Sputum

ask about it, regardless of cough

 

quantity - teaspoons,, tablespoons, 1/2 cup

 

 

 

colour and consistency:

clear, thin sputum - early or mild tracheobroncial inflammation

yellow/green - results from myeloperoxidase action during cellular breakdown of WBCs during infection

green - can also be from eosinophils in asthma (non-infectious)

brownish or grayish - tar and nicotine from cigarettes, especially after quitting

thick, sticky sputum - from cystic fibrosis

thin, frothy, pinkish sputum - pulmonary edema

bad-tasting sputum - anaerobic infection