What does yellow sputum mean?

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Yellow sputum when coughing is a dangerous symptom

A cough is a symptom of a certain disease that requires immediate treatment. But, as practice shows, people do not always turn to a specialist for help on time, as a result of which a large amount of mucus accumulates in the bronchi.

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If it is left for a long time, it acquires a yellow tint. This symptom indicates that an inflammatory process is in full swing in the body, which can spread to other organs.

What is

By changes in the color and consistency of sputum, one can judge the formation of pathological processes in the lungs. If there is clear and light sputum, then this is a clear sign of a viral disease. If it thickens and has a yellow tint, you should clarify the data on the presence of a bacterial infection in the lower respiratory tract. With a green tint and an unpleasant odor, lung congestion and progression of the inflammatory process are most often diagnosed. The presence of bloody streaks is the first symptom of tissue decomposition in lung cancer or tuberculosis.

No temperature

When the sputum produced during a cough is yellow, this is a clear sign of bronchitis (symptoms of purulent bronchitis are described here), sinusitis (symptoms of purulent sinusitis are described here). When a cough rarely occurs in a patient, but sputum is produced, then an urgent need to go to the clinic. Emergency assistance is necessary in cases where the sputum contains an admixture of blood and pus. After all, yellowness in the sputum indicates the presence of pus.

Also, cough with yellow sputum can occur in people who have a passion for smoking. The nature and shade of sputum indicates the cause of bronchitis. A yellow tint indicates that an infection has accumulated in the bronchi. Therapy for such patients should take place in a hospital setting or at home. The treatment regimen is determined by the doctor after diagnosis. In the link you can read how to cure a smoker's cough.

To summarize, the following diseases should be identified, during which yellow sputum discharge without fever appears:

With temperature

If, in addition to yellow sputum, the patient also has a rise in temperature, then this is a clear symptom of diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. The temperature may also increase with the diseases mentioned above. If the indicators are not significant (up to 38 degrees), then it is too early to panic. When the temperature is above 38 degrees for a long time and yellow sputum comes out, then this is a reason to consult a doctor.

To accurately determine the nature of the inflammatory process, it is necessary to conduct a laboratory study. For these purposes, the patient submits his sputum, and a specialist examines it using microscopic and macroscopic methods. To carry out this analysis, you need to collect sputum in the morning, but do not eat anything beforehand. Otherwise, you will not be able to get an accurate result. To ensure a minimum saliva content, the patient must rinse the mouth with an antiseptic solution and boiled water. After this, collect the mucus in a special container. If, during the test, mucus is released in a small volume, then the patient is prescribed irritating inhalations. Here you can read more about inhalations for wet coughs in children.

You can get the most accurate information and the nature of yellow mucus using bronchoscopy. It is carried out in a hospital setting. Thanks to this, it is possible to carefully examine the bronchi and trachea using special equipment. During this manipulation, mucus is obtained without admixtures of oral bacteria and saliva. For special cases, it is necessary to carry out a thorough diagnosis.

Here you can read what to do if you have watery eyes and a runny nose.

Therapeutic measures

Treatment for cough with yellow phlegm requires immediate treatment. The treatment regimen is drawn up on an individual basis, taking into account the diagnostic results. As a rule, mandatory therapy involves expectorant drugs that clear the lungs.

The video talks about yellow sputum when coughing:

Mucolytics are prescribed to dissolve mucus. Antibiotics will be used to fight bacterial infections.

Thanks to mucolytics, which do not increase the volume of sputum, it is possible to thin it and cleanse the lungs. The medications presented are prescribed for the treatment of bronchial asthma, inflammation of the bronchi, cystic fibrosis and other inflammatory ailments.

Expectorant medications help remove mucus from the upper respiratory tract and also activate the cough reflex. These drugs include:

  • Trypsin,
  • Theropsis
  • Sodium benzoate.

But you should not self-treat with these medications. They are prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

To dilate the bronchi and allow mucus to pass out easily, it is worth using medications that increase the patency of the bronchi.

To eliminate the inflammatory process of the respiratory tract, one of the manifestations of which is yellow mucus, highly targeted antibiotics are used. You can also use medications with a broad spectrum of antibacterial action in the process.

Symptomatic therapy alone will not be enough, so it is imperative to carry out therapeutic measures aimed at treating the underlying disease.

To facilitate the process of cleansing the lungs, it is necessary to use as much liquid as possible, humidify the air in the house using a special device, and get more rest. Such measures will improve the discharge of yellow sputum and cleanse the lungs and bronchi. If a coughing attack begins to bother you, then take an upright position. In this way, the lungs will expand and phlegm will be better separated.

The video explains what it means if thick yellow-green sputum is released when you cough and describes the means to combat the disease:

To protect your body from the development of an illness that contributes to the formation of yellow sputum, you need to protect your lungs from various infections, you need to cleanse them with the help of special gymnastics. A set of exercises should be compiled by your attending physician after he conducts an examination and studies the information obtained during the diagnosis. It is necessary to perform the compiled breathing exercises every day for minutes.

Yellow sputum may indicate an allergic reaction. In this case, the patient needs to take antihistamines and drugs to stabilize the mast cell membranes. For pulmonary edema, it is necessary to take diuretics and medications that reduce the foaminess of sputum.

Yellow mucus is a very dangerous symptom that indicates that the disease is beginning to progress. If treatment measures are not taken in time, this can result in such a dangerous disease as lung cancer. If you notice the very first symptoms of the disease, you need to go to the clinic and undergo the necessary diagnostics. It may also be useful for you to know what medications are taken for chronic bronchitis, how to quickly get rid of a runny nose using folk remedies.

Oh, this cancer! Just thinking about him can drive you crazy. And how can one not think about it, when now almost everyone is dying from cancer! A colleague of mine recently died of lung cancer, who had never smoked in his life! And everyone thought that lung cancer couldn’t possibly affect him! However, And ten years ago my father died from the same thing. His symptoms began with red streaks in his sputum. He really smoked.

The horror is catching up. Otherwise, you need to see a doctor, although these people don’t really think about it, they’ll just mess around with a course of antibiotics and all the treatment.

Source: http://prolor.ru/g/simptomy-g/zheltaya-mokrota-pri-kashle.html

Causes of yellow sputum and treatment

Yellow sputum when coughing begins when a large amount of secretions accumulates in the lungs to be removed naturally. This is an effective means of self-defense of the human body. You should not hold back your cough. Sputum removed by coughing should be spat out. Under no circumstances should you swallow it.

During coughing attacks, the patient should cover his mouth with a handkerchief or napkin, since the yellow sputum released when coughing contains microorganisms. This may be dangerous for others. Coughing occurs as a reflex reaction when any obstruction to the normal passage of air through the respiratory tract occurs. A cough begins when foreign bodies enter the respiratory tract, inhale irritating vapors or too dry air. In addition, coughing with sputum is a symptom of many allergic, respiratory, and infectious diseases.

What is sputum?

Sputum is a combination of moist mucous secretions that form on the inner surface of the respiratory organs during various diseases. Phlegm also contains saliva, which is produced during the functioning of the salivary glands in the mouth. Mucus occurs only as a result of pathological processes in the body. A healthy person does not have any discharge from the respiratory tract.

Sputum has a different color, consistency, and composition, which makes it possible to better diagnose the disease and create a course of treatment in each case. For example, yellow mucus is formed when the respiratory tract is infected, foamy white mucus is coughed up during pulmonary edema, and red mucus is produced when there is lung cancer.

In addition to saliva, sputum consists of:

  • cells of the immune system;
  • microorganisms;
  • dust;
  • cell breakdown products;
  • plasma and blood cells.

The percentage of the above mucus components indicates the stage and nature of the disease. Based on consistency, sputum is divided into viscous, thick or liquid. Depending on the content of pus, sputum may disintegrate into 2-3 layers or not disintegrate at all.

Yellow mucus, like any other mucus, usually has no odor. If the sputum acquires a characteristic cadaverous (or putrefactive) odor, this indicates the development of an abscess, lung cancer, gangrene, etc. Treatment in such cases should be more intensive. Surgery may be needed.

Yellow sputum analysis

To more accurately determine the nature of the disease processes, a laboratory examination of yellow sputum by microscopic and macroscopic methods is required. For analysis, yellow sputum is collected in the morning on an empty stomach to avoid food contamination. To ensure a minimum saliva content, the patient should rinse his mouth with a weak solution of an antiseptic (for example, furatsilin) ​​and boiled water. After rinsing, the sputum is collected in a sterile special spittoon jar. If mucus is coughed up in insufficient quantities, the patient is prescribed irritant inhalation.

The most reliable data on the composition and nature of yellow sputum is provided by bronchoscopy performed in a hospital setting. This makes it possible to thoroughly study the condition of the bronchi and trachea using special devices: bronchofiberscope, etc. In this case, mucus is obtained without admixture of oral microorganisms and saliva. In special cases, special collection of sputum is provided for a more thorough examination.

In addition to the composition of mucus, the causative agents of disease processes can be determined analytically. Using a laboratory test, the exact composition of sputum, the amount of sputum produced per day, consistency, smell, color, etc. are determined.

Yellow sputum, which is expectorated even in small quantities when the patient coughs, is a sure sign of the onset of bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia or asthma.

In acute bronchitis, inflammation begins in the bronchi under the influence of a viral or bacterial infection. Chronic bronchitis occurs as a complication of acute or prolonged exposure to dust or other irritating factors. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses that occurs as a complication of infectious diseases or after severe facial injuries. Inflammation of the lungs occurs due to infection in the lung tissue. Bronchial asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory tract caused by various cellular elements.

Yellow sputum occurs in people with a long history of smoking. Sputum acquires a yellow color due to the abundant content of pus and white blood cells, for example, neutrophils. If a large number of eosinophils accumulate in the sputum, it becomes bright yellow.

The presence of cells of this type indicates infectious, allergic and chronic inflammation that has begun in the body. Thus, coughing with yellow sputum is a dangerous symptom. Therefore, when it appears, you must immediately visit a specialist doctor. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate.

Cough with yellow sputum: treatment

When coughing with yellow sputum, expectorants are first prescribed to intensify the cleansing of the lungs, mucolytics that dissolve mucus, and antibiotics to fight bacterial infection. Mucolytics, without increasing the amount of mucus, thin it and help cleanse the lungs. The main drugs in this group include acetylcysteine, ambroxol, bromhexine, and licorice root syrup. These drugs are actively used to treat bronchial asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis and other inflammations in the upper respiratory tract.

Expectorants remove bronchial secretions from the upper respiratory tract and activate the cough reflex. This group includes, for example, trypsin, thermopsis, sodium benzoate.

Bronchial dilators facilitate the release of mucus, increasing the patency of the bronchi. These include stoptussin, erespal, bromhexine, gedelix.

To treat inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, one of the symptoms of which is yellow sputum, both highly specialized antibiotics and drugs with a broad spectrum of antibacterial action are used. Symptomatic treatment of cough is not enough, so treatment of the disease that caused it must be carried out.

To make it easier to clear the lungs of yellow or other mucus by coughing, it is recommended to drink more fluids, humidify the air in the room using a room humidifier, get plenty of rest, and avoid strong odors and too cold air. During a coughing attack, you need to take an upright position to expand your lungs.

Special breathing exercises will help to avoid the development of a disease that causes a cough with yellow sputum, and to avoid infection of the lungs by cleansing them. A set of exercises should be compiled by the attending physician after conducting a thorough examination of the patient and studying all the data obtained analytically.

Yellow mucus can be a symptom of some allergic diseases. In such cases, the patient is prescribed antiallergic drugs and mast cell membrane stabilizers. If the patient has pulmonary edema, sputum foam-reducing agents and diuretics will be required.

  • Treatment
  • Drugs

It happened, I started coughing to the point of bronchitis. I went to V.

Our pediatrician prescribed Prospan syrup for our son for a dry cough. He.

We purchased a humidifier and turn it on as needed. And es.

Prospan cough syrup is good. No chemicals and it helps. Would.

Expectorants provide invaluable help with.

Sputum with bronchitis is a typical phenomenon. It could be.

There are many means and techniques for treating chest pain.

Source: http://olegkih.ru/kashel/zheltaya-mokrota.html

Yellow sputum when coughing - causes of formation and methods of treatment

M sputum is defined in medical practice as a varied exudate produced by ciliated epithelial cells of bronchial structures. The production of mucus is a natural protective reaction of the body to the penetration of pathogenic flora or imaginary pathogenic agents into the respiratory structures (as, for example, when smoking). Yellow sputum is a clear indicator of problems with the bronchial tree.

However, this kind of exudate should be subdivided based on the localization of the pathological process. The sputum may not be phlegm, but mucus from the nose. So what are the basic facts about the problem?

Causes of yellow sputum formation

The factors behind the appearance of true yellow sputum when coughing are varied. Typical diseases or pathological conditions include the following:

A typical disease, which is accompanied by the release of yellow exudate. The essence of the pathogenic process is inflammation of one or more segments of the lungs. Another name for the disease is pneumonia. The causes of the problem are almost always infectious-degenerative.

The most common causative agents of pneumonia are Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic and viridans streptococci and other pathogens. The symptoms are very specific. In the first few days, a cough develops and body temperature rises. On days 3-5, a period of imaginary well-being begins, and the disease gains new momentum.

A large amount of yellow sputum is detected when coughing. This exudate consists of serous fluid, mucus, dead leukocytes and infectious agents. This is pus. The disease resolves in 3-4 weeks and ends with recovery, transition of the infection to the chronic phase or death.

It is a disease similar to pneumonia, but unlike the latter, bronchitis has a smaller affected area. Only the bronchi, usually their small segments, are involved in the pathological process. Yellowish purulent sputum with an unpleasant odor may be released (indicates a putrefactive process).

The symptoms are similar to those of pneumonia. Despite the fact that the disease is less dangerous than pneumonia, it tends to become actively chronic and can also be fatal for the patient.

An infectious and inflammatory disease provoked by the so-called Koch bacillus (microbacterium tuberculosis). In the early stages, the sputum is white; the further the disease progresses, the more intense the pigmentation of the mucous exudate. First, yellow sputum is coughed up, then it acquires a rusty (brown) tint.

Symptoms of tuberculosis include intense cough, chest pain, sudden weight loss and other factors.

It is not possible to thoroughly determine the causes of bronchiectasis. The essence of the pathogenic process is the formation of small sacs filled with pus in the alveolar structures of the bronchi. When coughing, multi-layered yellow mucus is coughed up. There are inclusions of blood, including fresh and oxidized.

Bronchiectasis is observed in 7% of cases of visits to a pulmonologist. It is not possible to distinguish it from pneumonia, emphysema and other conditions without specialized research.

An abscess (also colloquially known as an “abscess”) is a papular formation localized in the tissues of the lungs or bronchi. Opening such a structure is fraught with suppuration or purulent melt of the lungs. In both processes described, a huge amount of yellow exudate mixed with fresh blood is released.

The condition is potentially fatal, as respiratory failure increases.

  • Lung cancer. When the tumor structure is localized in the central segments of the lungs, pus mixed with blood comes out.

In some cases, the release of yellow mucus is due to purely subjective reasons. So, everyone knows the so-called smoker's cough. Tobacco and harmful tars color the mucous exudate yellow or rusty. Eating citrus fruits and carrots in large quantities also results in the formation of large amounts of yellow mucus.

These causes can only be limited by carrying out specialized diagnostics. All activities are prescribed only by a doctor. Yellow sputum acts only as a vector, determining the direction of the examination.

Associated symptoms

Sputum is never the only, isolated symptom. It is just one of many manifestations typical of a particular disease. In almost all cases, the following characteristic signs are present:

  1. Chest pain. Occurs in most diseases accompanied by yellow sputum in the morning. The pain has a pulling, aching character, observed when inhaling and, somewhat less frequently, when exhaling.
  2. Shortness of breath, suffocation. Breathing disorders. Both of these conditions cause respiratory failure. The difference between shortness of breath and suffocation lies in the intensity of the manifestation. Choking is potentially fatal because it causes acute impairment of body functions.
  3. Increased body temperature. Almost always indicates an inflammatory-degenerative process in the pulmonary structures. We are talking about low-grade or febrile thermometer readings. With cancer, the level always remains within 37.5 degrees Celsius.
  4. Cough. Always productive, scoring goals. It intensifies in the morning and weakens somewhat during the day.

The clinical picture consists of similar manifestations.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of problems with pulmonary structures is carried out by pulmonology specialists. Additionally, consultation with an oncologist or TB specialist may be required. The set of diagnostic measures includes an oral questioning of the patient regarding the nature and degree of development of symptoms, as well as collecting an anamnesis.

The main thing that can be said at first glance is that yellow sputum always indicates a purulent-necrotic process in the lower respiratory tract. The greater the specific gravity of pus in the mucus, the more it moves towards a green tint.

To put an end to the issue of the origin of the problem, you need to carry out a number of diagnostic measures:

  • General macroscopic analysis of sputum. Reveals its physical and chemical properties.
  • Microscopic examination. It is prescribed to assess the microscopic composition of mucus (as the name suggests).
  • Culture of sputum on nutrient media. Makes it possible to identify the pathogen.
  • Tuberculin test. Necessary for diagnosing tuberculosis in the early stages of its course.
  • General blood analysis. As a rule, it gives a picture of severe inflammation with a large number of leukocytes, a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, a high hematocrit, etc.
  • X-ray of the lungs. Allows you to identify pathological changes in the lungs and bronchi.
  • Fluorography. It makes it possible to determine only the most gross changes in the tissues and organs of the chest. Most often prescribed for the diagnosis of cancer and tuberculosis.
  • MRI/CT diagnostics. Both studies provide vivid, informative images of the structures of the chest organs. Due to low availability, such diagnostic measures are prescribed relatively rarely.
  • Bronchoscopy. A minimally invasive study aimed at examining and visually assessing the epithelial tissues of the lower respiratory tract.

Such studies are prescribed in a comprehensive manner. If organic causes are excluded, it makes sense to look for a physiological factor.

Therapy

Treatment methods for cough with yellow sputum are varied; depending on the specific ailment, drug or surgical therapy may be required. Since in most cases there is a putrefactive or necrotic process, the use of the following medications is indicated:

  • Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal origin. Prescribed to relieve generalized inflammation in the lower respiratory tract.
  • Corticosteroid drugs. They have a bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effect. They must be used with great caution due to the massive side effects.
  • Bronchodilators. They lead to dilation of the bronchi and ease of respiratory function.
  • Antispasmodics.
  • Antibacterial drugs. Pharmaceutical preparations of the antibacterial spectrum help destroy pathogenic flora. The most effective are fluoroquinolones, tatracyclines and cephalosporins.
  • Mucolytics and expectorants. Promotes rapid removal of mucus from the respiratory tract.

Surgical treatment is prescribed in the presence of tumors (both benign and malignant), advanced tuberculosis, and abscesses. In case of bronchiectasis, therapeutic bronchoscopy is performed.

Yellow sputum when coughing is an alarming sign indicating a purulent process. It is necessary to undergo timely diagnosis and begin treatment as quickly as possible, since the onset of necrotic destruction of the lower respiratory tract with a melt of lung tissue is quite possible.

Related materials:

MD is a respected leader in the fields of smoking cessation and pulmonary medicine. He has more than 20 years of experience in practicing medicine and treating pulmonary diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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Yellow sputum when coughing

When mucus starts to come out when you cough, that’s already good. Thus, the body cleanses the lungs and bronchi, and the healing process is accelerated. Although in some cases, a wet cough can drag on for a long time. This happens if for some reason the disease becomes chronic. This is often indicated by an unusual color of expectorated sputum, such as yellow.

What does yellow signal mean?

Coughing with yellow mucus can give different signals. Most often it means that there is an infection in the body. But not always. The infectious nature of the disease is quite easy to diagnose by the accompanying symptoms, the first place among which is increased body temperature (often slightly, up to 37-37.2). The infectious nature of the cough is also indicated by:

  • paroxysmal cough;
  • traces of blood in expectorated sputum;
  • general weakness, frequent dizziness;
  • shortness of breath when coughing or exercising;
  • pain in the chest area.

In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor, undergo a diagnostic examination, have sputum analyzed and begin an intensive course of treatment. Delay and prolonged ineffective self-medication can lead to serious complications.

Yellow sputum when coughing also often occurs in smokers, usually with little smoking experience. Along with tobacco smoke, many toxins, tar, and tobacco particles enter the lungs and bronchi. They accumulate, mix with secretions and form clots of yellow mucus. Over time, it acquires a dark brown or gray tint and becomes increasingly thick and difficult to cough up.

Interestingly, the expectorated discharge becomes yellow if you drink large quantities of freshly squeezed carrot juice or eat a lot of yellow or orange foods: carrots, pumpkin, persimmons, citrus fruits.

If the mucus is liquid, translucent, without an unpleasant odor, and the cough is not strong and appears periodically, it’s okay. It's just that the orange pigment has a high coloring ability.

How to distinguish it

It is almost impossible to distinguish pathological sputum from harmless sputum by appearance. And even accompanying symptoms do not always help make an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, a good doctor will never prescribe treatment before an analysis of the expectorated mucus has been performed.

To do this, it is collected in the morning, on an empty stomach, in a sterile glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Before collection, you should not brush your teeth or drink tea or juices - all this can affect the results of the study. You just need to rinse your mouth with clean boiled water or a weak furatsilin solution. The analysis itself is carried out in a specialized laboratory, to which the sputum must be delivered.

The most objective result is obtained by examining the sputum obtained after bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy is done in a hospital setting using medical equipment. The procedure is unpleasant, but not too painful; local anesthetics (lidocaine) are used before it is performed.

The mucus from the bronchi is washed out with a special solution, and a camera installed at the end of the tube allows you to assess their current condition. The material collected during the procedure is examined in three different ways:

  1. Macroscopy. The external characteristics of sputum are assessed: quantity, thickness, smell, color intensity, presence of blood and other inclusions.
  2. Microscopy. A detailed study of the composition of sputum for the presence of antibodies, epithelial cells, cholesterol, fatty acids, blood cells, etc.
  3. Bacterial sowing Allows you to identify the main causative agent of the disease, as well as test its sensitivity to various types of antibiotics. This will make it easier for the doctor to choose the most effective drug.

Usually such studies are quite sufficient. But there are other types of tests that can be prescribed if necessary.

Treatment Options

The only correct option for treating a wet cough that produces yellow sputum is to follow the doctor’s recommendations. If the disease is infectious in nature, it is possible to do without antibiotics only at the first stage. When the cough is protracted, deep, paroxysmal, this means that the body cannot cope on its own and needs help.

Usually this is a complex treatment that includes several groups of medications:

  • expectorants - help to quickly free the bronchi and lungs from mucus accumulated there: “Mukolitin”, “Ambroxol”, “ACC”, “Lazolvan”, etc.
  • bronchodilators - facilitate breathing, help well with a suffocating cough, relieve shortness of breath: “Bromhexine”, “Stoptussin”, “Broncholitin”;
  • antihistamines - relieve swelling and reduce the amount of sputum produced: Claritin, Suprastin, Diazolin, etc.;
  • anti-inflammatory - eliminate sore throat, soothe an irritated larynx, eliminate foci of inflammation: Paracetamol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Plantain syrup;
  • antibiotics – have a detrimental effect on pathogens identified as a result of the examination, and are prescribed strictly individually.

Remember that infectious diseases cannot be treated with home remedies. They can be used only as auxiliary methods to quickly relieve a coughing attack or relieve irritation and inflammation of the throat. Instead of pharmaceutical expectorant syrups, you can also use folk recipes, but it is advisable to coordinate all actions with your doctor so as not to reduce the effectiveness of the prescribed drugs.

A mandatory element of treatment is frequent gargling, which washes away the mucus. Warm drinks also soothe coughs, and decoctions of medicinal herbs simultaneously increase immunity, reduce inflammation and have a good healing effect. It is better to brew tea from chamomile, rosehip, elecampane, sage, coltsfoot.

Soda inhalations help thin thick mucus and facilitate its removal, which can be done up to 2-3 times a day if necessary. Essential oils of lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus dissolved in water have an antibacterial effect. It is useful to breathe in the steam from fresh mashed potatoes (then throw away the potatoes - they are already infected!).

It is useful to supplement the course of treatment with drainage massage and breathing exercises. A specialist can show you how to correctly perform these procedures. They will help to quickly clear the bronchi of residual mucus, relieve spasms, and speed up the healing process.

The course consists of procedures performed daily. After recovery, breathing exercises can be practiced until the residual cough completely disappears.

Prevention

Yellow sputum does not usually appear out of nowhere. Most often, this is the result of an advanced acute respiratory infection or ARVI, which then turns into bronchitis or pneumonia (sometimes purulent!). Therefore, the first rule of prevention is to be sure to treat a cold cough and bring the process to complete recovery. The mistake of many is that they often mistake an unresolved source of inflammation for a residual cough, which provokes chronic diseases.

Remember: with a residual cough, little sputum is produced, and it is transparent or white, but not yellow. Therefore, if the cough seems to go away, but the color of the sputum does not change, this is already an alarm signal.

The residual cough completely disappears in a maximum of a month, normally within 2-3 weeks. If it continues, you need to see a doctor again.

Additional measures to prevent cough and chronic diseases should be taken constantly. They are simple and clear:

  • quitting smoking sharply reduces the risk of developing such serious diseases as pneumonia, tuberculosis, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and lung tumors;
  • during periods of widespread acute respiratory diseases, it is advisable to avoid places with large crowds of people or lubricate the nasal passages with oxolinic ointment before leaving the house;
  • after suffering from illnesses, do not go on strict diets under any circumstances - nutrition should be nutritious and varied, rich in vitamins, minerals and microelements;
  • if you often suffer from colds or acute respiratory viral infections, it means that your immunity is weakened; the situation can be corrected by taking immunomodulators;
  • It is advisable to avoid hypothermia, drafts, sudden temperature changes, and being in close proximity to a running air conditioner (in any mode).

This will strengthen the immune system, avoid frequent respiratory diseases and possible complications after illnesses. If you cannot cope with the cough on your own, there is no need to postpone your visit to the doctor.

Author: Anna Alexandrova

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    Yellow sputum when coughing

    Often during an illness that is accompanied by a cough, many people notice sputum production. Can this be considered normal? What should sputum be like and are its characteristics so important? For example, yellow sputum when coughing - what does this mean? Let's try to briefly answer all such questions.

    Sputum is a secretion produced in the bronchi and trachea. Such discharge is not always considered a sign of illness, since the respiratory system regularly produces small amounts of mucus. This is necessary in order to create an obstacle at the right time to prevent foreign particles (for example, dust or chemicals) from entering the lungs along with the air. In addition, mucus contains special cells that help fight bacteria. Normally, sputum can only be transparent.

    Sputum is considered pathological when its characteristics change - color, composition, quantity, etc. Doctors attach particular importance to the color of bronchial secretions.

    Causes of yellow sputum when coughing

    Sputum can be produced during various diseases of the respiratory tract and is expelled during coughing and expectoration. The amount of discharge can also be different, from a one-time appearance in the initial stage of bronchitis or pneumonia to one and a half liters in purulent pulmonary pathologies.

    The degree of expectoration depends on how patent the bronchi are, as well as on the position of the patient’s body (discharge may increase in a horizontal position, lying on the healthy side).

    Coughing up secretions in most cases indicates the presence of a disease, especially if the sputum has any characteristic color. For example, yellow sputum may be expelled when coughing due to pneumonia, viral infection and bronchitis, or purulent processes in the lungs (abscess, bronchiectasis).

    However, yellow discharge is not always a sign of disease. For example, this may be a characteristic symptom of cough in heavy smokers. Sometimes yellow sputum appears due to the consumption of yellow foods or drinks (for example, citrus fruits, carrot juice, etc.).

    Who to contact?

    Diagnostics

    Sputum is a pathological secretion of the bronchi and trachea, which is expelled through coughing movements. These secretions are very important diagnostic material. They are collected in a special container made of transparent glass: this is usually done in the morning, before meals, after brushing your teeth and rinsing your throat.

    Liquid after bronchoscopy (bronchial lavage) can also serve as a good material for diagnosis.

    The study of bronchial secretions can be carried out in several ways. Let's consider each of them separately.

    • Macroscopic analysis determines the main characteristics of sputum: volume, shade, smell, density, composition. For example, the yellow color is due to the presence of a purulent component in the discharge, and the higher the percentage of pus, the more the yellow color changes towards greenish. Yellow-green sputum when coughing is an indicator of a purulent process in the respiratory system. Sometimes pus is even present in the form of clots or lumps.
    • Microscopic analysis of sputum is carried out with and without staining of the preparation. In the secretions you can find cells of flat and columnar epithelium, macrophages, siderophages, coniophages, atypical cells, and blood cells. In some cases, a number of fibrous formations can be detected (elastic, fibrous fibers, Courshman spirals), as well as Charcot-Leyden crystals, cholesterol, and fatty acids.
    • Bacteriological culture on nutrient media helps to identify the causative agent of the disease and assess its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs.

    In rare cases, additional types of diagnostics may be prescribed, such as fluorescence microscopy, flotation and electrophoresis (as methods of accumulating microorganisms).

    Treatment of yellow sputum when coughing

    To effectively treat yellow sputum when coughing, the following points must be considered:

    • treatment is prescribed only after determining the cause of the disease;
    • Medicines and doses can only be prescribed on an individual basis, taking into account the underlying disease, concomitant pathologies, and the patient’s response to medications.

    If there is discharge during coughing, it is recommended to take large amounts of fluid, mainly in the form of warm tea or herbal infusions. Herbs with expectorant, anti-inflammatory, enveloping effects are used - sage, chamomile, St. John's wort, marshmallow, etc.

    In the absence of contraindications, inhalations with sodium bicarbonate and essential oils are performed.

    The following medications are indicated:
    • expectorants that reduce the concentration of bronchial secretions and facilitate their elimination (ammonium chloride, thermopsis);
    • agents with a mucoregulating effect (carbocisteine, ambroxol) - promote the expulsion of sputum from the bronchi, help antibacterial drugs enter the bronchi;
    • mucolytics (ACC) – normalize the coughing up of secretions from the bronchi;
    • antihistamines (for allergic cough etiology).

    Antibiotics are taken only when necessary, and only after an accurate diagnosis of the cause of the cough has been made.

    Prevention

    Prevention of yellow sputum when coughing is determined by preventing complications of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. What needs to be taken into account to prevent the development of purulent processes in the lungs?

    It must be remembered that the inflammatory process in the bronchi most often occurs as a result of improper or insufficient treatment of acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections. Therefore, a cold or flu should be treated rather than expecting the illness to “go away” on its own.

    Regardless of the presence of diseases of the respiratory system, the following rules can be followed as prevention:

    • Smoking is harmful, even if it’s not you who smokes, but someone nearby. Inhaling nicotine increases the risk of developing chronic bronchitis or emphysema;
    • during epidemics of colds and viral diseases, it is necessary to avoid crowded public places;
    • sometimes it makes sense to get vaccinated against influenza or pneumonia, especially if you have reduced immunity or a tendency to respiratory diseases;
    • do not forget about personal hygiene, wash your hands after coming from the street, as well as before each meal;
    • include more fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet. It is useful to drink infusions and fruit drinks made from berries, rose hips, citrus fruits, mint;
    • eat well, because in the cold season it is highly not recommended to adhere to “strict” and especially “hungry” diets, as this significantly weakens the immune system;
    • dress according to the weather, do not allow hypothermia and overheating of the body.

    If a cough appears, it is better to put everything aside for a while and consult a doctor: timely treatment is often the best prevention of complications and undesirable consequences.

    Forecast

    Often a wet cough seems to us to be a common and non-serious disease, however, this is not the case, especially since yellow sputum when coughing is not a harmless symptom at all. If the disease is ignored, then without the necessary treatment, quite serious health consequences can occur. An insufficiently treated cough due to acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections, as well as acute bronchitis or tracheitis, can contribute to the development of pneumonia. Pneumonia is a rather dangerous and insidious disease that requires mandatory treatment in a hospital using potent antibacterial drugs.

    The acute form of bronchitis, which many prefer to endure “on their feet,” can become chronic without appropriate therapy. The chronic form of bronchitis may require long-term and difficult treatment. Improper treatment of chronic inflammation of the bronchi can serve as a factor in the development of an abscess, bronchial asthma or pneumonia.

    Yellow sputum when coughing is more than enough reason to see a doctor. Under no circumstances should purulent processes in the respiratory tract be started, otherwise the consequences may be unpredictable.

    Medical Expert Editor

    Portnov Alexey Alexandrovich

    Education: Kiev National Medical University. A.A. Bogomolets, specialty - "General Medicine"

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    What does the color of sputum mean?

    Sputum is a respiratory secretion that is a product of the tracheobronchial tree of the respiratory system. The color of sputum can help a doctor diagnose a patient's condition. Knowing what the different colors of sputum mean is useful for the average person.

    What is sputum

    Phlegm is a mucous, sticky substance that is secreted from the respiratory tract. Mucus often comes out when you cough or spit, and sometimes phlegm indicates that you may have some form of respiratory disease. The color of sputum usually helps doctors diagnose the condition, along with other symptoms, medical history and physical examination, and laboratory results. Sputum cytology (examination of mucus under a microscope) and culture of sputum for microflora also help identify pathogens associated with the color of sputum.

    Sputum consists of secretions from the respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, etc.), as well as exudate, cellular elements, microbial flora, which causes an inflammatory process. The sputum is usually mixed with saliva from the mouth and mucus from the nasopharynx.

    Morning sputum is the best option for research, since it is at this time that the amount and composition of mucus is ideal. Otherwise, sputum samples taken later in the day may be contaminated by staining of other substances from food and drink.

    How to evaluate the color of sputum when coughing

    Phlegm from the respiratory system is often mixed with saliva produced in the mouth. Sputum may contain microorganisms, cell debris, immune cells, dust, and blood components. The different colors of sputum when coughing may depend on the pathological process and the amount of components mentioned. Thus, your sputum may have a wide variety of colors that can give a more accurate understanding of the health problem: clear sputum, white sputum, yellow sputum, gray sputum, green sputum, pink sputum, red sputum, brown sputum, black sputum or colored sputum rust.

    1. Clear / White / Gray sputum

    It is normal to occasionally cough up a small amount of phlegm. However, excessive production of clear or white sputum may be abnormal in some cases, such as:

    • respiratory tract infections caused by a virus - clear to white sputum
    • asthma - thick, white / yellow sputum http://moskovskaya-medicina.ru/astma/astma-osnovnye-fakty-zabolevaniya.html
    • chronic bronchitis (COPD) - clear/gray sputum
    • pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) - clear, white, frothy sputum
    • after nasal drops
    • allergic reaction
    • gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD

    Cigarette smoking and air pollution can cause grayish phlegm to be produced. Clear or white sputum may also precede the appearance of yellow or green sputum, especially early in the infection. However, white, frothy sputum may be a sign of health problems that are causing fluid to build up in the lungs—or indicate pulmonary edema.

    2. What does yellow sputum mean?

    Yellow sputum is often seen with infection, chronic inflammation and allergic conditions. This is due to white blood cells called Eosinophils, which are associated with increased sensitivity to allergic conditions, or neutrophils, which are associated with infection. Examples of conditions when you may have yellow phlegm include:

    Light yellow sputum may be a sign of normal functioning of the immune system, which means it is fighting a viral upper respiratory tract infection. However, thick, dark yellow sputum may indicate a bacterial infection, which can occur in the sinuses or lower respiratory tract, such as chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. Contact your doctor immediately.

    3. What does green sputum mean?

    Green sputum is an indicator of an old or chronic infection. It occurs as a result of a lack of neutrophils (neurophils are reduced), which are the main enemies of pathogenic bacteria in the blood and tissues. A decrease in neurophil levels causes the release of enzymes from cells. Non-infectious but inflammatory conditions can cause the production of large amounts of greenish mucus, but infectious diseases are associated with green sputum that has a large amount of pus (more purulent). These conditions may include:

    • pneumonia
    • lung abscess
    • Chronical bronchitis
    • cystic fibrosis
    • bronchiectasis

    In addition to green sputum, there may be symptoms such as fever, cough, weakness and loss of appetite. Contact your doctor immediately for proper evaluation and treatment.

    4. Brown/Black Sputum

    Black or brown sputum indicates the presence of “old blood.” This color of sputum is associated with the level of red blood cells, which leads to the release of hemosiderin from hemoglobin. Organic as well as inorganic materials can also cause brown or black sputum. Examples of conditions where dark-colored sputum may appear include:

    If you are a chronic smoker, then it is definitely better to quit smoking. Consuming dark-colored foods and drinks such as coffee, wine, or chocolate may also cause brown or black mucus, especially if you have acid reflux. Contact your doctor for further examination and treatment.

    5. Red / Pink / Rusty-colored sputum

    Pink or red sputum usually indicates the presence of blood in the sputum. Blood cells may cause the mucus to completely change color or appear only as spots or streaks in the sputum. Pink sputum means bleeding in small amounts. Rust-colored sputum may be due to the breakdown of red blood cells. Conditions with pink/red/rusty sputum include:

    • pneumococcal pneumonia
    • lungs' cancer
    • tuberculosis
    • pulmonary embolism
    • chronic heart failure with pulmonary edema
    • lung injury
    • lung abscess
    • bleeding
    • tropical eosinophilia

    Blood in the sputum (hemoptysis) may be a sign of some serious illness, the diagnosis of which requires immediate medical attention. If you have a lot of blood mixed with mucus, call an ambulance immediately.

    Author of the article: Irina Surkova, Moscow Medicine Portal©

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this article about sputum color is for the information of the reader only. It is not intended to be a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.

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