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What Causes Phlegm In The Chest Despite Being On Mucinex And Prednisone?

Posted on Wed, 13 Jun 2018

Question: I have persistent chest phlegm but no other symptoms of cold or flu. This has lasted almost two months and has defied Mucinex, prednisone, and an antibiotic. Also my finger and toe nail growth has all but stopped.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get done PFT.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Chronic cough (cough for more than 2 weeks) is commonly due to bronchitis and lung infection.
So better to get done chest x ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).
Chest x ray is needed to rule out lung infection.
PFT is must for the diagnosis of bronchitis.
You may need inhaled bronchodilators (formoterol or salmeterol) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (budesonide or fluticasone) if it is bronchitis.
You may need higher antibiotic if it is lung infection.
Please let me know if you are smoker.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (49 minutes later)

I am not a smoker ( for about 50 years) and will pursue your suggestions . Thanks for the advice !

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get done chest x ray and PFT.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
In my opinion, you should definitely get done chest x ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).
This will definitely help in diagnosing your problem.
Hope I have solved your query.
If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad