The following symptoms and complaints may occur along with Sputum (sputum): Leading symptom Sputum (= excessive secretions of the mucous membranes, cells, bacteria, saliva, dust, possibly also blood (lat. sanguis) or pus (lat. pus), etc., originating from the respiratory tract). Associated symptoms Cough (lat. tussis) Foreign body sensation Hoarseness General weakness Fever Bad breath (halitosis, … Sputum: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes and sclerae (white part of the eye) [halitosis, foetor ex ore]. Auscultation (listening) of the heart [due todifferential diagnosis: heart failure (cardiac insufficiency)] … Sputum: Examination
In the case of only short-term sputum in the context of acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, laboratory diagnostics are usually not necessary. 2nd-order laboratory parameters-depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters-for differential diagnostic workup Small blood count Differential blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or … Sputum: Test and Diagnosis
Therapeutic target Symptomatic therapy Therapy recommendations Expectorants/mucolytic drugs (for now) – e.g., N-acetylcysteine (ACC), bromhexine, ambroxol – until definitive therapy when diagnosis is confirmed. It is to ensure a sufficient amount of drinking (> 1.5 l / d)!
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. X-ray of the thorax (X-ray thorax/chest), in two planes – if structural lung diseases are suspected. Computed tomography of the thorax/chest (thoracic CT) – if tumors are suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging of … Sputum: Diagnostic Tests
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of sputum (sputum). Family history What is the general health of your family members? Are there any cardiovascular or respiratory diseases in your family that are common? Social history What is your profession? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). How long … Sputum: Medical History
Respiratory System (J00-J99) Bronchial asthma Bronchiectasis (synonym: bronchiectasis) – persistent irreversible saccular or cylindrical dilatation of the bronchi (medium-sized airways) that may be congenital or acquired; symptoms: chronic cough with “mouthful expectoration” (large-volume triple-layered sputum: foam, mucus, and pus), fatigue, weight loss, and decreased exercise capacity Bronchocentric granulomatosis – granulomatous disease characterized by primary involvement … Sputum: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis