Common Causes
Meaning of Different Sputum Colors
- Clear, White, Gray Sputum. Clear sputum is considered as normal, however, there are many conditions that may cause excessive sputum production.
- Yellow Sputum. Yellow colored sputum is due to the presence of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils and eosinphils.
- Green Sputum. ...
- Brown and Black Sputum. ...
- Red, Pink and Rust-Colored Sputum. ...
Related Conditions
Here are 4 tips that should help you perfect your pronunciation of 'sputum':
- Break 'sputum' down into sounds : [SPYOO] + [TUHM] - say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them.
- Record yourself saying 'sputum' in full sentences, then watch yourself and listen. ...
- Look up tutorials on Youtube on how to pronounce 'sputum'.
What do the different colors of sputum mean?
Sputum is a thick substance that accumulates when bacteria or fungi grows and multiples in the lungs or bronchi. As it accumulates, the growing substance can make breathing more difficult and cause coughing. A sputum test can diagnose: Bronchitis; Lung abscess; Pneumonia; Tuberculosis; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Cystic fibrosis
How to pronounce sputum in English?
What does rust colored sputum mean? Rust colored – usually caused by pneumococcal bacteria (in pneumonia), pulmonary embolism, lung cancer or pulmonary tuberculosis. "The sputum color of patients with acute cough and no underlying chronic lung disease does not imply therapeutic consequences such as prescription of antibiotics."
What can sputum tell us?
What does rust colored sputum mean?
What color sputum is pneumonia?
Common symptoms of pneumonia include: a cough – which may be dry, or produce thick yellow, green, brown or blood-stained mucus (phlegm)
What Colour is phlegm with a chest infection?
The main symptoms of a chest infection can include: a persistent cough. coughing up yellow or green phlegm (thick mucus), or coughing up blood. breathlessness or rapid and shallow breathing.
What color phlegm is not good?
Red or pink phlegm can be a more serious warning sign. Red or pink indicates that there's bleeding in your respiratory tract or lungs. Heavy coughing can cause bleeding by breaking the blood vessels in the lungs, leading to red phlegm.
What color is sputum with infection?
If you see green or yellow phlegm, it's usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection. The color comes from white blood cells. At first, you may notice yellow phlegm that then progresses into green phlegm.
Does coughing up phlegm mean your getting better?
However, if you have other respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia with COVID-19, you may have a wet cough that contains mucus. Does coughing up mucus mean you're getting better? In most cases, coughing up mucus means your body is working to fight off an infection, and it is in the healing stages.
What Colour is Covid mucus?
Green and cloudy: viral or bacterial infection A lot of the symptoms of viral infections – fever, cough, headache, loss of smell – overlap for COVID-19 and other viral infections like the flu, respiratory syncytial virus and the common cold. That's why COVID-19 testing and seeing a doctor is so important.
How do you know if phlegm is serious?
If a cough brings up phlegm or mucus it is called a productive cough and could suggest pneumonia, bronchitis or the flu. The color of the mucus can signal a more serious problem. You should see a doctor if your cough brings up yellowish-green phlegm or blood.
What are the 4 stages of pneumonia?
Official answerStage 1: Congestion.Stage 2: Red hepatization.Stage 3: Grey hepatization.Stage 4: Resolution.
What color sputum is bacterial?
We found a bacterial infection significantly more often in yellowish or greenish sputum samples (Pearson's χ2(1) = 6.32, p = 0.012). The sensitivity of and yellowish or greenish sputum used as a test for a bacterial infection was 0.79 (95% CI 0.63–0.94); the specificity was 0.46 (95% CI 0.038–0.53).
What color sputum indicates heart failure?
Blood "backs up" in the pulmonary veins (the vessels that return blood from the lungs to the heart) because the heart can't keep up with the supply. This causes fluid to leak into the lungs. ... coughing that produces white or pink blood-tinged mucus.
What color mucus requires antibiotics?
A runny nose with green mucus -- what doctors call "purulent rhinitis" -- is the most common reason for getting a prescription for antibiotics.
What does infected sputum look like?
Dark yellow or green. This often means a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia. Yellowish-green sputum is also common in people with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes mucus to build up in the lungs and other organs.
Do I need antibiotics if I coughing up yellow phlegm?
After 2 or 3 days, mucus may change to a white, yellow, or green color. This is normal and does not mean you need an antibiotic. Some symptoms, especially runny or stuffy nose and cough, can last for up to 10 to 14 days. Those symptoms should improve over time.
What color mucus is viral vs bacterial?
Both viral and bacterial upper respiratory infections can cause similar changes to the type and coloration of nasal mucus. During a common cold, nasal mucus may start out watery and clear, then become progressively thicker and more opaque, taking on a yellow or green tinge.
What is sputum in coughing?
Sputum is a type of mucus that may be expelled when coughing. There are many different reasons for the body to produce excess sputum. Below is a list of some of these causes, along with how the sputum may appear.
Why is my sputum yellow?
Some infections may cause sputum to be yellow, gray, or rusty colored.
Why is sputum produced?
Sputum is produced when a person’s lungs are diseased or damaged. Sputum is not saliva but the thick mucus – sometimes called phlegm – which is coughed up from the lungs. The body produces mucus to keep the thin, delicate tissues of the respiratory tract moist so that small particles of foreign matter that may pose a threat can be trapped ...
What is the body's response to excess mucus?
Sometimes, such as when there is an infection in the lungs, an excess of mucus is produced. The body attempts to get rid of this excess by coughing it up as sputum.
Why do people with asthma have a sensitivity to air?
Asthma. People with asthma have airways that are sensitive to allergens, environmental pollution, and respiratory infections . This sensitivity can lead to the airways becoming inflamed, as well as an increase in mucus production.
When to take sputum samples for AFB?
A sputum sample will usually be collected first thing in the morning. Depending on the infection in question, up to three more samples may be taken on the following days.
How to tell if you have a cold or a high temperature?
The main symptoms are: high temperature, of 100.4°F or above. tiredness. weakness. headache. Other common symptoms include general aches and pains, a chesty cough, and cold-like symptoms, such as a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat. People should rest at home, drink plenty of water, and keep warm.
What does the color of sputum mean?
Meaning of Different Sputum Colors. The color of sputum or phlegm, which is the mucus and sometimes pus discharge expectorated from the respiratory tract, is often an indication of the type of respiratory disease that gives rise to sputum production.
What is green sputum?
With infections, the green sputum will be more purulent (large amounts of pus) while in non-infectious inflammatory conditions, the green sputum will be more mucoid (large amounts of mucus). Pneumonia – white, yellow or green. Lung abscess – green, sudden accumulation of large amount of sputum if the abscess ruptures.
Why is my mucus green?
The color is a result of the breakdown of neutrophils and the release of verdoperioxidase / myeloperioxidase, an enzyme that is present within these cells. It may also be seen in long standing non-infectious inflammatory conditions. With infections, the green sputum will be more purulent (large amounts of pus) while in non-infectious inflammatory conditions, the green sputum will be more mucoid (large amounts of mucus).
Why is my sputum yellow?
Yellow colored sputum is due to the presence of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils and eosinphils. These cells are often present in chronic inflammation, allergic and infectious causes. With infections, it is often in the acute setting that yellow sputum is evident due to the presence of live neutrophils.
What does green mean in lung abscess?
Lung abscess – green, sudden accumulation of large amount of sputum if the abscess ruptures
Why is my sputum pink?
Pink sputum is also a sign of bleeding but usually of smaller quantities that may stain or streak the sputum. Rust colored sputum is also due to the bleeding although the clotting process may have commenced and the red blood cells may have broken down. Pneumococcal pneumonia – rusty-red.
Is clear sputum normal?
Clear sputum is considered as normal, however, there are many conditions that may cause excessive sputum production. A profuse amount of clear sputum should therefore be considered as abnormal. Pulmonary edema ( fluid in the lungs) – clear, white or pink frothy sputum.
Why is sputum color important?
The color, consistency, and amount of sputum can be important in diagnosing a number of different medical conditions. Visualization of sputum may also aid in the diagnosis of conditions such as tuberculosis and even lung cancer.
What is sputum in medicine?
Sputum or phlegm is the mucousy substance secreted by cells in the lower airways (bronchi and bronchioles) of the respiratory tract. It differs from saliva, which is produced higher up, in the mouth. Sputum can be any color including clear, white, yellow, ...
What is the color of phlegm?
Frequently Asked Questions. Sputum or phlegm is the mucousy substance secreted by cells in the lower airways (bronchi and bronchioles) of the respiratory tract. It differs from saliva, which is produced higher up, in the mouth. Sputum can be any color including clear, white, yellow, green, pink or red and blood tinged with different medical ...
How does sputum help the lungs?
The thickness of sputum serves to trap foreign material so that the cilia in the airway can clear it from the lungs by moving it up through the mouth where it can be swallowed or coughed out. Sputum also contains immune cells that can serve to kill or engulf bacteria so that they are unable tor remain in the lungs and cause infections.
How to reduce sputum production?
There are a number of ways in which to decrease sputum production, but the most important step is to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. With air pollution and smoking, the underlying cause is the body's attempt to rid itself of foreign matter, and an overproduction of sputum is a normal response. In that case, removing the source is the best approach. Medications that may help decrease sputum include aerosol treatments and expectorants. Treatments such as postural drainage may be effective in some situations. 7
What is the role of sputum in the respiratory system?
As noted above, sputum contains dead cells and debris from the lower respiratory tract but also plays a role in fighting infection, by trapping bacteria and containing white blood cells to fight them.
Why is sputum analyzed?
Sputum may be analyzed in the lab to determine its contents in order to evaluate infections or look for cancer. Tests may include: Sputum culture: A sputum culture is done by placing a sample of a sputum in a growing media (agar dish) and looking for the presence of growth.
What does the color of mucus tell you?
While you may think nothing of it, simply associating it with your sickness, the color of the mucus can tell you some things about the pathogens invading your body. The body is a mucus-making machine, producing about 1 to 1.5 liters of phlegm every day, even when you’re healthy.
What does it mean when you cough up pink phlegm?
Pink-colored phlegm is anything but pretty. Coughing up pink phlegm is an indicator of pulmonary edema, also known as fluid in the lungs. It can also be a sign of bleeding when seen in small amounts, which show up as a stain or streak.
Why does my phlegm turn brown?
Excessive smoking can cause phlegm to turn brown because of all the resin, tar, and other particulate matter in cigarettes, which the body tries to cough back up, according to Exline . When cigarettes aren’t the culprit, people may cough up brown phlegm because of the foods they’re eating, including chocolate, coffee, and red wine.
Why do I cough up white phlegm?
White or Gray Phlegm. Coughing up white or gray phlegm is often an indication of an upper respiratory tract infection or sinus congestion. Dr. Steve Okhravi, an emergency physician and founder of DocChat and Emergency Medical Care, says this type of phlegm drains from the sinuses. “Normally, your sinus doesn't drip, but when there's inflammation, ...
Why does my mucus get white?
This causes the mucus to stagnate and dry out, leading to a white discharge. Meanwhile, coughing up gray phlegm may be a sign that the body is trying to get rid of resins or tars that accumulated from excessive smoking or inhalation of large amounts of air pollutants like smog or dust.
Why is my phlegm yellow?
Typically, this occurs when the immune system sends white blood cells, known as neutrophils, to the area of infection. These cells contain a green protein, which, when present in large quantities, turn the mucus into a greenish hue.
What does it mean when you cough up blood?
Coughing up a significant amount of blood could also be a sign of tuberculosis, pneumonia, cancer, or pulmonary embolism, Okhravi said.
Why does my sputum turn brown?
Bacterial bronchitis: This condition can produce rusty brown sputum as it progresses. Chronic bronchitis may also be a possibility. You may be more at risk for developing chronic bronchitis if you smoke or are often exposed to fumes and other irritants.
What is the color of phlegm in the lungs?
Viral bronchitis: This is an inflammation in the bronchial tubes in your lungs. It begins with clear or white phlegm and coughing. In some cases, you may find that the phlegm progress to a yellow or green color . Viral pneumonia: This form of pneumonia is caused by an infection in your lungs.
What does green or yellow phlegm mean?
If you see green or yellow phlegm, it’s usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection. The color comes from white blood cells. At first, you may notice yellow phlegm that then progresses into green phlegm. The change occurs with the severity and length of the potential sickness.
What does black phlegm mean?
Black sputum is also called melanoptysis. Seeing black phlegm may mean you have inhaled a high amount of something black, like coal dust. It may also mean you have a fungal infection that needs medical attention.
What if the phlegm texture changes?
The consistency of your phlegm can change due to many reasons. The scale ranges from mucoid (frothy) and mucopurulent to purulent (thick and sticky). Your phlegm may get thicker and darker as an infection progresses. It may also be thicker in the morning or if you are dehydrated.
What is it called when you cough up phlegm?
When you cough up phlegm, it’s called sputum. You may notice different colored sputum and wonder what the colors mean.
Why is my phlegm brown?
The color brown often means old blood. You may see this color after your phlegm appears red or pink. Brown phlegm is commonly caused by: Bacterial pneumonia: This form of pneumonia can produce phlegm that is green-brown or rust-colored. Bacterial bronchitis: This condition can produce rusty brown sputum as it progresses.
What is straight mucus?
Straight mucus is mostly water, with proteins, antibodies and dissolved salts. Your nasal tissues produce it 24/7. Most of it flows down the back of your throat to be dissolved in the stomach. White. You’re congested.
What does it mean when you have black mucus?
Black. If you’re not a smoker or user of illegal drugs, black mucus may mean a serious fungal infection. These infections usually occur in people with compromised immune systems. If you are one of them, you’re probably already seeing a doctor.
Why is my nose red and red?
Pink or red. This is blood. Your nasal tissue in the nose has somehow become broken — perhaps because it’s dry, irritated or suffered some kind of impact.
Does green snot always mean you have an infection?
Not always, says Dr. Sindwani. Snot could change color (or you could have more of it) if you have an abundance of bacteria growing in your nose. “Snot can be impacted by bacteria,” he says. “And that bacteria can be hanging out in your nose. It’s not until the bacteria actually gets into the lining or tissues of your nose that we actually call it an infection.”
What does different mucus colors mean?
Different mucus colors mean different things , and each should be closely monitored: for example, a sinus infection produces mucus colors that are different from a bad bout of allergies. Knowing the distinctions can be vital to your health! Janine Ngai for LittleThings.
Why is my sputum milky white?
White mucus can also mean that a cold or sinus infection is starting to develop. When white blood cells start to build up in mucus to fight an infection, they can turn the sputum milky white. Morgan Swofford for LittleThings.
What does it mean when your snot is white?
Snot Color #2: Thick, White Mucus. If your snot is coming out white and sticky, that means that there's less water in the mucus than there normally should be. Having white, thick mucus can often indicate that you're dehydrated and that you need to get more water into your system. If you're getting plenty of water, ...
What is mucus in the body?
What Is Mucus? Mucus is a totally normal substance that your body makes to help keep you healthy. It's a slippery, sticky, gel-like substance that coats the nose, throat, and lungs, among other areas of the body. It lubricates a lot of the inner workings of the body and is tremendously important for keeping your body going.
Why is my sinuses green?
If you start blowing out green mucus, this could signal that an intense sinus infection might be getting its hooks into you. Finding green mucus in your tissue is a sign that you should visit the doctor.
What does it mean when your mucus is yellowish?
Got yellowish or creamy colored mucus? That's a sure sign that something is brewing in your upper respiratory system.
Is mucus a pleasant sight?
Though mucus is not a pleasant sight, it's generally nothing to worry about.
Overview
A mixture of saliva and mucus produced by the lungs as a result of viral or bacterial infections.
Sputum may be a symptom of a related condition. More info below.
Function
Terminology
Use
Pathophysiology
- As noted above, sputum contains dead cells and debris from the lower respiratory tract but also plays a role in fighting infection, by trapping bacteria and containing white blood cells to fight them. The thickness of sputum serves to trap foreign material so that the cilia in the airway can clear it from the lungs by moving it up through the mouth where it can be swallowed or coughed …
Properties
- Sputum is secreted into the airways (bronchi and bronchioles) of the respiratory tract. Sputum is not the same as saliva, a substance secreted in the mouth to help with digestion. The terms sputum and phlegm are used interchangeably. The term mucus may sometimes be used instead of sputum, but sputum refers to that mucus specifically secreted in the respiratory tract, wherea…
Analysis
- Sputum or phlegm is coughed up from the lower airways in the respiratory tractthe bronchi, bronchioles, and trachearather than glands in the mouth and throat. It is produced by cells called goblet cells that line the airway
Treatment
- Sputum is made up from secretions from cells lining the respiratory tract, dead cells, foreign matter that is breathed into the lungs, such as tar from cigarettes and air pollutants, and white blood cells and other immune cells. In infections, bacteria may also be present in sputum. Blood may also be present in the sputum with lung cancer, trauma to the respiratory tract, damage to t…