What is the treatment for red sputum?

Question

Hi doctor,

Initially, I had cold and cough, which now turned into sinus. I had Almox 500 mg for five days. For sinus I normally used to take Novamox 500 mg. Sinus got cured but still I have some cold and cough. It has been 10 days. Since yesterday there are times when I blow my nose or spit, the sputum is red.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Acute sinusitis should be treated with 10 days of Amoxicillin and what you are having is acute on chronic sinusitis. I would suggest completing the course for next five days. Continue the steaming and use saline nasal spray. Do not blow your nose so hard. If the antihistamine is making your nose dry then do not use it, use Paracetamol for pain relief. Allegra (Fexofenadine) is a good medication, but sometimes can cause nasal dryness. Once the nasal dryness is cured you can also use nasal steroid that has Fluticasone or use Nasonex (Mometasone) or Nasacort (Triamcinolone). Use one spray in each nostril throughout the spring season.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. The cough happens due to post nasal drip from the sinuses down in the throat. The cough is a reflux to that irritation. You may see red streaks of blood (attachment removed to protect patient identity) in sinusitis (if still going on) or acute bronchitis. The bronchitis could be viral or bacterial. Amoxicillin should help with the bacterial part of it, but the inflammation takes time to recover. It is just symptomatic then manage with inhalers. If you have wheezing and shortness of breath then you are is need of cough syrup and antihistamine. If you do not improve in the next two weeks then chest X-ray would be reasonable. I would want you to know that acute bronchitis is the most common reason for having streaks of blood in the sputum.