getting worried...........
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
may need further testing

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

If this infection is present then it can be detected by analysis of the sputum. A sample of the sputum can be sent to the lab by your doctor for analysis.

In addition there are blood tests can also be done to detect this pathogen. Part of the workup for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis also includes testing IgE levels.
IgE is part of the immune system and its levels increase in the presence of any allergic reaction.

Since there were no changes in the initial x ray then you and your doctor may want to consider more detailed imaging such as a CT scan which would definitely be able to show any changes.

The criteria for detecting this condition depends on (1)symptoms (2)increased IgE greater than 1000
(3)detecting aspergillus in blood tests
(4)changes on x ray or ct scan

If further testing is done then you may be able to determine if present

I hope this helps, feel free to ask to any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (4 hours later)
Thank you, Just got back and a sputum test has begun. Also they did a x-ray of chest & sinus.The first x-ray was clear from january but I think I have been coughing up what is produced everyday in the morning. A allergy test was done with the IGE the end of XXXXXXX I will ask about the IGE when I return to my primary and will talk about a CT. My issue with all this is I am a non-smoker and have never had any color to the sputum ever until I seen it start a 3 months ago. The quanity of coloring in it has increased since it started as well as blood here and there. I almost died of bronchial puemonia at 8 months old and had bronchitis thru early teens but all that has gone away. Thinkin of scare tissue from all that is where the possible mold got its start. I do test & balance work (measure air & water) and have been exposed to sick buildings that I have found to be a negative air pressure. Living in florida with high humidity creates serious problems when the building is always pulling in humid air feeding the mold growth. In fact I have to call it growth in my reports not to create a panic. One of them was very bad and still has mold. Not saying the problem started there but if I test positive I am considering changing my job due to the fact I am at greater risk than normal due to my history. Thank you again for your input!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
should get some answers soon

Detailed Answer:
HI

It is understandable to be concerned.

The CT would be able to determine if there are any structural changes to the lungs due to any type of infection and will also take a look at surrounding areas.

The sputum test would also be very helpful, hopefully you will have definitive answers in a few days

Please feel free to ask anything else

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Mold In Lungs

Brief Answer: may need further testing Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic If this infection is present then it can be detected by analysis of the sputum. A sample of the sputum can be sent to the lab by your doctor for analysis. In addition there are blood tests can also be done to detect this pathogen. Part of the workup for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis also includes testing IgE levels. IgE is part of the immune system and its levels increase in the presence of any allergic reaction. Since there were no changes in the initial x ray then you and your doctor may want to consider more detailed imaging such as a CT scan which would definitely be able to show any changes. The criteria for detecting this condition depends on (1)symptoms (2)increased IgE greater than 1000 (3)detecting aspergillus in blood tests (4)changes on x ray or ct scan If further testing is done then you may be able to determine if present I hope this helps, feel free to ask to any other questions