What Do Coughing Up Of Mucus And Low Grade Fever Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 8 Sep 2016

Question: Hello! Thank you for taking my question. For the past few months I have been coughing out large amounts of mucous. I have been extremely tired and unmotivated. I have a low grade temp most evenings. I want to get up and do things, but by the time I've had a bath I am so wiped out I can't move. I do have MS and fibromyalgia, but this is different from the kind of fatigue I have had with this. I've had two rounds of antibiotics early in the summer, but this has never let up.
Thank you for any answers you might have.

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Some more information please

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for he query under Healthcare magic. I have read & understood your concern.
I feel long standing (Chronic) cough is adding up in your fatigue caused by MS & fibromyalgia. Let us see how to overcome the problem.You should continue the treatment & lifestyle changes you are following for MS & fibromyalgia , in addition specific management of the cough would make you free from the bothersum fatigue
The cough you have is clear mucus.. associated with low grade fever & fatigue. I would need some more information to guide you about it's management & specific consultation you need some more information, - Is the cough associated with cold / sinusitis/sneezing/itching- eczema / wheezing or breathlessness?
- How is you appetite. Have you lost weight these days? How is your digestion, any history of worm infestation?
-Did you get blood with sputum some time ?
- Have you undergone any investigations till now ?
please provide me these things
Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Vasudha (1 hour later)

Than you for your prompt reply.

I don't seem to have a cold or sinus problems. I do have periods of breathlessness, especially after exercise of any kind. There have been times that I coughed until I lose my breath, and on a few occasions I have lost my voice or it has been gravelly. I have had blood in my sputum on a few occasions, but usually it is clear or milky with a milk lumpy consistency. I haven't had any specific tests.

I have been confined to my home most of the summer due to the terrible heat and humidity. I had a heat related incident a few years ago. I became seriously dehydrated and fainted. I was taken to ER and given fluids for several hours. I don't really feel as if I ever fully recovered. I also live in the country and am surrounded by corn fields. We have had a very wet summer.

That is all I can think of at this time. I do thank you for taking the time to address my complaint. I think if I got this cleared up I would feel better.
Thank you! XXXXXXX A XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consult a chest physician

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for the information. I would now be able to think more specifically.
So the picture now is ...A long time cough with breathlessness & clear to thick sputum some times with blood. Low grade fever daily & weakness / fatigue.
Primary impression with these symptoms goes in favor of bronchitis mostly allergic to start with( dust, pollen grains from the fields surrounding your residence.) probably superimposed by bacterial infection( which makes the cough thick & white / rise of temperature )
The blood in sputum can be with forceful cough/ infection with certain bacteria.
You did not mention about your appetite / loss of weight .. but these can happen due to breathlessness & stress of coughing leading to your low stamina & weakness. Daily rise of temperature can be out of exhaustion & stress/ infection by certain bacteria.
* In such a situation you should get proper physical check up& few investigations( CBC/ X ray chest/ sputum culture & sensitivity & also sputum gram staining for excluding gram -ve acid fast bacilli/ respiratory function tests & also allergy profile test as per advise by expert ) , to find exact cause followed by specific treatment.
Consult a chest physician to get a specific advise.Inform him about your MS & fibromyalgia
* life style changes-
- Take rest / high protein,vitamin, minerals & iron rich diet.
- Drink lot of warm water.Hot saline gargles help.
- Avoid detected allergens/ dust, pollen from field ( wear mask )/ sour or
cold eatables
-Take the medicines prescribed regularly.
- Avoid physical or psychological stress.
- Start mild exercises & respiratory exercises( Pranayama ) once you are
symptom free.
Thus with methodical assessment of your health & specific drugs along with lifestyle changes .. I am sure you would overcome & manage the problem you are facing. Cheer up..
I hope, the answer was both informative as well as helpful to you . any follow up query you have, I would be happy to help.

If you are satisfied,I request to grade the answer before you close the query.
Thanks.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

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