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

  • pleurisy
  • tuberculosis
  • latent

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.
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