What Does Coughing Up Of Mucus With Blood And White Substance Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 9 Jun 2015

Question: I had pneumonia in December 2014, and was prescribed two courses of antibiotics when the first one didn't work. According to the three xrays I have had since most of the infection has gone but according to my doctor they may be some residual scarring. Since I have suffered from one bug after another, with coughing mucus but not with blood and white in substance. My problems have been running on for 5 months and yesterday I developed a temperature of 102 degrees. My doctor doesn't know about this as the surgery is closed for the weekend. However I am seeing a specialist on Thursday and having act scan with some blue die to check out my lungs.

1.What should I do to get the temperature down between now and Wednesday/
2. Has the pneumonia returned?
3. Should I try to see someone privately this weekend?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Start anti pyretic drug at present.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation.
Possibility of chronic infections like tuberculosis or fungal infection is more in your case, because you were smoker and having recurrent respiratory tract infection.
Temperature of 102 suggest infection.
So you need to get done detailed investigations to rule out tuberculosis and fungal infection.
And CT scan of thorax will be helpful in this.
So get done CT thorax with Contrast.
Since you are having appointment on Thursday, at present, no need to go for any investigation or consultation.
You can take anti pyretic drug for fever.
Also drink plenty of fluids orally.
When you meet your doctor on Thursday, do discuss about possibility of tuberculosis, fungal infection or other chronic bacterial pneumonia.
Also discuss about sputum culture and sensitivity report and bronchoscopic evaluation.
CT thorax with Contrast will be more informative about your lung disease, so get it done.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (16 minutes later)

I am taking ibroprofin 3 times a day with paracetamol in between. Is this ok or should I be using something else?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Ibuprofen and paracetamol are good for fever.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on HCM.
Yes, ibuprofen and paracetamol are good drugs for fever.
Both having anti pyretic and anti inflammatory actions. So good for fever.
You can continue these drugs until you consult doctor and get done CT thorax with Contrast.
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. Yogesh D