Sputum expectoration in acute and chronic bronchitis: character, color

Bronchitis is a disease of the lower respiratory tract, which is accompanied by inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. Cough and phlegm with bronchitis are characteristic signs of the disease.

The occurrence of bronchitis is closely related to environmental conditions and a person's lifestyle. This pathology is the leader among respiratory diseases. The greatest number of cases of bronchitis is observed in the cold season, from November to March. Therefore, this disease is called a cold (seasonal) catarrh of the respiratory tract.

Bronchitis can occur due to irritation of the mucous membrane by chemicals as a manifestation of an allergy.

Sputum examination for bronchitis is one of the most important stages of diagnostics. With the help of such analysis, it is possible to make an accurate diagnosis and conduct differential diagnostics to exclude other pathologies, such as tuberculosis.

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What kind of sputum is there in bronchitis?

Sputum during bronchitis depends on the type of bronchitis and the severity of the disease.

Often the initial stage of bronchitis manifests itself in the form of a non-productive (dry) cough, which after a couple of days turns into a productive (wet cough).

A productive cough is accompanied by the production of sputum.

The expectoration of sputum can be painful, especially in the middle of the disease. During recovery, when the inflammatory process decreases and the temperature drops, the expectoration is painless.

There are three types of sputum in diseases of the bronchial tree:

1. Mucus (clear or whitish viscous fluid)
2. serous-mucous (white viscous liquid that can foam from air impurities)
3. Purulent (viscous liquid of yellow, dark yellow or green color).

Mucous sputum is observed in mild bronchitis, with a moderate increase in temperature. Serous-mucous sputum appears in moderate severity of the disease, when the temperature rises to 38-39 degrees, but there is no secondary infection.

A decline in the body's defenses and the addition of a secondary bacterial infection can cause the appearance of purulent sputum with an unpleasant odor. This condition is the most severe and is treated exclusively in a hospital setting.

• Sputum in acute bronchitis is light and is secreted in small quantities. Sputum secretion in acute bronchitis may be accompanied by pain and a hacking cough.
• Sputum in chronic bronchitis appears on the basis of a sluggish inflammatory process. Chronic bronchitis develops from acute bronchitis in the absence of complex treatment and failure to comply with bed rest. Chronic bronchitis can be accompanied by a dry cough and a wet cough with the release of colorless mucous sputum (allergic cough) or sputum with dust impurities (in workers of mines, cement plants).
• Sputum in allergic bronchitis occurs due to the constant impact of foreign antigens on the walls of the respiratory tract. Chemicals, dust, pollen and tobacco smoke act as irritants. Such sputum is usually mucous and appears in the presence of an allergen.
• Sputum in smoker's bronchitis is yellowish and viscous. Its appearance is associated with prolonged irritation of the walls of the upper and lower respiratory tract by tobacco smoke and tar. The amount of sputum is affected by the length of time and frequency of smoking.
• Obstructive bronchitis is characterized by spastic narrowing of the bronchi. The patient's breathing is difficult, complaints of shortness of breath and the inability to exhale fully at one time are received. Sputum in obstructive bronchitis is the same as in allergic bronchitis. However, the chronic form of obstructive bronchitis can lead to the formation of purulent sputum as a result of congestion.

How long does phlegm last during bronchitis?

Sputum discharge during bronchitis takes a long time, on average 2-4 weeks. The lower the immunity and the more severe the disease, the longer it takes for sputum to discharge. Sputum discharge for more than 5-6 weeks may indicate the presence of a more serious pathology.

The amount of sputum varies. At the beginning of the disease, the patient secretes a little mucous sputum. The resolution of the inflammatory process is characterized by abundant secretion of serous-mucous or purulent sputum. The larger the area of the inflammatory process, the more sputum is produced.

How to take a sputum test for bronchitis?

A sputum test must be taken in such cases.

1. For prolonged cough (more than 5 weeks), which is accompanied by weakness, sweating or subfebrile temperature (37-38 degrees)
2. If you suspect the pulmonary stage of development of some parasites (ascariasis)
3. For detailed diagnostics of acute pulmonary diseases of various origins
4. If blood and foreign impurities appear in the sputum

Sputum is collected in a hospital or at home. Sputum is collected in a clean container, which is tightly closed with a lid after collection of the sample.

To ensure that the analysis results are as accurate as possible, sputum collection is carried out taking into account the following rules:

1. Take care of the oral cavity cleanliness. Before collecting sputum, it is necessary to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth
2. Sputum must be collected in the morning.
3. To facilitate the removal of mucus and phlegm, you can slowly drink 1-2 glasses of warm water
4. The phlegm is spat out immediately after coughing, it is advisable not to mix it with saliva.
5. A sterile closed container with sputum is delivered to the laboratory department within 1-2 hours. In warm weather, it is advisable to deliver the analysis within one hour.

If the phlegm does not come off, you can inhale hot steam.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of sputum in bronchitis includes an assessment of the physical properties of sputum and examination of a native smear under a microscope.

The laboratory technician evaluates the quantity, color, consistency of sputum, and the presence of foreign impurities.

The color of sputum in bronchitis indicates the degree of the disease and the presence of concomitant pathologies.

Green sputum during bronchitis appears during complications. Complications can be caused by failure to stay in bed, repeated hypothermia, and the appearance of a secondary infection. The foul smell of green sputum indicates the presence of a purulent focus in the lungs.

Yellow sputum in bronchitis (sometimes accompanied by an unpleasant odor) may indicate the resolution of the inflammatory process. Sputum of this color can often be found in heavy smokers, as well as people suffering from allergies.

Pink sputum in bronchitis appears against the background of a dangerous complication - pulmonary edema. This disease requires urgent hospitalization. Foam impurities in pink sputum indicate the presence of heart disease and congestion in the pulmonary circulation.

White sputum during bronchitis indicates a moderate course of the disease without complications.

Rusty sputum does not appear with bronchitis, as it is a symptom of a more severe pathology - lobar pneumonia. Sputum acquires a characteristic color in the process of hemoglobin breakdown - the main component of red blood cells.

Sputum with blood during bronchitis indicates the development of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Decoding of the sputum analysis for bronchitis is carried out by a doctor. Information about the microflora contained in the sputum is necessary for providing an accurate diagnosis and prescribing effective antibiotics.

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How to increase expectoration during bronchitis?

Mucolytics and expectorants are used for treatment.

Mucolytics are agents that thin mucus in bronchitis. They make mucus less viscous, which makes it easier to remove from the bronchi.

Expectorants relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi, eliminate the feeling of pain when coughing and promote the removal of phlegm.

To eliminate the underlying cause of the disease, antibiotics are prescribed, which are selected depending on the cause of the disease.

To relieve allergic bronchitis, it is necessary to eliminate the source of the allergy or isolate the patient and prescribe antiallergic drugs, such as Loratadine or Diazolin.

Herbal inhalations with hot steam using infusions based on sage or marshmallow root will help to facilitate the discharge of phlegm during bronchitis.

Exercises for expectoration during bronchitis

There is a special set of exercises using the Buteyko method, which helps remove phlegm from the bronchi, improves overall well-being and prevents the development of chronic bronchitis.

Contraindications to performing breathing exercises are high temperature, pulmonary tuberculosis, pulmonary edema and the presence of a purulent focus in the lung tissue.

• Exercise #1

Shallow breathing during deep inhalation. The patient takes a deep breath, holding the air in the lungs, and makes short shallow inhalations and exhalations. The pace and rhythm of breathing is individual. The exercise is performed as long as possible, focusing on your own feelings.

• Exercise #2

Walking on inhalation. The patient inhales air, holds his breath, and walks around the room at a comfortable pace. Do not overdo it, it is better to start with a few seconds. After a few seconds, catch your breath as usual and repeat again. On average, 5-10 approaches are performed 3 times a day.

• Exercise #3

Shallow breathing. The essence of this exercise is to breathe without taking deep breaths. Frequent shallow breathing can be practiced while lying down, sitting, or walking.

This complex increases blood circulation in the lungs, eliminates hyperventilation, improves the functioning of the respiratory muscles and has a positive effect on the functioning of the central nervous system. Suitable for adults and children.

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