I'm really concerned because I've been smoking cigarettes for over 5 years now, and I've started having problems with a persistent cough and phlegm. I'm wondering if there's anything I could do to help with these issues besides quitting smoking?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Kareemulla Shaik

General Practitioner

MBBS
0+ Yrs

Consult Now

do chest xray and pulmonary function test

Dr. Kareemulla Suggests...

Consult a Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist

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Answered 04/07/2025

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I'm a 63-year-old woman and I've been dealing with breathing problems for the past ten years. I'm currently using medications like deriphyllin 150, essiflo puff, combimist puff, asthalin inhaler, and otrivin on a daily basis. I've also got a dust mite allergy. Is it alright for me to take all of these every day?

Continue same treatment.Also etophylline orally ,twice daily is advised to the patient.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I'm noticing some black spots in the phlegm that I'm coughing up. Could you help me understand what this might mean? I'm a bit concerned.

The presence of black spots in phlegm from your mouth could be due to various reasons, including fungal infections like oral thrush, poor oral hygiene, or inhalation of pollutants; however, it may also indicate more serious conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, or lung abscess, so it's essential to consult a doctor or a pulmonologist for a proper evaluation and diagnosis to determine the underlying cause.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I've just had a chest X-ray, and it says I have mild fibrosis in the left upper lobe. Everything else in the report seems fine. Should I be worried about this? Is this considered normal?

need regular breathing exercises

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.