Connect
Change in sputum color from clear to light and dark green
Has anyone experienced a sudden change in sputum color and consistency? Mine is usually clear and plentiful, from day one of clearance. Yesterday and today, the sputum color, green and light green and extra thick, is coming out, and not near as much sputum as I regularly get out.
I have noticed painful sinuses lately up inside my nose, so am using saline nasal spray.
I do not have a cough, nor a fever. I guess because I'm used to seeing clear sputum, and now its green, I'm wondering why? I just don't want to get a lung infection?
I wrote Dr Swenson a note asking all of this, but would appreciate you all sharing your experience about the green sputum, thicker than usual sputum, and possible sinus infection. Thanks. Bon
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
Connect
@healthybon After years of bronchiectasis I have noticed a pattern when mucus color changes. I could be wrong but my suspicion is that an overnight change in mucus color can be due to reflux/GERD. One day things are yellow. Next day first few huffs are greenish.
If you have not watched Medical Management of GERD with Dr. Huitt, please watch it. The lungs and stomach lie in close proximity and it's common for us to aspirate and have reflux events many times a day. The average number is 30, even in healthy people! Add in lung disease those aspirations from digestive acids can cause chemical burns to the trachea and sinus area, and you develop green phlegm or the beginnings to an infection. Of course, it's also possible to have some other infection brewing but if it's an overnight change, review your reflux/GERD precautions.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsThanks Scoop for the info and video excellent. I certainly should get this long time ago but nothing. I had so many Gis that didn’t help much. Not explaining or not information at all. And the pain killing me every day…can you please tell me where to buy the proposed probiotics I couldn’t get it from the video, appreciate it and thank you again
@mayocarlost no idea about where to find probiotics mentioned in video; maybe a google search. There are others that have been mentioned on this site you may want to try.
Probiotics are only a small step when dealing with reflux. Dr Huitt outlines steps to take to diminish reflux. The important ones are to stop eating drinking 3 hours before bedtime and elevating the head of the bed with a sleeping wedge and blocks under the head of the bed. Or use an adjustable bed with an angle to keep shoulders raised above esophagus and stomach. Have you tried any of these steps? They take some commitment but I think you’ll find it’s worth it.
Thanks Scoop for quick response, well I used the 2 options. The first with the portable widged pillow for Acid Reflux, very easy to use. And the second I got it after I got the MAC, more fancy but as in the video the issue is sleeping down off from your original position . Hope in the future these things will come up with more options. Enjoy your holidays…
Remember that when you use a wedge and slip down, place a pillow vertically on the wedge before lying down on it. It really does help. I have really bad disc issues in my neck, and I even sometimes need to scrunch the pillow up on the wedge a bit and under my neck. One day, I might try the adjustable bed . Elevating the head of the bed is not an option because the headboard is attached to the frame, and the bed is very heavy. I actually use 2 pillows place vertically on the wedge. If you work with either one, you might find it more comfortable.
@mayocarlost I was diagnosed with GERD until the 24hr PH test - more than a year later - confirmed that I didn’t have GERD. I had very real symptoms of lung issues that were missed and/ or dismissed unfortunately. We all can have episodes that cause GERD evidently.
Like @scoop, I still don’t eat at least two hours before bed, use a wedge pillow and I chew my food well and don’t drink a lot of liquid during the actual meal. I would use a PPI very rarely, if I’m planning on eating a very fatty or spicy meal.
Of course, now with a diagnosis of BE I drink lots of water, exercise and never miss a day using my Aerobika for airway clearance. Hope this might help.