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What Causes Persistent Productive Dark Brown Phlegm, Dizziness And Joint Pain?

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Posted on Wed, 16 Mar 2016
Question: I have a bad cold. Aching in all joints. dry cough. However, when productive phlegm is a dark brown. Light headed and experiencing dizziness. On Z pack, cough syrup with codeine and extra strength Tylenol.
It has now been 5 days and as sick if not sicker than day one. Biggest concern is dizziness and fear of falling. Any advise?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
clinical examination is recommended

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

if you haven't done so already, then you should be examined by your doctor. There are certain warning signs that make me give you that recommendation.
- dark brown phlegm is indicative of pneumococcus infection, although it's not a very specific sign.
- dizziness may indicate low blood pressure which is a sign of a more serious infection or dehydration.
- 5 days are enough to experience some improvement. Worsening is a cause of concern.

Your symptoms are more likely to have been caused by influenza but it can't be confirmed (or excluded) without tests. I would advise against using cough suppressants since you have productive cough. Drinking enough water (or other fluid) is essential to avoid dehydration. Use your urine color as an indicator. Dense yellow urine usually means dehydration. Light yellow or water-like urine means adequate hydration or too much hydration respectively.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

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

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

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3816 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Productive Dark Brown Phlegm, Dizziness And Joint Pain?

Brief Answer: clinical examination is recommended Detailed Answer: Hello, if you haven't done so already, then you should be examined by your doctor. There are certain warning signs that make me give you that recommendation. - dark brown phlegm is indicative of pneumococcus infection, although it's not a very specific sign. - dizziness may indicate low blood pressure which is a sign of a more serious infection or dehydration. - 5 days are enough to experience some improvement. Worsening is a cause of concern. Your symptoms are more likely to have been caused by influenza but it can't be confirmed (or excluded) without tests. I would advise against using cough suppressants since you have productive cough. Drinking enough water (or other fluid) is essential to avoid dehydration. Use your urine color as an indicator. Dense yellow urine usually means dehydration. Light yellow or water-like urine means adequate hydration or too much hydration respectively. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!