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What Causes Green Mucous With Cough?

Posted on Sat, 7 Jun 2014

Question: I've been having a cough for the past 6 weeks. At first the mucus of the cough was green. Now it's become more of a dry cough with white mucus. When the mucus started becoming white I would cough a lot but only a little bit of phlegm would come out. Since I've had this change in cough my finger and toenails have become pale and recently the bottom of the tip of my penis is turning blue/pale. Are these the symptoms of something serious?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I need details.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
Welcome to HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I have read your query in detail. I understand your concern.
Green mucous with cough of 6 weeks, suggests some infection at this age.
Cough color might have improved to white because you must have taken some antibiotics.
The symptom of Finger , toenail and Penis turning pale can be attributed with associated cough to:
1. Anemia
2. Vasculitis.

I need a few more details to help you better:
1. Any fever?
2. Any Weight loss?
3. Any joint pains?
4. Any rash on body?
5. Any oral ulcers?
6. Any recurrent reddening of eyes?
7. What medications you have taken?
8. The discoloration you are talking about is temporary or permanent?
9. Any change in color in response to hot and cold?
10. Attach if any investigations you have
11. Smoking?

This is my best advise for you based on available details. If you have any further query please ask me and revert with the answers of the questions i have asked preferably in point wise manner.

Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney, MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (29 minutes later)

Hello Dr. Varshney here is what has happened to me
I just developed a fever earlier today
loss of appetite over the past few days
I have not taken any medications
The discoloration happened 4-5 days ago
I do smoke cannabis but only at night to help me sleep.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get investigated

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.
You have not answered all of my questions.

However, i would suggest you to get investigated, as it can be any infection and even Vasculitis.

Get the following investigations:
1. Hemogram with ESR
2. Chest Xray
3. Liver and Kidney function
4. Sputum for AFB , Gram Stain and Fungus (KOH)
5. ANA.

Till your reports are available observe following:
1. Steam Inhalation
2. Anti Allergic like Levocetrizine once a day.

If you have any further query, please ask me.

Stay Healthy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar