Sputum – colloquially called sputum – (synonyms: abnormal sputum color; abnormal sputum quantity; abnormal sputum odor; abnormal sputum; dysmucorrhea; mucorrhea; increased sputum; increased sputum of unknown cause; increased sputum; abnormal sputum; excessive bronchial secretion; productive cough; ICD-10 R09. 3: abnormal sputum) consists of excessive secretions of mucous membranes, cells, bacteria, saliva, dust, possibly also blood (lat. sanguis) or pus (lat. pus) etc., which originate from the respiratory tract. They are coughed up and spat out. A certain amount of secretion is always produced and serves to cleanse the bronchial tubes.
Sputum can have many different causes.
We can distinguish the different types of sputum depending on the composition:
- Sputum coctum – purulent-mucous.
- Sputum croceum – purulent-yellow
- Sputum crudum – viscous-glazed
- Sputum cruentum – reddish (bloody); strawberry jelly sputum.
- Sputum fibrinosum – tough-sticky.
- Sputum foetidum – putrid-ridden
- Sputum fundum petens – layered
- Sputum globosum – with pus arranged in the shape of a lens.
- Sputum nummulare – with mucus enveloped lenticular pus.
- Sputum pituitosum – thin, slimy.
- Sputum putridum – purulent
- Sputum rubiginosum – rusty brown
- Sputum sanguinolentum – bloody
In diagnostics, it is necessary to distinguish sputum from saliva: Sputum refers to secretions from the lower respiratory tract, whereas saliva refers to secretions from the mouth and throat.
Sputum can be a symptom of many diseases (see “Differential diagnoses”).
Course and prognosis: Sputum can occur acutely, e.g. in the context of colds, or become chronic. Heavy smokers, for example, suffer from chronic, so-called productive irritable cough. If cough and sputum persist over a longer period of time or if the sputum appears conspicuous in consistency and color, comprehensive diagnostics should be performed. If the cough is severe, the bronchial mucosa (lining of the lungs) itself may be damaged over time. Small threads of blood can then be seen in the sputum.
