Episodes of excessive phlegm from upper left chest without cough (TB)

I don’t really have an answer for you, except that I have the same strange symptoms ... excess mucus (phlegm) that is produced solely in my upper right lobe (so you aren’t entirely alone here). I’ve had so many tests (high-res CT scan last week) and they’ve all produced “normal” results. Dr.’s remain adamant that I have persistent asthma affecting that lobe despite my push for further investigations. It’s been a drag on my quality of life ... but it does seem to be getting better, slowly and gradually.

If you have had TB, you are at risk for recurrence, and also for other lung infections. Infection symptoms can come on slowly - I had MAC (a non-tubercular mycobacteria infection) for over 2 years with coughing and mucus before I experienced weight loss, night sweats, etc. Maybe your doc should do a sputum culture to see what is happening?
Sue

I am still undergoing TB treatment and will be doing xray test and probably a sputum test as well in May. I not sure about TB though since I don't have cough and other TB symptoms which I used to have last year. Also my xray from January was good according to doctor. But as you said, I am also worried about reappearance. Even then I wonder, I never had this issue during peak of my TB issues. I used to have cough with phlegm sometimes which was red or yellow. Red because my lungs started to get damaged and it was blood staining my phlegm. Right now, it's just clear , almost like saliva but thick and coming from chest. My weight has remained the same as well throughout the last 5 months.

Do you have Acid reflux or any other issue and is your mucus throughout the day? I really hope that you don't get Asthma and its just something minor.

Glad to hear you are being carefully followed. When my daughter got TB (nurse in county jail) her clear mucus continued for nearly a year after the original colored phlegm cleared. I have constant clear mucus after 1.5 years of treatment for NTM - pulmonology nurse says it may be with me "for a long time" - and that clearing it is key to staying healthy - TB and NTM love to grow in it if it thickens and stays in the lung.
Sue

No acid reflux or other issues that my medical team has discerned. Recent CT scan showed no signs of infection or other issues. Clear, sticky mucus is constant (right upper lobe). I get relief from laying on my left side. (Some days are better than others, but otherwise I feel really good.) Prevailing opinion is that I had “something” that caused this. I did have very severe Covid symptoms back in Nov / early Dec. I probably should have been hospitalized but toughed it out at home ... lingering mucus could be a long-hauler issue. Another opinion is that I encountered a chemical of some kind that has irritated that lobe. My instincts (yes I listen to them sometimes) tell me that this mucus issue could be with me for a while, but it does seem to be improving very slowly (Sue’s comments about her and her daughter’s lingering mucus issues hit home for me). I’ve been riding my bike many miles without breathing issues and energy level is finally back to normal.

I see. I think then I should become accustomed to it and just not worry because I have no other symptoms. Thank you so much @sueinmn for providing valuable information. It feels good to have support during such a depressive disease.

I see. I too suspect TB medicine irritating my airways. That being said, it seems like the problem I discussed is quite commonplace. I wish full recovery for everyone

I also have mac and stage emphysema what was your treatment for Mac I've been taking three antibiotics for over a year now I hope I don't have to go for another year I'm in the hospital getting a lung transplant evaluation or hopefully I'll qualify for the zephyr valve which would at least give me a little bit more time definitely hard to handle