Cough and Sputum Characteristics Flashcards
What could a dry cough be due to?
Asthma/interstitial lung disease, viral infection, hyperventilation syndrome
What could a productive cough be due to?
COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, chest infection
What could a cough when lying down be due to?
Asthma, heart failure, bronchiectasis
What could a chronic persistent cough be due to?
Post nasal drip – excess mucus drips from back of nose to nasopharynx (upper throat)
What could coughing with eating/drinking be due to?
Aspiration of stomach contents
What could coughing with exertion be due to?
Asthma, COPD
What could an inadequate cough be due to?
Weakness, pain, poor understanding
What could paroxysmal be due to?
Asthma, aspiration, upper airway obstruction
What could serous frothy, sometimes pink sputum be due to?
Pulmonary oedema
What could mucoid clear, grey, egg white sputum be due to?
COPD, cancer
What could purulent (yellow/green) sputum be due to?
Infection or dehydration
What could thick sputum plugs be due to?
Infection or allergy
What could blood stained sputum be due to?
Pneumonia, TB, bronchitis, cancer
What does frank haemoptysis mean?
globules of fresh blood.
red flag = cancer
