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What Causes Congestion In Chest Producing Metallic Tasting Sputum?
Question: I have a congestion in my chest that produces a metallic tasting sputum. I'm also short of breath and have gained 60 lbs since quitting smoking 13 months ago. Shortness of breathe is not improving
Brief Answer:
You are having mostly COPD.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation and problem.
By your history and description, in my opinion you are having mostly COPD ( chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ).
It is chronic, progressive, inflammatory disease of lungs caused by cigarette smoking.
Smoke actually irritates and cause chronic inflammatory changes in the airways.
These cause narrowing of the airways due to inflammatory edema. So breathlessness and sputum production are seen.
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done
1. Clinical examination of respiratory system.
2. Chest x ray.
3. PFT ( pulmonary function test ).
Chest x ray is needed to rule out lung infection and other pulmonary causes.
PFT is needed for the diagnosis of COPD.
PFT will also tell you about severity of the disease.
And treatment of COPD is based on severity only.
You may need inhaled bronchodilators.
So better to consult pulmonologist and first diagnose yourself and then start appropriate treatment.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
You are having mostly COPD.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation and problem.
By your history and description, in my opinion you are having mostly COPD ( chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ).
It is chronic, progressive, inflammatory disease of lungs caused by cigarette smoking.
Smoke actually irritates and cause chronic inflammatory changes in the airways.
These cause narrowing of the airways due to inflammatory edema. So breathlessness and sputum production are seen.
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done
1. Clinical examination of respiratory system.
2. Chest x ray.
3. PFT ( pulmonary function test ).
Chest x ray is needed to rule out lung infection and other pulmonary causes.
PFT is needed for the diagnosis of COPD.
PFT will also tell you about severity of the disease.
And treatment of COPD is based on severity only.
You may need inhaled bronchodilators.
So better to consult pulmonologist and first diagnose yourself and then start appropriate treatment.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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