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Conditions and Diseases > Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Forum > phlegm from throat w/o cough or sneeze a sign of TB ?
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Q: phlegm from throat w/o cough or sneeze a sign of TB ?
asked by: DoctorQuestion on December 10th, 2007
Sometime I produce some phlegm from my throat without any sign of cough or sneeze. Sometime it comes sudden just need to spit up. No throat pain but always feel like something in there and it does after every other day 2 or 3 or even 4 times a day. Its not a green, yellow or even black. I donot know whats wrong with me ? Is it comes from my lungs due to TB?My sputum culture comes negative 4 months ago. Doctor done my chest x rays 4 months ago which comes all clear there is no any sign of active cavitry lesion.

Please help me why it comes? whats the reason behind?is it serious?


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Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD
replied on December 14th, 2007
Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Answer A3459
Phlegm production can be due to an upper or lower respiratory infection. Upper respiratory infections include: sinusitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and laryngitis. Beside phlegm production, these infections are usually followed by other symptoms, too. A headache and stuffy nose are present during sinusitis, for example; a runny or stuffed nose and sneezing is frequent during rhinitis; sore throat and coughing are present during pharyngitis and tonsillitis; and a cough and disturbed speech are symptoms of laryngitis.

Lower respiratory infections include: tracheitis, bronchitis, bronchopneumonia and pleuritis. Phlegm production is typical for the first three disorders. Phlegm production without a cough is not logical. You can't expel the phlegm without the cough. You've reported that the X-ray is negative for tracheitis and bronchitis. Therefore, the phlegm should be microbiologically examined not only for tuberculosis but for other bacteria too.

You can consult a pulmologist to follow up.





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