sputum
Quick Summary
Sputum is matter that is coughed up from the respiratory system, particularly the lungs. It is primarily composed of mucus but can also contain pus, blood, fibrin, or microorganisms, especially when an individual is experiencing a diseased state. The term "sputum" originates from the Latin word for spitting. It is also referred to as expectoration. The plural form of sputum is sputa orють sputums.12
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respiratory diseaseSigns and symptomsA cough productive of sputum is the most important manifestation of inflammatory or malignant diseases of the major airways, of which bronchitis is a common example. In severe bronchitis the mucous glands lining the bronchi enlarge greatly, and, commonly, 30 to 60 ml of sputum are produced in a…
Read MoreA cough productive of sputum is the most important manifestation of inflammatory or malignant diseases of the major airways, of which bronchitis is a common example. In severe bronchitis the mucous glands lining the bronchi enlarge greatly, and, commonly, 30 to 60 ml of sputum are produced in a…
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respiratory diseaseChronic bronchitissputum production of chronic bronchitis were once dismissed as nothing more than “smoker’s cough,” without serious implications. But the striking increase in mortality from chronic bronchitis and emphysema that occurred after World War II in all Western countries indicated that the long-term consequences of chronic…
Read Moresputum production of chronic bronchitis were once dismissed as nothing more than “smoker’s cough,” without serious implications. But the striking increase in mortality from chronic bronchitis and emphysema that occurred after World War II in all Western countries indicated that the long-term consequences of chronic…
Read More