Afflicted By Phlegm

[Roger13]

Hi Guys & Lasses,

The past week I have been Afflicted by

thick green Phlegm - especially when I get up from bed.

Do you think a Course of Anti Biotics a good idea

or should I let it "Run Its Course" - like a Cold ... ?

Boots now sell Amoxycillin over the counter.

Any views on such self medication?

Roger

[Nat]

Hi Roger13

Green (or yellow) phlegm indicates that you have a bacterial infection. If it's coming from the nasal passages than it could be sinus. If you're coughing it up than it could be bronchitis (not a smoker are we? ). Then again it could be something else, however regardless you do have an infection and it's best to see a doctor. Depending on your condition you may not require antibiotics, may be just a nasal steriod spray - best to see your doctor. Self-diagnosis isn't the smartest thing. Hope you're feeling better soon

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Hi Roger13

Green (or yellow) phlegm indicates that you have a bacterial infection. If it's coming from the nasal passages than it could be sinus. If you're coughing it up than it could be bronchitis (not a smoker are we? ). Then again it could be something else, however regardless you do have an infection and it's best to see a doctor. Depending on your condition you may not require antibiotics, may be just a nasal steriod spray - best to see your doctor. Self-diagnosis isn't the smartest thing. Hope you're feeling better soon

That's top advice from Nat Roger. A doctor here ain't too expensive. Do it and be sure.

[p1p]

Roger13

I second Nat's advice above. You should never try to self medicate with antibiotics. This is potentially very dangerous, not only for you but possibly for the rest of society. Besides, antibiotics have to be targeted both in dosage and type, to work correctly.

[Roger13]

Hi Supporters,

I just got back from Ladprao General Hospital

(Private Hospital)

I saw the Ear, Nose & Throat specialist.

He said the Amoxycillin was fine but I should take 2 x 2

not 3 x1 as on the Box.

However he did a thorough examination of my nose

- I had to lay down & he used a Microscope

- he said my Sinus was OK - It was Broncal problem.

So - I could easily have got it wrong.

I want to thank you guys for urging me to do the

right thing & go to the Doctor.

Nat was quite right about the possible alternative and p1p

was right about dosage - Thanks guys.

DrPP - the Total Cost was Bht420 - which included

a supply of MYSOVEN granules in sachets

(a mucoltic agent) Bht 270. (I already had Boots Antibiotics)

The Specialists charge was Bht 150 - AMAZING !!!

Roger

Footnote - I wonder why Boots allow over the Counter

purchase of Antibiotics ...

[Roger13]

Hi Guys

After a week of Antibiotics my Phlegm

had cleared up.

BUT - after a second week it is back again

but this time it is perfectly CLEAR (not green).

Should I be concerned again?

Opinions appreciated.

Roger

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Hi Guys

After a week of Antibiotics my Phlegm

had cleared up.

BUT - after a second week it is back again

but this time it is perfectly CLEAR (not green).

Should I be concerned again?

Opinions appreciated.

Roger

Rog....do me a personal favour.................. see a doc tomorrow

[the gentleman]

No clear Phlegm is ok Rog , go to the doc again!

[Kenneth Longshaw]

Phlegm can be caused by a variety of complaints:

1. Bacterial or Viral infection

2. Allergy

3. Lung congestion

4. Post Nasal Drip

Post Nasal Drip is a common cause of severe phlegm. Often over-looked by E.N.T. Doctors.

Consider an appointment with a good E.N.T. specialist rather than wasting money on G.P.'s.

Kenneth Longshaw.

[Roger13]

Thank You

to Everybody for the advice.

Roger

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Thank You

to Everybody for the advice.

Roger

Glad you are feeling better Rog. Good luck....but docs are so bloody cheap here...don't save 5/8ths of FA ..go visit whenever. All members are friends ( well....most ) particularly old hands like you.

[NedKelly]

hey Roger ......try a good spicy Tom Yum soup !! this will clear you up in no time !!

(but if condition persists, please see your dcotor)

[mrmnp]

Dear Rodger: A lifelong sinusitis sufferer, you name it and I have done it all, including fleeing BKK to Chian Mai because of it.

Now that your post nasal drip is clear, your sinuses are just draining, which is normal. An accompanying headache is a sign of the congestion.

More to the point, I have had no problem with my lifelong problem in Chiang Mai except in the early spring. I don't know whether it is pollen or what is more probable. is the air pollution from the uncontrolled burning of dired weeds or rise stalks. This past three weeks, I have eateing n some Actifed which controls the drip and thereby the resulting complications.

AT night I get drainage that makes me cough and as I type this, I have a headache coming on, probably from the air conditioning, which has been on for an hour, another cause of sinus congestion.

Antibiotics for the green, yellow or black phlegm, actifed for the congestion and clear sinus drainage. Left untreated, the post nasal drip results in pharangitis, can't talk or speak without searing pain, or incredible bronchitis from infected phlegm in the lungs.

[britmaveric]

Green/Yellow Phlegm usually indicates infection- if only in the nasal- implies sinus infection however further down into the chest usually indicates bronchial/chest infection.

Usually a good dose of antibiotics such as Zithromax. (5day dosage) will take care of it. I'd use this last resort since these days you don't need to get resistant to so called "super antibiotics class" of meds. Definitely see an MD if this is becoming long term- maybe indications of an allergan.

[cathyy]

I myself am a lifelong sinus and allergy sufferer. When I change climates, I simply develop new allergies to the local flora. It takes a month at most.

That said, clear phlegm is indicative of a histamine reaction without infection. In English, an allergic response, usually. Any color of phlegm is indicative of a bacterial infection, as Nat so clearly pointed out. Treat the allergy by using an antihistamine. I use loratadine, 10 mg, once a day. Some people prefer fexofenadine, 60mg twice a day, or cetirizine, 5 to 10 mg once a day. And there is always diphenhydramine, better known as Benadryl. Actifed is a decongestant, which is good for breaking phlegm up and helping full sinuses drain. But it doesn't prevent the reaction that is causing the fluid/phlegm to be produced.

I am not a doctor. I have a really good drug handbook and the knowledge to interpret what it says.

[Pink Mist]

I have suffered from sinus on and off since I gave up smoking many years ago.

Very rarely did I get a headache, but did suffer sinus pain occasionally.

Post nasal drip was the thing that really pissed me off, antihistamines will fix it, but the thing I was put onto was "Horseradish and Garlic" pills. After about a week of taking them the sinus problems start to clear up.

You may be able to get them from a health shop in BKK or a Naturopath.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

With rare roast beef Bronco ?

[Pink Mist]

And Lasagne, all jokes aside it works Doc.

[Roger13]

Hi Everybody,

I am really grateful for all the contributions & enlightenment

But - I am wondering if I really understand

"Post Nasal Drip"

Is that the correct term for the Phlegm?

Roger

[Pink Mist]

probably not the completely correct term roger, but it's a discharge from the sinus that drains down the back of the throat. It can be quite thick when the sinus are badly infected.