Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] HI, doc I have a problem with my throat area I had a virus for about 18 months which made me cough continuously, since then I have had a problem with coughing up phlem. I have had a specialist look down my throat and he said it was clear, I then had a barium meal which also came back clear. About two years ago I went to a lung specialist he said that I had a small scar on my lung also slight enzyphema. My uncle s both passed away last year their death was caused by a serious lung infection one believed to be asbestosis and the other was chronic enzyphema. I am sick of coughing up phlem and gurgling my voice sounds terrible. Many Thanks Terry
[|AI|]  Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Your symptoms like chronic cough with expectoration (phlegm) are more suggestive of bronchitis. So we should first rule out bronchitis in your case. Better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). PFT is must for the diagnosis of bronchitis. It will also tell you about severity of the disease. And treatment of bronchitis is based on severity only. So get done PFT. You may need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). With appropriate treatment, you will definitely be alright. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.