Sputum is the act of “spitting” bronchial secretions (or sputum) after coughing. It is a common symptom of various respiratory pathologies.

Sputum is a sign of inflammation of the lining of the airways. Thicker, it then clutters the bronchi and must be evacuated.

The sputum may or may not be purulent, contain blood or not.

They go up in the throat after an effort of coughing (the cough can be acute or chronic).

Respiratory infections or the presence of inflammation increases the amount of bronchial secretions. This can cause a “productive” cough, which is accompanied by secretions.

Most inflammatory diseases of the airways, such as bronchitis or asthma, are accompanied by sputum.

The color and composition of the sputum may give clues as to the pathology responsible.

However, a yellowish or greenish color is as much a sign of significant inflammation as of the presence of bacteria and is not necessarily a sufficient reason for being prescribed antibiotics.

Common causes of a cough with sputum include:

• bronchitis
• pneumonia
• asthma, etc.

To guide his diagnosis, the doctor will take an interest in the age of the problem, its frequency, the appearance of sputum and the circumstances of its occurrence (is the cough stronger in the morning, at night, after exertion, etc.).

The presence of blood in the sputum is called hemoptysis: the blood is light red, a little foamy, mixed with sputum. There can be many causes:

• infections
• bronchopulmonary cancers
• pulmonary embolism
• taking certain medications
• cardiovascular illnesses
• inhalation of toxic substances
• tuberculosis, etc.

It is necessary to consult without delay in the event of blood in the sputum. An x-ray of the lungs will likely be done.

Sputum is not a disease but a symptom. The severity of the situation therefore depends on the underlying cause.

The presence of a chronic cough, or the occurrence of signs such as blood, chest pain, breathing difficulties, high fever, should prompt consultation.

In case of persistent sputum (apart from a banal acute bronchitis, for example), it is essential to consult your doctor to find the cause.

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will sometimes need to examine the sputum and its composition.

To do this, he will need to collect a sample which will then be analyzed to detect the possible presence of bacteria, in particular.

Most often, however, a medical examination along with x-rays or examining lung function (to diagnose asthma) is sufficient.