
Sputum: Definition, colors, causes, and when to see a doctor
Jan 22, 2024 · Sputum is a type of thick mucus produced by the lungs. This article explains the types of sputum, what causes changes, and when to speak with a doctor.
Mucus: Phlegm, Causes, Colors & How To Get Rid Of It
Sep 20, 2024 · It lines your mucous membranes and helps trap and destroy or clear out germs and harmful particles. Mucus gets thick and sticky and might be white, yellow or green when …
Sputum: Definition, Colors, Causes, and Conditions (2025)
May 14, 2025 · Sputum is a mixture of saliva and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract, typically as a result of infection or chronic conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, or …
Phlegm Color Chart: What the Color of Your Phlegm Means
Aug 2, 2024 · Producing clear phlegm often means your body is reacting to irritants or inflammation, while yellow or green phlegm may suggest an infection. Red, pink, brown, or …
Sputum - Wikipedia
Sputum is mucus that is coughed up from the lower airways (the trachea and bronchi). In medicine, sputum samples are usually used for a naked-eye examination, microbiological …
Understanding Sputum and What the Different Colors Mean
Aug 22, 2025 · Sputum is a mix of cells, foreign matter, and white blood cells produced in the respiratory tract. An increased amount of sputum is often due to increased respiratory …
Sputum Analysis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
May 4, 2025 · Specifically, sputum is a mixture of saliva and mucus that is coughed up from the respiratory tract, often following an infection or irritation of the mucosa. Phlegm is derived from …
Understanding Mucus in Your Lungs - American Lung Association
Jul 14, 2021 · Mucus in the lungs is known as phlegm or sputum. It is a common symptom in chronic lung diseases such as COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), cystic …
Phlegm Cheat Sheet: Recognizing Normal and Concerning Colors …
“Mucus is made up of electrolytes and proteins, and it’s part of our normal immune defenses. Our body uses it to lubricate the respiratory tract to capture things like bacteria, so it doesn’t get …
Mucus vs. Phlegm vs. Sputum: What's the Difference? (2025)
May 14, 2025 · Sputum is phlegm that is coughed up from the lower airways—the trachea, bronchi, and lungs. While phlegm refers to the substance itself, sputum refers to the …