How can you tell the difference between sputum and saliva?

How can you tell the difference between sputum and saliva?

Sputum (or phlegm) is mucous that you cough up from deep inside your lungs. It is usually thick, cloudy and sticky. Sputum is not saliva (spit) as saliva comes from your mouth and is thin, clear and watery. Do not collect saliva for this test.

What does sputum look like?

Sputum may be clear or white and frothy (mucoid). Sputum which is slightly thicker and cloudy or opaque (mucopurulent). If you have an infection you may see the colour of your sputum getting darker with either a yellow or green tinge.

How can you tell the difference between mucus and phlegm?

Mucus is a thinner secretion from your nose and sinuses. Phlegm is thicker and is made by your throat and lungs.

What does GREY sputum indicate?

For most people, white or light gray phlegm, especially when accompanied by nasal congestion, typically signals the onset of viral bronchitis. The color indicates the presence of infection-fighting white blood cells, and phlegm and nasal mucus will be thicker than usual.

What is a sputum C&S test?

In a sputum culture test, a laboratory uses a sample of this mucus to try to encourage the growth of any bacteria or other germs that may be causing an infection. A sputum culture test can reveal whether there is an infection in the lungs and, if so, the type of bacteria or fungus involved.

What does the color of sputum indicate?

As a general rule, sputum is dark green in the early stages of an infection and gradually lightens as the infection improves. It is the presence of an enzyme called myeloperoxidase that gives the sputum its green color, during an infection. Some infections may cause sputum to be yellow, gray, or rusty colored.

What is clear sputum?

Your body produces clear mucus and phlegm on a daily basis. It is mostly filled with water, protein, antibodies, and some dissolved salts to help lubricate and moisturize your respiratory system. An increase in clear phlegm may mean that your body is trying to flush out an irritant, like pollen, or some type of virus.

What color is pneumonia sputum?

A dry cough that brings up thick phlegm is one of the main symptoms of pneumonia. The mucus might be yellow, green, red, brown, or rust-colored. Sometimes the color can be a tip-off of the type of bacteria that caused the illness.

How do you read sputum test results?

Sputum Culture

1. Clear. This usually means no disease is present, but large amounts of clear sputum may be a sign of lung disease.
2. White or gray. This may also be normal, but increased amounts may mean lung disease.
3. Dark yellow or green. This often means a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia.
4. Brown.
5. Pink.
6. Red.