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Sputum is mucus that is coughed up from the lower airways (the trachea and bronchi). In medicine, sputum samples are usually used for a naked eye examination, microbiological investigation of respiratory infections and cytological investigations of respiratory systems.
Phlegm is a thick secretion in the airway during disease and inflammation. Phlegm usually contains mucus with virus, bacteria, other debris, and sloughed-off inflammatory cells. Once phlegm has been expectorated by a cough, it becomes sputum. [2]
It can result in a thick exudate of mucus and white blood cells caused by the swelling of the mucous membranes in the head in response to an infection. It is a symptom usually associated with the common cold , pharyngitis , and chesty coughs , but it can also be found in patients with adenoiditis , otitis media , sinusitis or tonsillitis .
Along with a runny nose and sore throat, green phlegm is another cold-like symptom of COVID-19. Interestingly, the color of the mucus is an important indicator when it comes to infection.
A cough that shows up after COVID typically goes away within four weeks, says Dr. Leykum. And it can last as long as six months after the infection, according to the American Lung Association .
Bronchiectasis may also present with coughing up blood in the absence of sputum, which has been called "dry bronchiectasis." Exacerbations in bronchiectasis present as a worsening of cough, increasing sputum volume or thickened consistency lasting at least 48 hours, worsening shortness of breath (breathlessness), worsening exercise intolerance ...
But before you fire it up, be prepared that feeling nice and toasty may also come with a stuffy nose, dry throat, cough or even a headache. These cold-like symptoms are referred to as "heater ...
Other symptoms include coughing up mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, fever, and chest discomfort. [2] The infection may last from a few to ten days. [2] The cough may persist for several weeks afterward with the total duration of symptoms usually around three weeks. [2] [1] Some have symptoms for up to six weeks. [3]