How do I manage low oxygen along with blood in phlegm?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am experiencing breathing difficulty that is relieved by an inhaler, and my oxygen (O₂) saturation ranges between 93–95%. Along with low oxygen saturation, I am coughing up phlegm mixed with blood but do not have a fever. I have tested negative for COVID-19 and tuberculosis (TB).

I also have pain in my back and right arm, and I would like someone to review my CT scan again. I previously had pneumonia that progressed to empyema and underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) with decortication of the right lung.

I am currently taking Hemostan with Guaifenesin, Arcoxia, a Salbutamol inhaler, and Sinecod.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the query.

I can understand your concern. According to your statement, you have been suffering from difficulties breathing and a productive cough with phlegm and blood.

Your HRCT (high-resolution computed tomography) of the chest has shown a mass-like consolidation in the right lower lobe with surrounding ground-glass densities, suggestive of bronchial carcinoma. Your COVID-19 test is negative; the MRB gene expert test is negative. Usually, mass-like consolidation may result from pneumonia caused by viruses, bacteria, or yeast infection, bronchial carcinoma, TB (tuberculosis), etc.

It would help if you underwent CT (computed tomography) guided FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology) or biopsy from the right lower lobe of the lung, which may confirm the exact underlying causes for consolidation and then treat them accordingly. Your physical history of previous diseases, symptoms of night sweats, weight loss, fever, etc., is also very important.

Take care.

I hope I have answered the questions.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

For confirming the diagnosis, computed tomography (CT) guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or biopsy is needed. Please consult with the physician; he can refer to the higher center where it is available. Yes, do as your doctor wants.

By bronchoscopy, he can check the lungs inside, and if possible, he can collect a biopsy from the lesion, so do everything according to your doctor's advice. Here, oxygen saturation is not so important. Firstly, the diagnosis of the disease should be done, and then they should be treated accordingly. Without proper diagnosis, treatment is not possible.

In case of any other query, ask me.

Thank you.

How do I manage low oxygen along with blood in phlegm?

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