Is That Sputum You’re Coughing Up? (2023)

Sputum, or phlegm, is a type of mucus secreted by cells in the lower airways (bronchi and bronchioles) of the respiratory tract. It differs from saliva, which is produced higher up in the mouth.

Sputum may contain dead cells, foreign debris inhaled into the lung, bacteria, and white blood cells that protect the airway from infection. The quantity, texture, and color of sputum can help to diagnose lung cancer and other medical conditions that affect sputum production.

This article explains what sputum is and looks like. It discusses sputum culture tests and procedures, such as sputum induction, that are used to assess sputum when identifying and treating respiratory illnesses.

Sputum Types

Sputum is secreted into the lower airways (bronchi and bronchioles) of the respiratory tract. It is produced by cells called goblet cells that line the airway, and it contains immune cells to fight off bacteria. It works with small structures in the airway called cilia to trap and remove foreign substances.

Sputum is not the same as saliva, a substance secreted in the mouth to help with digestion. The terms sputum and phlegm are used interchangeably.

Sputum or phlegm is coughed up from the bronchi, bronchioles, and trachea rather than glands in the mouth and throat. It may include foreign matter from air pollution or smoking cigarettes, as well as bacteria from an infection, or blood due to cancer, airway damage, and pulmonary edema.

Tests to Evaluate Sputum

Sputum may be analyzed in the lab to determine its contents in order to evaluate infections or look for cancer. Tests may include:

• Sputum culture: A sputum culture is done in a laboratory to identify the presence and type of cells in a sputum sample that may cause disease. If a specific bacteria is found, the lab can then do further tests to figure out which antibiotic is most effective against that bacteria (sensitivity testing).
• Sputum for tuberculosis: A sputum sample may be obtained to look for tuberculosis, though several samples are often needed in order to find one that is diagnostic.
• Sputum cytology: In sputum cytology, a sample of sputum is evaluated under the microscope. This can be done to look for signs of tuberculosis or signs of cancer cells. However, sputum cytology is not a reliable lung cancer screening tool. If cancer cells are found, however, it can be diagnostic of lung cancer and further tests determine the location of the cancer.

What Sputum Colors Mean

Sputum qualities can include many colors and different consistencies, and these can help to diagnose certain conditions. For example:

• Clear sputum: Clear sputum is usually normal, although it may be increased in some lung diseases.
• White or gray sputum: White or grayish tinged sputum can also be normal, but may be present in increased amounts with some lung diseases or precede other color changes associated with other conditions.
• Dark yellow/green sputum: A type of white blood cells known as neutrophilshave a green color to them. These types of white blood cells are attracted to the scene of bacterial infections, and therefore bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract, such as pneumonia, may result in the production of green sputum. Yellow-green sputum is common with cystic fibrosis as well.
• Brown sputum: Brown sputum due to the presence of tar is sometimes found in people who smoke. Air pollution or exposure to smoke from other causes like a house fire are other causes. Sputum may also appear brown or black due to the presence of old blood. Brown sputum is also common with "black lung disease." These diseases, called pneumoconioses, occur from inhaling substances like coal into the lungs.
• Pink sputum: Pink, especially frothy pink sputum may come from pulmonary edema, a condition in which fluid and small amounts of blood leak from capillaries into the alveoli of the lungs. Pulmonary edema is often a complication of congestive heart failure. Pink or blood-tinged sputum is commonly caused by tuberculosis worldwide.
• Bloody sputum: Bloody sputum, even just a trace of blood-tinged sputum, should always be evaluated. Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) can be serious, and is the first sign of lung cancer in 7% to 35% of cases.

Causes of Increased Sputum

Some conditions that result in increased production of sputum include:

• Chronic bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis results in increased sputum. The criteria for a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis includes a daily cough productive of sputum
• Bronchiectasis: A condition in which the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs get damaged, causing them to widen and become loose and scarred.
• Pulmonary edema
• Overproduction of sputum can also be caused by smoking and exposure to air pollution.
  

Decreasing Sputum

There are a number of ways in which to decrease sputum production, but the most important step is to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.

With air pollution and smoking, the underlying cause is the body's attempt to rid itself of foreign matter, and an overproduction of sputum is a normal response. Tobacco smoke causes paralysis in cilia. They can't move sputum up to the mouth due to the lower mobility, so it accumulates in the airways. Removing the source is the best approach.

Medications that may help decrease sputum include aerosol treatments and expectorants. Treatments such as postural drainage may be effective in some situations.

Summary

Sputum is a mix of cells, foreign matter, and white blood cells produced in the respiratory tract. An increased amount of sputum is often the body's attempt to protect and heal damage to the airways. Contact your healthcare provider if you have chronic or concerning symptoms. An accurate diagnosis may lead to earlier treatment and improved outcomes.