I cough sometimes causing me to dry heave but the only thing that comes up is thick sputum. After this happens my chest hurts for a couple of days. Twice in the last few months the sputum has been pink tinged with red flakes. I am also more short of breath. I have difficulty recovering my breath after walking up a flight of stairs.My father died of adenocarcinoma of the lung. My mother has had a lobectomy for adenocarcinoma of the lung and she has had a nephrectomy for renal cell CA. Should I be concerned?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your situation and problem. Yes, you should definitely consult pulmonologist. Your symptoms like cough, breathlessness, chest pain are commonly seen in bronchitis. You are also having reddish sputum (blood mixed) and positive family history of lung cancer, so lung cancer should also be ruled out. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done 1. Clinical examination of respiratory system 2. Chest x-ray 3. PUT (Pulmonary Function Test). Chest x-ray is needed to rule out lung infection, lung cancer. PFT is must for the diagnosis of bronchitis. It will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment of bronchitis is based on severity only. You may need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid. Don't worry, you will be alright, first diagnose yourself and then start appropriate treatment. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.