Alice,
I have been having a problem with excessive mucus
buildup in my lungs. I have to clear my lungs of phlegm about
every 5-10 minutes which can get pretty annoying for other people.
I have been having this problem for about 5 years now. Sometimes I
even spit out blood because of this. I am a healthy athletic guy
and it worries me when something like this stays with me. Please
help.
-- Gobs
Dear Gobs,
Sputum, also known as phlegm, is mucous material produced by the
cells lining the respiratory tract. Sputum is released from glands
in the walls of the bronchi (airways) and from cells lining the
nose and sinuses. Sputum production may be increased by infection,
by an allergic reaction, or by inhalation of irritants, like
tobacco smoke. The presence of sputum in the bronchi triggers a
reflex cough or clearing of the throat.
The character of sputum varies. A bacterial infection usually
causes yellow or green sputum, an allergic reaction normally
produces colorless sputum, and pulmonary fluid retention may
result in frothy, pink sputum. Blood in the sputum may be caused
by infection or in rare cases, cancer. You should make an
appointment at Health Services to see a clinician who can examine
your sputum under a microscope or prepare it for a culture to
determine if any bacteria might be present. If there is not
bacteria present, you can discuss with your physician the
possibilities of allergies or post nasal drip. Treatment in any
case is of the underlying cause. Call x4-2284 for an appointment.
- Alice
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Mucus buildup
