Sputum

From Anvita Health Wiki

Contents 1 More Specific Terms 2 Characteristics 3 Laboratory 4 More General Terms 5 Additional Terms 6 References

More Specific Terms

• sputum collection

Characteristics

• mucoid sputum: translucent, white or gray
• purulent sputum: yellow or green (may be large volume)

• bronchiectasis
• lung abscess

• mucopurulent: components of both mucoid & purulent sputum
• frothy pink sputum: pulmonary edema
• current jelly sputum (sticky, red):

• characteristic of Klebsiella pneumonia

• bronchial casts, mucous plugs & thin strings seen in

• asthma
• bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
• mucoid impactation syndrome

Laboratory

• sputum gram stain & sputum culture
• acid fast stain & mycobacterial culture if indicated
• microscopy for eosinophils, Charcot-Leyden crystals & Curschmann's spirals in asthmatics

More General Terms

• body fluid

Additional Terms

• bronchorrhea
• culture of sputum
• lithoptysis
• sputum cytology
• sputum gram stain

References

1. Guide to Physical Examination & History Taking, 4th edition, Bates B, JB Lippincott, Philadelphia, 1987
2. Mayo Internal Medicine Board Review, 1998-99, Prakash UBS (ed) Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, 1998, pg 719
3. Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 15, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2009

sputum (phlegm)