sputum

(noun)

Matter coughed up and expectorated from the mouth, composed of saliva and discharges from the respiratory passages such as mucus, phlegm, or pus.

Related Terms

Examples of sputum in the following topics:

  • Tuberculosis

    • The classic symptoms of active TB infection are a chronic cough with blood-tinged sputum, fever, chills night sweats, and weight loss .
    • A chest x-ray and multiple sputum cultures for acid-fast bacilli are typically part of the initial evaluation.
    • A definitive diagnosis of TB is made by identifying M. tuberculosis in a clinical sample such as sputum, pus, or a tissue biopsy.
    • However, the difficult culture process for this slow-growing organism can take two to six weeks for blood or sputum culture.

  • Cystic Fibrosis

    • Antibiotics are absolutely necessary whenever pneumonia is suspected or there has been a noticeable decline in lung function, and are usually chosen based on the results of a sputum analysis and the patient's past response.
    • Several mechanical techniques are used to dislodge sputum and encourage its expectoration.

  • Pneumonia

    • Diagnostic tools include x-rays and examination of the sputum.

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

    • The diagnosis of COPD should be considered in anyone who has dyspnea, chronic cough or sputum production, and/or a history of exposure to risk factors for the disease, such as regular tobacco smoking.