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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Coughing Up Mucus With Unpleasant Smell Be Considered As An Infection?

i cough mucus every day for a few years now. sometime it gets worse and sometimes its better. the mukus varies from yellow, green to transparent. I smoked cigarettes occasionally, but for the past few weeks have fully stopped. Also, if I put my finger on my pharynx (right behind the piece of flesh hanging at the back of my mouth) and then smell it, it has an unpleasant smell.
I have visited a doctor recently for different reasons and mentioned this. The doctor tested for infection and came out negative (it took 5 minutes). What could possibly be the cause? Is it still possible to that it might be an infection?
Thank you
Thu, 9 Jan 2014
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Anesthesiologist 's  Response
Hello,
It sounds like you have infection.
The infection may be due to viral, bacterial.
To confirm the infection, you need to examine the sputum to rule out any tuberculosis.
If the tuberculosis is ruled out by both sputum smear and culture.
Then you may need further investigation like X- Ray chest to find the cause.
if it is proved to be an infection, your Primary care physician may prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection.

Hope this helps.
Please write back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
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Can Coughing Up Mucus With Unpleasant Smell Be Considered As An Infection?

Hello, It sounds like you have infection. The infection may be due to viral, bacterial. To confirm the infection, you need to examine the sputum to rule out any tuberculosis. If the tuberculosis is ruled out by both sputum smear and culture. Then you may need further investigation like X- Ray chest to find the cause. if it is proved to be an infection, your Primary care physician may prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection. Hope this helps. Please write back for further queries. Wishing you good health.