Sputum Flashcards
1
Q
What are the features of sputum in PNEUMONIA and ACUTE BRONCHITIS?
A
Acute onset
Purulent
Clears after 1-3 weeks
2
Q
Sputum type found in BRONCHIECTASIS
A
Regular production
More than half egg-cupful
Varies in purulence
This type of sputum is occasionally found in chronic bronchitis
3
Q
What is CHRONIC BRONCHITIS?
A
Productive cough (not necessarily purulent) Cough lasts for more than 3 months in each of 2 consecutive years
4
Q
What are the features of sputum found in ASTHMA?
A
Clear or slightly opaque sticky sputum
If infected, white/yellow or green
5
Q
What different COLOURS can purulent sputum be, and what do they indicate?
A
Lime green - Haemophilus influenzae
Rusty - Streptococcus pneumoniae
Dark green - Pseudomonas aeruginosa
6
Q
What causes sputum that has a FOUL TASTE & SMELL?
A
Chronic pulmonary sepsis with lung cavitations
Infection from rotting teeth & hum disease
