Canada
A 27-year-old male asked:
Been smoking marijuana & tobacco since a decade now.since last year after smoking im spitting black phlegm.it started with small specks and now its full blown chunks. got a chest x-ray , the dr said my chest looks fine.please advice im worried?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Silviu Pasniciucanswered
Internal Medicine 29 years experience
Stop smoking: Your worries are legitimate and best would be to stop smoking at least for a trial. If your sputum/secretions clear up you will know what you have to do. Chest X-rays have limited resolution and do not rule out chronic bronchitis among many other lung conditions.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered >2 years ago
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Not surprising: I quit smoking a pipe after seeing fresh autopsy specimens of lungs. One was a Houstonian in his 30's who smoked. (car crash) The lungs were black. The 80 yo farmer (old age) from rural Texas had pristine pink lung tissue. Your lung has some capacity to remove the debris you are inhaling (your mucus) but it is not endless. Quit smoking & it can catch up with its clean up efforts.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Feb 28, 2021
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