Assessing Sputum
July 1st, 2020
Overview
Look for a sample of the patient's sputum at the bedside, as this can provide a lot of information about their respiratory pathology. Assess the specimen's volume, colour, consistency and smell.
Interpretation
- ClearNormal
- Copious clear sputumSuggestive of bronchoalveolar carcinoma
- YellowViral infection, asthma
- GreenPneumonia, bronchiectasis
- Rusty sputumClassical of pneumococcal pneumonia
- Red-currant jellyClassical of Klebsiella pneumonia
- Pink frothy sputumPulmonary HTN
- Blood-streaked sputumPharyngitis, bronchitis, lung cancer
- Frank bloodOesophageal varices, Mallory-Weiss tear, oesophageal trauma
- Offensively smelling sputumBronchiectasis, lung abscess, necrotizing pneumonia
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