Expert: Karel Sleis - 11/6/2009

Question
Dear Doctor,
I am living in kuwait.I have asthma problem. Whenever climate changes i am very much affected with cough which takes more than a month to cure. Because of this i had undergone hernia operation 3 times and expecting fourth. At the time of spitting the cough the sputum is in dark yellow color,sometimes brown or sometimes comes with blood.Why the sputum is coming in such colors and what medicines do i need to ask the doctor to prescribe so that i get cured in a short period.

Many Thanks...

Regards
Sundar

Answer
When sputum is yellow its signs of infection, when its brown it could be a sign of bleeding internally or even tb.  Right now you should get on a strong antibiotic like levaquin & singulair.  also you should get the vicks pediatric size cold mist humidifier it sells at local drugstores or anmazon.com for 30 dollars.  fill with cold water and add a tablespoon of salt, the salt dries up sputum.   Place in room on top of a towel while sleeping at night and close door, the towel will loweer the noise because its noisy.feel free to email again.