Question 1

I'm really worried and need some advice. For the past three months, I've been waking up every morning with brown phlegm, but the rest of the day it's clear. It's coming from my throat, and I dont have a cough. I don't smoke, and I live in a calm area with low pollution and a humid climate. It's really freaking me out, and I can't shake the feeling that something might be seriously wrong. Should I be worried? Are there any home remedies that might help?

Accepted Answer

Spitting brown phlegm in the morning can be alarming, but it's often treatable. Given your symptoms and environment, here are possible causes:

*Possible Causes*

1. *Postnasal drip*: Mucus from your nose can drip down the back of your throat, causing brown phlegm.
2. *Acid reflux*: Stomach acid can flow up into your throat, causing inflammation and brown phlegm.
3. *Allergies*: Seasonal or environmental allergies can trigger excess mucus production.
4. *Sinusitis*: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause thick, discolored mucus.

*Home Remedies*

1. *Stay hydrated*: Drink plenty of water to thin out mucus.
2. *Saline gargle*: Mix 14 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water and gargle several times a day.
3. *Honey and lemon*: Mix equal parts honey and lemon juice in warm water to soothe your throat.
4. *Elevate your head*: Sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce postnasal drip.

*Medical Consultation*

If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult an *ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist* or a *primary care physician*. They may recommend:

1. *Nasal endoscopy*: To examine your nasal passages and sinuses.
2. *Throat swab*: To check for infections.
3. *Acid reflux testing*: To diagnose acid reflux.
4. *Allergy testing*: To identify potential allergens.

Question 2

My dad just got a positive corona test result, but apart from a fever hovering around 99-100F, he doesn't really have any other symptoms. It's been a week since the test, and to be safe, we got an X-ray done. The report mentioned something about "Prominent branchovascular markings bilaterally." He's quarantining at home at the moment. Can you help me understand what those markings mean? Also, he's diabetic, but it's pretty well managed. I'm just trying to figure out if there's anything else we should be worried about.

Accepted Answer

The prominent branchovascular markings in the X-ray report suggest some mild changes in the blood vessels of the lungs, which can sometimes occur due to infections like COVID-19. Since your father is asymptomatic except for the mild fever and his diabetes is under control, its good that he's in quarantine. Monitoring his symptoms and maintaining regular blood sugar checks will be important during his recovery.

Question 3

I'm really concerned about my oxygen levels since I've tested positive for COVID-19. As of May 2nd, my oxygen level is at 92. The PCR results showed I'm COVID-19 positive with an E gene Ct value of 23 and an RdRp gene Ct value of 21. What do these Ct values mean? Should I be worried about the oxygen level too? Is there anything specific I need to do or look out for?

Accepted Answer

Patient is advised tab augmentin 625 mg ,orally, thrice daily for 7 days, tab levocetrizine 10 mg bedtime for 5 days and syrup salbutamol 10 ml thrice dailly for 7 days .

Tab pan d orally for 5 days,before food and syrup sucralfate 10ml thrice daily for 5 days is advised to the patient. It is normal adverse effects during ATT therapy.

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