Sputum: Difference between revisions
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Sputum is matter expectorated from the respiratory system and especially the lungs. It is composed of mucus but may contain pus, blood, fibrin, or microorganisms (such as bacteria) in diseased states.<ref>Merriam Webster Sputum Available: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sputum (accessed 8.7.2021)</ref> 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. | Sputum is matter expectorated from the respiratory system and especially the lungs. It is composed of mucus but may contain pus, blood, fibrin, or microorganisms (such as bacteria) in diseased states.<ref>Merriam Webster Sputum Available: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sputum (accessed 8.7.2021)</ref> 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 and forced out. | * 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 and forced out. | ||
* 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.<ref>Medical News Today What can sputum tell us. Available: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318924 (accessed 8.7.2021)</ref> | |||
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.<ref>Medical News Today What can sputum tell us. Available: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318924 (accessed 8.7.2021)</ref> | |||
== Sputum Examination == | == Sputum Examination == | ||
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== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Sputum analysis's diagnostic results involve many different diseases, such as respiratory infections, lung cancers, and non-cancerous lung conditions. Pneumonia is the most common lung infection disease and may relate to potential spreading. Untreated pneumonia may lead to severe complications. Lung cancer is ranked the fourth most commonly diagnosed malignancy in developed countries, and the first in cancer-caused death worldwide. According to the symptoms of the patient, the pulmonologist or infectious disease expert orders the laboratory tests. A nurse or a healthcare supporter will then collect the sputum sample and send it to the clinical lab. The laboratory specialist will conduct diagnostic tests. The radiologist may also need to carry out a chest X-ray for the patient. When the physician receives the sputum diagnostic reportings, they may prescript the drugs for the patient's treatment. Then the physiotherapist and or nurse will perform the clinical therapy.<ref name=":0" /> | Sputum analysis's diagnostic results involve many different diseases, such as respiratory infections, lung cancers, and non-cancerous lung conditions. Pneumonia is the most common lung infection disease and may relate to potential spreading. Untreated pneumonia may lead to severe complications. Lung cancer is ranked the fourth most commonly diagnosed malignancy in developed countries, and the first in cancer-caused death worldwide. According to the symptoms of the patient, the pulmonologist or infectious disease expert orders the laboratory tests. A nurse or a healthcare supporter will then collect the sputum sample and send it to the clinical lab. The laboratory specialist will conduct diagnostic tests. The radiologist may also need to carry out a chest X-ray for the patient. When the physician receives the sputum diagnostic reportings, they may prescript the drugs for the patient's treatment. Then the physiotherapist and or nurse will perform the clinical therapy.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
== '''The Significance of Different Sputum Types''' == | |||
Sputum characteristics can provide much information.<ref>OME Types of Sputum Available: https://www.oxfordmedicaleducation.com/clinical-examinations/respiratory-examination/sputum-types/ (accessed 8,7,2021)</ref> | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|'''Type''' | |||
|'''Characteristics''' | |||
|'''Associated pathology''' | |||
|- | |||
|Purulent | |||
|Thick, yellow/green sputum | |||
|Infectious – pneumonia, bronchiectasis and abscess | |||
|- | |||
|Mucoid | |||
|Clear, grey/white | |||
|Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma | |||
|- | |||
|Serous | |||
|Clear, frothy, can be pink | |||
|Pulmonary oedema | |||
|- | |||
|Blood | |||
|Blood | |||
|Malignancy, pulmonary embolus, clotting disorders, infection | |||
|} | |||
== Sub Heading 3 == | == Sub Heading 3 == | ||
Revision as of 07:04, 8 July 2021
Original Editor - User Name
Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton and Kim Jackson
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Sputum is matter expectorated from the respiratory system and especially the lungs. It is composed of mucus but may contain pus, blood, fibrin, or microorganisms (such as bacteria) in diseased states.[1] 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 and forced out.
- 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.[2]
Sputum Examination[edit | edit source]
The sputum is examined grossly and microscopically to aid medical diagnosis. The sputum contains various cells and molecular compounds such as soluble lipids and proteins. Its analysis is crucial in medicine. The sputum analysis involves an analytical approach to investigate the cellular and acellular components expelled from the patient's upper respiratory tract. This procedure is essential in the evaluation and management of lower respiratory infections or other longstanding health conditions. Clinically, sputum molecular biomarkers or gene sequencing of the microorganisms have increased medicine accuracy and represent a milestone in the current evaluations of the algorithms running for precision medicine.[3]
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Sputum analysis's diagnostic results involve many different diseases, such as respiratory infections, lung cancers, and non-cancerous lung conditions. Pneumonia is the most common lung infection disease and may relate to potential spreading. Untreated pneumonia may lead to severe complications. Lung cancer is ranked the fourth most commonly diagnosed malignancy in developed countries, and the first in cancer-caused death worldwide. According to the symptoms of the patient, the pulmonologist or infectious disease expert orders the laboratory tests. A nurse or a healthcare supporter will then collect the sputum sample and send it to the clinical lab. The laboratory specialist will conduct diagnostic tests. The radiologist may also need to carry out a chest X-ray for the patient. When the physician receives the sputum diagnostic reportings, they may prescript the drugs for the patient's treatment. Then the physiotherapist and or nurse will perform the clinical therapy.[3]
The Significance of Different Sputum Types[edit | edit source]
Sputum characteristics can provide much information.[4]
| Type | Characteristics | Associated pathology |
| Purulent | Thick, yellow/green sputum | Infectious – pneumonia, bronchiectasis and abscess |
| Mucoid | Clear, grey/white | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma |
| Serous | Clear, frothy, can be pink | Pulmonary oedema |
| Blood | Blood | Malignancy, pulmonary embolus, clotting disorders, infection |
Sub Heading 3[edit | edit source]
Resources[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Merriam Webster Sputum Available: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sputum (accessed 8.7.2021)
- ↑ Medical News Today What can sputum tell us. Available: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318924 (accessed 8.7.2021)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Shen F, Sergi C. Sputum Analysis. [Updated 2020 Oct 18]. In: StatPearls Available:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563195/ (accessed 8.7.2021)
- ↑ OME Types of Sputum Available: https://www.oxfordmedicaleducation.com/clinical-examinations/respiratory-examination/sputum-types/ (accessed 8,7,2021)
