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Trouble breathing and pain in chest.

About two days ago I came down with a throat infection and completely lost my voice, this was followed by some sort of chest infection. I've already had one this year and had about two last year, so I know what they're like. But this one is slightly different, I never normally cough loads with chest infections, but when I have sometimes my phlegm would be slightly brown this time, or be a green colour with a little streak of blood in it, not just the normal green that I'm used to. My back and chest ache slightly and I get the odd shooting pain around my lung areas, but nothing unbearable. I'm getting the usual shortness of breath you get with a chest infection, and the fact I have asthma doesn't really help. I don't have a fever which is on the up side.

I'm having trouble sleeping with it which isn't really unusual for me either, I'm going to call the doctor in the next hour to see if I can get an appointment for today and get some antibiotics. But does anyone have any advice and tips?

Why do I get chest infections so often? (Had about 4 in the past two years)
Why was my phlegm that browny/reddy colour?
Why do I ache when I haven't been coughing too much?

Thank you, I'll appreciate any help, advice and tips that you can give me :)
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Avatar universal
Citrius-water helps throat infections. It's normal to have chest infections when the throat is hurt. Chest defends and protects the breathe and breathing system. When the throat is hurt, the chest must bear some pain or the body is in other major diseases. Browny/reddy colour only appears when the body's immune system begins to decay with the digestive organs. It is the level 2 symptom to this problem. Aching from not coughing is the body's way to protect from diseases and to signal the brain that it needs immune system reboost such as Immunity-FX and soothing aloe.
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Avatar universal
Aloe is not poisonus unless combined with toxic minerals.
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Avatar universal
Sometimes chest feels itches, which may be indication of internal or external infections. It all depend on the specific tests.
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351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
A cough is generally a result of an irritant such as stomach acid (gastric reflux), mucus (asthma), hair spray, perfume, dust, pollen, mold, even spicy food, post nasal drip, or infection. It could also be due to infection such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Chronic sore throats can be allergic, viral or bacterial in origin. Many viral conditions like EBV (glandular fever) behave in this way with recurrent respiratory infections. Many parasitic infestations and worms increase the eosinophil counts in the blood and thus cause an increased risk of upper respiratory infections. Conditions like tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, asbestosis and silicosis along with pulmonary fibrosis should be ruled out.
If there is no fever then chances of allergic reaction, acidity and reflux and high eosinophil count are more. Common allergens causing these symptoms are pollen, mold, dust, pet dander. Streptoccocal infection is the most common bacterial infection and can cause nasal symptoms too. Indoor exposure to black mold can cause upper respiratory tract symptoms such as sore throat and cough with or without wheeze in otherwise healthy people.
Ideally you should consult a chest specialist. A comprehensive investigation including CBC, throat swab, allergic tests, X-rays, examination with a scope in throat, spirometry etc is required keeping all the points in mind. Taking antibiotics without knowing what is the cause of persistent cough will not help much. A throat swab and the phlegm should be given for culture and sensitivity to see what organism is causing the cough and what antibiotic may act against it. If it is viral or allergic then no culture will be formed. If it is due to air conditioning, you will have to use a humidifier. If it is due to asthma, then proper treatment will have to be done. If mold is the culprit, then you will have to get your house checked for the source and treated. Gastric reflux too could be the cause. The treating reflux with drugs and lifestyle changes with decreasing coffee, alcohol, smoking and spicy food will help.
Meanwhile try deep breathing exercise and steam inhalation. Over the counter antihistamines, and decongestants and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs may all help. However please take with prescription. Steam inhalation, drinking hot fluids and soups, warm lemonade, gargling with warm saline water are all very helpful. Do discuss with your doctor and first try and find the cause. Please feel free to ask anything else you may want to know. Take care!
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