Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes mucus to build up in the lungs and other organs. This often shows up in people who smoke. It is also a common sign of black lung disease. Black lung disease is a serious condition that can happen if you have long-term exposure to coal dust.
This may be a sign of pulmonary edema, a condition in which excess fluid builds up in the lungs. Pulmonary edema is common in people with congestive heart failure.
This may be an early sign of lung cancer. It may also be a sign of a pulmonary embolism , a life-threatening condition in which a blood clot from a leg or other part of the body breaks loose and travels to the lungs. If you are coughing up red or bloody sputum, call or seek immediate medical attention.
Other names: respiratory culture, bacterial sputum culture, routine sputum culture. What is it used for? A sputum culture is most often used to: Find and diagnose bacteria or fungi that may be causing an infection in the lungs or airways See if a chronic illness of the lungs has worsened See if treatment for an infection is working A sputum culture is often done with another test called a Gram stain.
Why do I need a sputum culture? These include: Cough which produces a lot of sputum Fever Chills Shortness of breath Chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough Fatigue Confusion, especially in older people. What happens during a sputum culture?
Your health care provider will need to get a sample of your sputum. During the test: A health care provider will ask you to breathe deeply and then cough deeply into a special cup. Your provider may tap you on the chest to help loosen sputum from your lungs. If you have trouble coughing up enough sputum, your provider may ask you to breathe in a salty mist that can help you cough more deeply. If you still can't cough up enough sputum, your provider may perform a procedure called a bronchoscopy.
If your child has a bacterial infection, the organisms may need 48 hours to grow. Fungi need a week or longer. These organisms will be seen under a microscope or through chemical tests. If the tests show an infection, another days may be needed to choose the best antibiotic to treat it.
Coughing to produce the sputum specimen may be mildly uncomfortable, but there are no risks associated with this procedure. Explaining the test in terms your child can understand might help ease any fear. Also reassure your child that the procedure doesn't hurt.
It could be related to an infection or to cancer in some cases. Your doctor may take a more in depth health history and order a chest x-ray before making a diagnosis.
Allergies, asthma and often viral infections cause white phlegm or phlegm without a lot of color to it. It really depends. If it is allergies, you may need to have a more aggressive allergy regimen, take an antihistamine, a nasal steroid or see an allergy specialist. Same thing with cigarette smoking — sometimes we see patients who are smoking two to three packs a day who have a productive cough. Really dark brown, tenacious phlegm is seen in patients who have cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis, which is a chronic lung disease.
The phlegm is brown because of blood and the intense chronic inflammation that comes with the chronic disease state. The bacteria camp out inside the lungs and cause very gradual changes in the consistency and appearance of phlegm.
If you have chronic lung disease, you may be used to seeing brown phlegm. In those situations we call an acute exacerbation of your underlying cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis, you may require antibiotics. It can be acute or chronic.
Symptoms include a cough and wheezing. Smoking is a major…. Bronchiectasis is a lung condition that causes persistent cough and excess phlegm. It can lead to fatal complications. Treatment can help relieve…. What can sputum tell us? Medically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph. Causes and colors When to see a doctor What is a sputum culture test? Causes and colors. Share on Pinterest Sputum is a type of mucus that may be expelled when coughing. When to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest Sputum may be an indication of an RTI, which in some cases will require medical attention.
What is a sputum culture test? Respiratory Ear, Nose, and Throat. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What does green, yellow, or brown phlegm mean? Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Ten ways to relieve a nighttime cough.
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