What Causes Painful Cough With Heavy Green Mucus In Type 2 Diabetic?

Posted on Fri, 13 Mar 2015

Question: I am a type 2 diabetic that has excruciating pain when cough or sneeze right now. I have cold and or flu like symptoms. I wake up with a sore throat but it goes away soon after I awake. I am now coughing up a heavy green mucus. I was just wondering why I would be getting the pain in my chest and arms when I sneeze or cough?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Pain is due to spasm of the muscles...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

The symptoms described by you could be related to upper respiratory tract infection. Greenish phlegm indicates a bacterial infection.

The pain in the chest and arms is because, the muscles surrounding the ribs and shoulder undergo spasm on repeated cough or sneeze. Do not worry! This is not abnormal.

Secondly, you would require a broad spectrum antibiotic and a mucolytic for the treatment of your upper respiratory tract infection. Also, do steam inhalation, drink plenty of warm water, avoid coffee/chilled food and beverages/smoking if any.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj