Sputum changed from white to yellow. Mucous and purulent yellow and green sputum when coughing. Video: How to get rid of phlegm

When mucus starts to come out when coughing, this is already good. Thus, the body cleanses the lungs and bronchi, and the healing process is accelerated. Although in some cases, a wet cough can drag on for a long time. This happens if for some reason the disease becomes chronic. This is often indicated unusual color expectorant sputum, e.g. yellow.

What does yellow signal?

A cough with yellow sputum can give different signals. Most often about the fact that there is an infection in the body. But not always. The infectious nature of the disease is quite easy to diagnose by concomitant symptoms, in the first place among which is elevated body temperature (often slightly, up to 37-37.2). Also, the infectious nature of the cough is indicated by:

• paroxysmal nature of cough;
• traces of blood in expectorant sputum;
• general weakness, frequent dizziness;
• shortness of breath when coughing or physical exertion;
• pain in the chest area.

In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor, undergo a diagnostic examination, take sputum for analysis and begin an intensive course of treatment. Procrastination and prolonged ineffective self-treatment can lead to serious complications.

Coughing is also common in smokers, usually with a short smoking history. Together with tobacco smoke, a lot of toxins, tar, and particles of tobacco enter the lungs and bronchi. They accumulate, mix with excreted secretions and form mucus clots. yellow color. Over time, it becomes dark brown or gray in color and becomes thicker and more difficult to cough up.

Interestingly, the expectorant discharge acquires a yellow color if you drink large quantities of freshly squeezed carrot juice or eat a lot of yellow or orange foods: carrots, pumpkins, persimmons, citrus fruits.

If at the same time the mucus is liquid, translucent, without an unpleasant odor, and the cough is not strong and appears periodically - it's okay. Just orange pigment has a high coloring power.

How to distinguish it

Distinguish by appearance pathological sputum from harmless is almost impossible. And even concomitant symptoms do not always help to make an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, a good doctor will never prescribe treatment before an analysis of expectorated mucus has been made.

To do this, she gathers in the morning, on an empty stomach, in a sterile glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Before collection, you can not brush your teeth and drink tea or juices - all this can affect the results of the study. It is only necessary to rinse your mouth with clean boiled water or a weak furatsilin solution. The analysis itself is carried out in a specialized laboratory, to which it is necessary to deliver sputum.

The most objective result is given by the study of sputum after bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy is done in a hospital using medical equipment. The procedure is unpleasant, but not too painful, before it is applied local anesthetics(lidocaine).

The mucus from the bronchi is washed out with a special solution, and a camera installed at the end of the tube allows you to assess their condition at the current moment. The material taken during the procedure is examined in three different ways:

Usually such studies are sufficient. But there are other types of tests that can be prescribed if necessary.

Treatment Options

The only correct treatment for a wet cough that produces yellow sputum is to follow the doctor's recommendations. If the disease has an infectious nature, it is possible to do without antibiotics only at the first stage. When the cough is prolonged, deep, paroxysmal, it means that the body cannot cope on its own and needs help.

Usually this is a complex treatment that includes several groups at once. medicines:

Remember that infectious diseases are not treated with home remedies. They can only be used as helper methods to quickly relieve a cough or relieve irritation and inflammation of the throat. Instead of pharmacy expectorant syrups, you can also use folk recipes, but it is advisable to coordinate all actions with the attending physician so as not to reduce the effectiveness of the prescribed drugs.

An obligatory element of treatment is frequent gargling, in which mucus is washed off. A warm drink also soothes a cough, and herbal decoctions at the same time increase immunity, reduce inflammation and have a good healing effect. It is better to brew tea from chamomile, rosehip, elecampane, sage, coltsfoot.

Contribute to the thinning of thick mucus and its better discharge of soda inhalations, which, if necessary, can be done up to 2-3 times a day. Lavender essential oils dissolved in water have an antibacterial effect, tea tree, eucalyptus. It is useful to breathe over the steam from fresh mashed potatoes (then discard the potatoes - they are already infected!).

It is useful to supplement the course of treatment drainage massage and breathing exercises. How to properly perform these procedures can be shown by a specialist. They will help to quickly clear the bronchi of sputum residues, relieve spasms, and speed up the healing process.

The course consists of 10-15 procedures performed daily. After recovery breathing exercises can be practiced until the residual cough disappears completely.

Prevention

Yellow sputum does not usually appear out of nowhere. Most often, this is the result of a neglected acute respiratory disease or acute respiratory viral infection, which then turns into bronchitis or pneumonia (sometimes purulent!). Therefore, the first rule of prevention is to treat a cold cough and bring the process to a full recovery. The mistake of many is that it is often mistaken for an unliquidated focus of inflammation, which provokes chronic diseases.

Remember: with residual cough, there is little sputum, and it is clear or white, but not yellow. Therefore, if the cough seems to pass, but the color of the sputum does not change, this is already an alarm.

Residual cough completely disappears in a maximum of a month, normally within 2-3 weeks. If it continues, you need to see a doctor again.

Additional measures to prevent cough and chronic diseases should be taken constantly. They are simple and clear:

This will strengthen the immune system, avoid frequent respiratory diseases and possible complications after illnesses. If you cannot cope with a cough on your own, you do not need to postpone a visit to the doctor.

Sputum production when coughing is a good symptom, as the bronchi and lungs are cleared, and the healing process is significantly accelerated. Sometimes a wet cough can drag on for long time which indicates the transition of the disease to the chronic stage. This is often indicated by the shade of sputum, for example, yellow.

Forecast

Most patients are confident that cough with sputum is a simple and harmless disease, despite this, the presence of yellow sputum indicates serious problems. If left untreated, there can be dangerous consequences for a person. Due to an untreated cough during a simple acute respiratory disease, SARS, with tracheitis or bronchitis, pneumonia may occur. Inflammation of the lungs is a dangerous disease that should be treated in a hospital with various groups antibiotics.

Acute bronchitis, which most suffer "on their feet", without the necessary therapy, can go into a chronic stage. The chronic form requires long and complex treatment. Inappropriate therapy contributes to the onset of bronchial asthma or the development of an abscess.

Additional Information. Yellow sputum is a dangerous symptom, so you should immediately consult a specialist, as purulent processes in the respiratory tract can have unpredictable consequences.

Causes of yellow sputum

There are a number of reasons why yellow sputum occurs:

1. Smoking. For people who smoke a significant number of cigarettes per day, this is normal phenomenon. This is due to changes in the bronchi and lungs resulting from the influence of tobacco smoke.
2. The presence of various diseases (there is pus in the sputum).
3. Sputum may have a yellow tint due to the consumption of certain foods.

Yellow sputum is manifested in such ailments:

• Viral infections
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Purulent processes in the respiratory tract.

Coughed up sputum of this shade in the morning indicates congestive processes in the lungs or bronchi.

Additional Information. Expectorant mucus can be yellow if you drink large amounts of freshly squeezed carrot juice or eat orange or yellow foods: carrots, persimmons, citruses or pumpkins.

Diagnosis of yellow sputum

Before choosing a suitable therapy regimen, you should find out the reasons for the manifestation of sputum of this shade. In addition to the basic diagnostic procedures prescribed for diseases of the respiratory tract, sputum analysis is carried out. Mucus should be placed in a special glass jar. The procedure is performed in the morning before meals, after brushing your teeth and gargling. Fluid after bronchoscopy can be used for diagnosis.
Sputum diagnostic options:

1. Microscopic analysis
2. Macroscopic analysis
3. Bacteriological culture.

These procedures will help to identify the components of sputum, the presence of pus, other elements and sensitivity to antibiotics. These studies provide complete information about the disease and contribute to the correct establishment of treatment.

Features of yellow sputum in children

It is perhaps hard to imagine a baby who has never coughed in his life. Coughing is a protective reaction, therefore, in order for the child to recover sooner, it is necessary to alleviate the condition of the baby. For better health, you should provide plenty of fluids and cool, moist air in the room. At normal temperatures, you need to be outside more. The yellow tint of sputum in a baby may indicate a simple cold or sinusitis. Yellow sputum can be dangerous if there are other symptoms:

• Lethargy, great weakness. The baby sleeps all the time.
• Elevated temperature, which decreases briefly and then increases again.
• Prolonged, agonizing cough.
• Dyspnea.

With such symptoms, a bacterial infection in the respiratory tract can develop, which provokes the manifestation of bronchitis or pneumonia.

Important . An ambulance should be called immediately if blood clots are present in the sputum, as this may be a symptom of tuberculosis.

Treatment

Treatment of diseases associated with yellow sputum is carried out according to standard scheme. The patient is prescribed expectorants that promote the release of sputum, as well as mucolytics,
thinning mucus. Yellow color indicates the presence of bacteria in the body, so antibiotics are prescribed.

Mucolytics are used for bronchitis, asthma, cystic fibrosis. Expectorants promote the removal of mucus from the bronchi and increase the cough reflex. Bronchodilator drugs are aimed at the rapid discharge of sputum.

The disease manifests itself due to various microorganisms and viruses, therefore, antibiotics are prescribed, both with a wide and narrow spectrum of effects. During therapy, it is necessary to influence not only the cough, but also the focus of inflammation.

Important . Except drug treatment, drinking plenty of water is recommended.

If yellow sputum appears due to the influence of an allergen, a different treatment regimen is needed. Antiallergic agents are added to the main drugs.

Folk methods of treatment

Traditional medicine involves the use of products that help relieve cough and general condition of the body. It is worth using ground lemon with lemon, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, pureed radish with sour cream and vegetable oil.

To reduce coughing and improve sputum discharge, you should drink a glass of warm milk with honey and butter before going to bed, throughout the day you need to use warm fruit drinks, compotes, rosehip decoctions, tea with lemon. Such drinks should be drunk by babies over three years old. Drinks should be taken both in the morning and at night.

1. A glass of viburnum berries should be poured with boiling water, boil for 25 minutes over low heat. Set aside the drink and as soon as the viburnum settles to the bottom, you can use 100 mg three times a day.
2. It is necessary to squeeze the juice from white cabbage and mix with honey in proportions of 2 to 1. You need to use the mixture 6 times a day for a teaspoon.
3. Grind marshmallow leaves and brew as a simple tea in the proportions of 1 tablespoon per liter of boiling water. The medicine should be consumed no more than 1 teaspoon per dose.
4. A mixture of honey and lingonberry juice in equal proportions contributes to sputum discharge. You need to drink a tablespoon.
   To improve the general condition, you can drink tea with honey before bedtime.

Prevention

Through prevention, you can protect the body from serious
complications caused by inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. What is worth knowing in order to prevent the occurrence of purulent processes in the body? It should be understood that inflammation is observed due to insufficient or incorrect treatment of acute respiratory viral infections or acute respiratory infections. As a result, the flu should be treated immediately rather than waiting for it to "disappear" on its own.
Preventive methods:

• Smoking is very harmful, both for a regular smoker and for a passive smoker. Inhaling nicotine increases the chance of getting chronic emphysema or bronchitis.
• During an epidemic of viral or colds, public places should be avoided.
• In case of reduced immunity or a tendency to respiratory diseases, you should be vaccinated against pneumonia or the common cold.
• Hands must be washed after the street and before each meal.
• The food should contain fresh vegetables, fruits, fruit drinks and infusions of berries, mint, citrus and rose hips.
• AT cold period It is worth giving up hungry and strict diets.
• It is not necessary to allow overheating or hypothermia of the body.

When the first signs of a cold occur, you should immediately contact a specialist.

If adults have a persistent dry or wet cough, this condition indicates the defeat of the respiratory tract, which causes a particular disease.

A similar symptom is a kind of self-defense of the body and is caused when foreign particles appear in the respiratory organs, for example, it can be green sputum when coughing.

Often, with colds, a cough appears with sputum, which is expectorated. Sputum is a viscous thick liquid that is produced by the mucous membrane.

Its basis is water with glycoproteins, lipids and immunoglobulins. Depending on the composition, the foamy consistency can have a different color, which varies from pale yellow to green and brown. Coughing with clear phlegm causes expectoration, and microbes and accumulated toxins are removed from the respiratory tract.

In most cases of illness, a dry cough transforms into a wet cough with sputum that is expectorated. The most common cause that provokes it is smoking.

Accumulates in the respiratory tract during smoking a large number of mucus, this leads to the fact that there is a strong cough with sputum.

Smoking also paralyzes the fine hairs that are in the airways, which makes expectoration much more difficult.

Causes and types of sputum when coughing

Cough without fever can cause different types diseases. One of the causes of symptoms is the development of asthma. At the initial stage of the disease, the patient feels mild hoarseness and dry cough with sputum difficult to separate. After a while, the wheezing becomes strong and there is a strong cough with sputum. In this case, thick foamy mucus may form in the form of secretions.

In addition, it can be noted:

1. Another cause may be chronic bronchitis. A similar illness with chronic blockage of the airways causes a dry cough, which gradually turns into a cough without fever. At the same time, salty purulent mucus may be contained in the liquid consistency. Brown color.
2. A cough with yellow sputum often occurs as a result of the common cold. In this case, the color of sputum when coughing may change, as pus accumulates in it.
3. Mucus accumulates in large quantities in the respiratory tract if dust, smoke and other irritants are inhaled that provoke coughing with sputum.

Often, these symptoms are observed with an allergic reaction or chronic sinusitis. A green liquid consistency when coughing is observed if the disease has become chronic.

A strong cough with sputum may also indicate the presence of such a serious disease as lung cancer. Therefore, you should be wary if blood streaks are found in the consistency. Also, the mucus may contain purulent accumulations.

If a dry cough smoothly flows into a cough with sputum, this may be a signal for the development of pneumonia. Yellow or gray salty sputum, in turn, changes color due to the activity of the bacteria present in it.

Yellow sputum when coughing

The appearance of yellow sputum may indicate that the patient is developing bronchitis, pneumonia, or sinusitis. In the event that a cough with obvious yellow sputum appears suddenly and abruptly, you should immediately consult a doctor in order to begin treatment as soon as possible.

It is especially dangerous if the mucus contains purulent or blood accumulations. Yellow color appears, as a rule, when mixing the main consistency with pus.

In order to accurately diagnose the disease and prescribe the correct treatment, the doctor prescribes a sputum test, which is collected in a special jar. The procedure is carried out in the morning on an empty stomach, before which the oral cavity is rinsed with a weak antiseptic solution.

Also, purulent sputum may be yellow when frequent smoking. With bronchitis, the color of the liquid consistency can reveal the cause of the disease and the presence of bacteria in the body.

Treatment is prescribed only after a thorough examination and clarification of the exact diagnosis.

White sputum

White sputum of a curd consistency indicates the presence of a fungal infection or tuberculosis in the respiratory tract. Fungi can infect the bronchi as a result of long-term antibiotic treatment with reduced immunity. This leads to the appearance of pathogenic microflora on the mucous membrane. In the case of tuberculosis, mucus is usually secreted in a small amount.

If bloody blotches are found in white sputum, the doctor can diagnose a pulmonary complication due to damage to the vessels of the larynx during coughing. The white watery consistency may be caused by external stimuli, viral infection or diseases of the respiratory organs.

Transparent sputum indicates that the inflammatory process is absent. A thick and transparent consistency may indicate that pneumonia, bronchitis, allergies, asthma, or a cold are developing.

With a constant increase in the amount of mucus and sputum, the patient becomes poisoned, so it is important to start treatment on time in order to prevent stagnation of accumulations in the bronchi.

Cough and blood

Bloody patches in sputum when coughing indicate a respiratory disease. If such symptoms appear, you should immediately seek medical help to identify the causes and begin the necessary treatment.

When the causes lie in the development of lung cancer, the blood in the sputum is in the form of streaks. Including coughing up blood can be caused by bronchitis, in which case you can find small scarlet streaks in a small amount.

If the causes are the development of pneumonia, fresh traces of blood will appear from the cough with sputum. From what exactly caused painful symptoms will depend on what treatment the doctor prescribes.

A cough that lasts more than four to eight weeks is considered to be prolonged, while there is no positive trend towards recovery. This condition is a very alarming symptom that indicates the presence of a serious illness.

Before starting treatment, the doctor prescribes an x-ray of the lungs to rule out cancer. The reasons for this condition of the patient may lie in the presence of inflammation, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis. A prolonged cough can also be experienced by heavy smokers with prolonged bronchitis. Such a disease is considered chronic and it is quite difficult to cure it.

A prolonged cough is observed in people who, by the nature of their activities, are associated with chemicals. In particular, with constant contact with asbestos, people often develop the disease asbestosis.

To get rid of the disease, it is required to change the type of activity, so as not to contract with the irritant, there are no other ways to solve such a problem.

Cough in the morning

Quite often people cough in the morning, and there is nothing to worry about. Thus, they expectorate sputum that has accumulated overnight in the respiratory tract. However, it is important to understand that in healthy people, mucus leaves in a small amount. If a large amount of sputum is produced, there may be reasons for this.

Most often in the morning heavy smokers cough and expectorate mucus. As you know, a chronic morning cough signals tobacco poisoning. If you do not start treatment on time, the symptoms will only intensify.

Can also cause severe coughing in the morning chronic diseases lungs, tuberculosis. The patient may cough vigorously if mucus has flowed into the throat from the sinuses.

Treatment of cough with sputum

When cough and sputum are caused by acute respiratory viral infections or bronchitis, while the accumulated consistency is difficult to expectorate, the doctor prescribes treatment with the use of special mucolytic agents that thin the sputum. Also, in the case of sputum difficult to separate, expectorants are prescribed.

Many people, worrying about their health, sometimes refuse to take medicines, preferring folk remedies. However, it must be taken into account that such treatments can also have contraindications and cause side effects. Therefore, before starting treatment, you should consult with your doctor.

It is also important to understand that mucolytic and antitussive drugs should not be taken at the same time, otherwise the patient's condition will only worsen.

Medicines that relieve coughs are divided into three main groups:

• Expectorants are prescribed if you want to treat the symptoms of a cold with thin sputum.
• Antitussive drugs are prescribed when it is necessary to treat an unproductive and dry cough.
• Mucolytic drugs are used when symptoms of thick, viscous, and difficult-to-expect sputum need to be treated.

Expectorant cough medicines

Althea preparations, which include Mukaltin, Alteika syrup and Althea roots, will help to quickly and effectively cure a wet cough. A medicinal expectorant is prescribed if it is necessary to treat acute and chronic pathologies of the respiratory system in the form of bronchitis, emphysema, tracheobronchitis. The drug is used for viscous difficult to separate sputum.

The drug thins the consistency, relieves inflammation, stimulates wave-like contractions of the walls of the bronchi, so that mucus is easily removed from the respiratory tract. However, it is contraindicated to treat symptoms with Althea in case of individual sensitivity, ulcer duodenum and stomach. Diabetics should also exercise caution during treatment.

Thermopsis-based preparations help treat cold symptoms by irritating the respiratory center, which contributes to expectoration of sputum. These include cough tablets Thermopsol, Codelac broncho with thyme. The drug has an expectorant, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic effect due to the content of active elements in the composition.

Chest preparations help to quickly cure a wet cough, which include medicinal herbs such as oregano, coltsfoot, plantain, licorice, sage, anise, marshmallow, pine buds cough, chamomile, violet, wild rosemary, calendula.

Also, many people prefer to treat the symptoms of a cold with the help of the Bronchofit elixir, it contains rosemary, plantain, anise, licorice, sage, violet, thyme.

Mucolytic cough medicines

Mucolytic drugs are prescribed to drink when it is necessary to treat bronchitis. Such drugs dilute sputum, improve its excretion and thereby violate favorable conditions for the reproduction of pathogenic organisms.

medicines, active substance which is acetylcysteine, help to get rid of severe symptoms in chronic bronchitis. They are also taken for laryngitis, otitis media, pneumonia. These drugs are contraindicated in pulmonary bleeding, bronchial asthma, adrenal pathology, liver and kidney failure.

Bromhexine and preparations containing it Solvin and Bronchosan are widely used for inhalation. The effect of the treatment can be seen after 2 days. With increased viscosity of sputum, drugs based on carbocysteine ​​are prescribed to drink, including such drugs as Fluditec, Fluifort, Bronchobos and Libeksin Muno.

An interesting video in this article offers information on how you can cure a cough.

Cough with sputum without fever - how to treat?

We all know that coughing is defensive reaction organism. With its help, a person is freed from sputum, as well as various harmful substances. Many people ask the question: why does a cough appear without fever? What does this symptom say? Quite often, a strong cough, in which there are no signs of a cold, SARS, flu, indicates a severe allergic reaction.

Causes of a wet cough without fever

A person may cough when inhaling dust or another allergen. Also a strong cough appears in case of polluted air. To clarify the diagnosis, it is best to undergo a complete examination.

It is important to understand that a painful wet cough without fever can indicate a serious disease of the respiratory organs and lungs. Sometimes a coughing fit occurs after a person has inhaled caustic gases, tobacco smoke or food has been inhaled.

Different color of sputum when coughing

During the diagnosis, the color of sputum is of no small importance, which must be paid attention to, because it indicates the development of a serious respiratory disease:

• Pneumonia almost always accompanied by yellow-green or yellow sputum.
• Bronchial asthma has clear and thick mucus.
• Croupous pneumonia accompanied by the release of rusty sputum.
• Gangrene of the lungs almost always accompanied by green sputum when coughing.
• Pulmonary edema characterized by frothy bloody sputum.
• Malignant lung tumor accompanied by sputum with blood fibers.
• bronchitis or flu characterized by yellow-green, purulent sputum with blood.
• Lung infarction accompanied by bright red sputum.
• Fungal infection of the lungs characterized by a cough with white lumpy sputum.

How to get rid of a wet cough without fever per day?

With timely treatment, you can quickly get rid of this unpleasant symptom. For this, traditional healers recommend that you pay attention to the healing collection, which includes: flaxseeds, linden, plantain, coltsfoot. Take a tablespoon herbal collection and boil in a glass of boiling water.

Also be sure to try these time-tested recipes:

• Figs with milk. It is necessary to take 250 ml of milk, add figs (2 tablespoons) to it, boil everything over low heat. Infuse for about half an hour, then grind to a porridge-like consistency. Use three times a day.
• Cranberry juice with honey. Add a tablespoon of honey to a glass of juice.
• Lime tea will help to quickly get rid of a wet cough. You need to take half a glass of water, add 100 grams of honey and 200 grams of linden blossom, also be sure to put 100 grams of birch buds. Warm everything up for about 20 minutes. After straining the mixture, add another teaspoon of aloe juice. The remedy is taken after breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Viburnum berries. Boil viburnum, then mix with honey in equal proportions. Take no more than a tablespoon.
• Badger fat is the best anti-inflammatory agent. It helps to get rid of even a long cough. Have to take a small amount of fat and rub it on the chest. The healing product will help you quickly cure a wet cough that has been tormenting for a long time.

How to treat a strong cough without fever?

Please note that it makes no sense to use antibiotics for a cough without fever. Perhaps this type of cough arose after inhalation of toxic substances, as well as after smoking, in case of an allergic reaction, infection with roundworms, worms and after prolonged contact with dust.

Antibiotics are prescribed only if a person has tracheitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia or tuberculosis. A strong wet cough without a high fever should still be treated, strictly adhering to the basic medical recommendations.

Many are mistaken when they think that a wet cough without fever cannot be a sign of pneumonia. There are quite a few cases when pneumonia occurs without a high temperature, so it is important to get tested:

• Submit a sputum culture.
• Make a fluorography of the lungs.
• Pass general analysis blood.

In order to get rid of a wet cough, you must first find out the exact cause of its occurrence. In smokers, it most often appears early in the morning, while sputum may be bloody. If, in addition to coughing, a runny nose appears, your throat hurts, most likely you have SARS.

Features of the treatment of wet cough without fever in an infant

Sometimes a wet cough appears in babies. What are the causes?

• Bronchial asthma. With the disease, coughing is almost always accompanied by sputum production.
• Nocturnal cough. In babies, a strong cough can be a symptom of a dangerous disease - whooping cough. It cannot be cured with conventional medicines. In this case, there is a paroxysmal nocturnal cough with vomiting.
• Barking cough in chest appears with an acute inflammatory process in the nose, larynx, nasopharynx. With a strong attack of coughing, the chest and abdomen tense up. Wet cough in a child who does not have a temperature, is an alarming symptom, which should immediately be addressed to a pediatrician.

Thus, you should not think that if a cough is without fever, it is not at all dangerous. This is not true! A wet cough that does not go away for a long time indicates a serious pathological process in the body. It is important to establish the cause of its occurrence in a timely manner. When making a diagnosis, the doctor takes into account the nature of sputum, how severe the symptom is, conducts all necessary tests, only then decides on treatment. Any cough must be taken quite seriously, otherwise everything can end in serious consequences. Do not joke with your health, do not self-diagnose and self-medicate, go to the doctor right away!

Medical specialists apply the term "productive" to such a concept as a cough with sputum. This means that during a coughing attack, bronchial products are released - mucous secretions, which are excreted with coughing movements to the outside.

It is believed that such discharge is a sign of purification of the pulmonary system, and therefore one of the symptoms of a speedy recovery. However, we should not forget that the presence of a mucous secretion can also indicate the development of serious diseases, such as bronchial asthma, pneumonia, respiratory oncology, coronary heart disease.

Causes of cough with phlegm

Discharge during expectoration can appear exclusively in diseases of the respiratory tract, representing the result of increased production and secretion of the bronchi (during bronchitis or asthma), effusion of blood plasma from the vasculature into the pulmonary cavity (during pulmonary edema), pus exit from the cavities (with an abscess , tuberculous caverns, bronchiectasis).

The most common reasons are:

• upper respiratory tract infections (respiratory viral infections and pathologies);
• obstructive form of inflammation of the bronchi;
• pneumonia;
• allergic conditions, including bronchial asthma;
• rhinitis;
• lung abscess;
• tuberculosis.

The exact cause of the cough reflex can only be determined diagnostically, while the characteristics of bronchial secretions, as well as the presence of other accompanying symptoms, are of great importance.

Is cough with phlegm contagious?

Is a person contagious if they cough productively? This question is often of interest to many patients, especially mothers of small children, who doubt whether it is possible to take the child to kindergarten if the seizures have become productive and mucus has begun to be coughed up.

It is worth noting that cough syndrome is contagious regardless of whether it is wet or dry if it is caused by a viral infection. On average, the period of "contagiousness" (in medicine - contagiousness) of a viral disease ranges from 5 to 10 days from the moment the first symptoms appear. However, some diseases can pose a danger to others for a longer period:

• diphtheria - up to 2 weeks;
• whooping cough - up to 18 days from the onset of the disease. As a rule, after 28 days, a patient who has had whooping cough will definitely not pose a danger, even if coughing attacks continue to bother the patient.

Therefore, it is not entirely correct to believe that if the child's temperature has stabilized and a mucous secretion has appeared, then the risk of infecting other children is canceled. The virus often still exists in the body and is excreted by the patient through exhalation and sneezing.

Symptoms of cough with sputum

As the symptoms of the disease progress with the accumulation of secretions from the bronchial tree, it becomes necessary to clear the airways from the accumulated secret. In this case, the cough reflex is triggered - the urge to sharp exhalation of air, due to irritation of the walls of the bronchi with a mucous secretion.

When an abundance of mucus appears, it is important to distinguish the cleansing process from the transition of an inflammatory pathology to a chronic form.

Usually coughing movement originates with a sharp and deep breath, which lasts no more than 2 seconds. After that, the laryngeal muscles covering the glottis also sharply contract. Bronchial muscles instantly come to tone, abdominal muscles contract - this action of muscle fibers is aimed at overcoming the resistance of the closed glottis. At this point, the pressure inside the chest cavity is about 100 mm Hg. Art. Next, there is a sudden opening of the glottis and increased exhalation. Basically, if the bronchi have accumulated secretions, the cough reflex is triggered involuntarily, but the patient himself is able to cause it on his own.

Usually on its own cough attack and mucous secretions of the bronchi are not a disease - these are just symptoms of another disease that is important to detect and cure. Other signs indicating the presence of the disease should not be ignored:

• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath;
• temperature rise;
• loss of appetite;
• pain inside the chest;
• wheezing when breathing;
• change in color and other properties of sputum.

Cough with phlegm during pregnancy

During pregnancy, any disease is perceived extremely negatively: still, it is not known how the disease will affect the fetus, as well as the pregnancy itself, and medications during this period must be taken very selectively. However, there is an indisputable fact that in pregnant women the immunity is obviously weakened, therefore, acute respiratory infections with acute respiratory viral infections during gestation, unfortunately, are not uncommon.

Cough syndrome during pregnancy is also common: it is not only possible to treat it, but also necessary. Illiterate or untimely treatment can pose a serious threat to pregnancy. First of all, coughing shocks can provoke an increased tone of the uterus, which can lead to painful spasms and even detachment. At the same time, arterial and intra-abdominal pressure, which can provoke a miscarriage in the early stages or premature birth in the later stages of gestation.

In case of respiratory diseases, it is imperative to see a doctor, and not only: it will be better if a woman remembers the doctor with any alarming or suspicious symptoms. It must be borne in mind that coughing attacks and the release of mucus from the bronchi can accompany not only a cold, but also diseases of the stomach, thyroid gland, and heart. You should not start treatment on your own, let a medical specialist do it.

Types of sputum when coughing

Bronchial mucous accumulations are pathological discharge, which come out in the process of coughing shocks from the respiratory tract. Healthy people also produce mucus inside the bronchi: this mucus performs a protective function, preventing dust, chemicals and bacteria from entering the lungs. If the amount of this mucus increases, pus with other impurities is added to it, then they usually talk about the appearance of wet discharge. Allocations are divided into several types, depending on their quantity, color, smell, density, layering.

Let's talk about the varieties of mucous secretions in respiratory diseases.

• Green sputum when coughing is usually a companion of many inflammatory pathologies involving the bronchi and lungs in the process. Such diseases can be provoked by a bacterial and viral infection, or have an allergic nature. The listed diseases are prolonged bronchitis, lobar pneumonia, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, oncology, etc. As a rule, green dense mucus is a sign of a congestive purulent process in the lungs.
• Cough with sputum that is difficult to separate appears most often as a result of acute respiratory viral infections or acute respiratory infections, and can also be the result of congestion in the lungs. If the mucous secret has too dense consistency and viscosity, then it is difficult for it to leave the respiratory tract, it accumulates inside the bronchi, provoking constant coughing shocks that do not bring relief.
• Blood in the sputum when coughing can appear both as a result of a small and harmless bleeding from the capillary vessels of the bronchial tree, which could burst during a cough attack, and as a result of a serious illness. Therefore, the presence of blood should alert, especially if such a sign is present for several days, or if the discharge contains a large amount of blood. We should not forget that an admixture of blood can get into the secret from sick tonsils, nasopharynx, bleeding gums.
• Yellow sputum when coughing is a consequence of the appearance of pus in the secretions. Most often, this is a sign of undertreated bronchitis, or its transition to a chronic form. If you continue to neglect the treatment, then over time, such a secret can change color from straw yellow to rusty or green (a clear sign of a purulent process).
• A cough with purulent sputum often indicates the development of congestion inside the lungs, especially if the secretions become much thicker. It becomes difficult for the bronchi to remove a purulent secret that accumulates and can become bad smell and taste. As a rule, antibiotic therapy in such a situation is indispensable.
• White sputum when coughing can potentially appear with pneumonia. If the white secret is secreted in lumps, or resembles cottage cheese, then this clearly means that the causative agent of pneumonia is a fungal infection. In such a situation, antibiotics will not help: you will need special antifungal therapy.
• Black sputum when coughing in most cases is professional mark- such discharges are typical for miners, masons, diggers. To learn more about the presence or absence of the disease, you will have to pass the separated secret for analysis.
• Gray sputum when coughing, as well as black, often accompanies respiratory diseases in representatives of some professions, whose work is associated with the presence in the air and inhalation of large amounts of dust with suspended particles. This category also includes heavy smokers, whose respiratory organs are deposited with nicotine resins, which give the secreted secretions a gray tint.
• Pink sputum when coughing is a sign of the presence of a small amount of blood inside the mucus. Most often, this is the result of bleeding of broken capillaries, which can occur with cough attacks that are too aggressive. However, such pink secretions must be observed: if they continue for more than 3 days, or change color to intense red, then you should immediately contact a specialist.
• Red sputum when coughing indicates the appearance in the secretions blood impurity. This can be considered as hemoptysis in tuberculosis, actinomycosis, respiratory oncology, abscess, pulmonary infarction, heart failure or pulmonary edema. This condition is considered very dangerous and requires immediate help doctor. In rare cases, redness of the secret can be caused by taking certain medications.
• Transparent sputum when coughing is the most harmless type of mucous secretions. Usually, such a sign accompanies the onset of respiratory diseases, when there are still no complications, and the disease can be cured without any negative consequences. However, if the mucus is viscous, "glassy", then this may be a sign of bronchial asthma.
• Foamy sputum when coughing appears when anthrax or pulmonary edema. Both diseases are considered very serious, which requires immediate medical attention.
• Thick sputum when coughing usually appears in the initial stages of the transition from a dry process to a wet one, or during congestion. So that the mucous secret is not thick, thinning medications, chest massage are used. It is also recommended to drink a large amount of alkaline warm liquid.

As you can see, the characteristic of secretions is of great diagnostic value. An equally important role is played by the description of coughing attacks, so we will dwell on this symptom in more detail.

Varieties of cough syndrome

Wet cough syndrome is considered natural physiological phenomenon, with the help of which the accumulated mucus is removed from the tracheobronchial tree. However, many are alarmed that such a symptom is not always the same. Could this be indicative of anything? In some cases, it really can, because the manifestations of the cough reflex are a valuable informative point in making the correct diagnosis.

• A painful cough with phlegm can indicate that the mucus is too viscous to pass freely. Therefore, in order to push out thick secretions, the airways require much more effort, which causes soreness or even heaviness along the bronchi. To facilitate the release of mucus, medications are used that thin it.
• Cough with viscous sputum is often characteristic of lobar pneumonia, inflammatory reaction in the respiratory organs. With the right treatment, a short time such mucus becomes liquid, begins to expectorate well.
• Bouts of coughing with sputum can be observed with large cluster mucus in the bronchi. If there is a lot of secretions, they gradually begin to irritate the bronchial walls, which provokes a cough attack. This attack continues until all the secretions leave the respiratory tract. Further, the accumulation occurs again, and the process repeats. In order for mucus not to accumulate in large quantities, it is recommended to periodically move, walk around the room, and do light gymnastics. Beneficial chest massage.
• Cough after eating with phlegm is most often not a sign of respiratory disease. It has other causes associated with the pathology of the digestive system. This symptom is characteristic of gastric ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux, and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. For specification of the diagnosis it is better to address to the gastroenterologist.
• Cough with sputum without fever is a characteristic symptom of acute respiratory infections or a viral infection in immunocompromised patients. No elevated temperature this stage is not a reason to ignore the disease. Treatment is prescribed according to other symptoms present.
• Cough with sputum and a temperature of 37 ° C is considered one of the typical signs of acute respiratory infections. Given temperature is not dangerous, it does not require the appointment of antipyretic drugs. Moreover, the use of tablets and potions that “knock down” the temperature is highly discouraged in such a situation. Temperature values ​​around 37-37.8°C mean that the immune system is working, and the body is fighting the disease on their own. In this case, he does not need to interfere.
• An allergic cough with sputum is less common than without it. Usually not accompanied by fever, a runny nose may occur. If the bronchial secret is secreted, then, as a rule, it does not contain impurities of pus or blood - the discharge looks transparent. Attacks occur more often at night or after contact with an allergen: animal hair, dust, pollen, etc. 8.
• Cough with sputum and runny nose is a common occurrence in SARS or allergies. These two diseases should be distinguished: with ARVI, there is often an increase in temperature, and with allergies, it should not be.
• Shortness of breath and cough with sputum in many cases mean the initial stage of bronchial asthma. This disease consists in a deterioration in bronchial patency due to bronchospasm, inflammatory swelling of the mucous membranes, and mucus entering the bronchi. All of these factors are collectively called "bronchial obstruction". Shortness of breath with deterioration occurs paroxysmal: in the intervals between attacks, the patient usually feels quite satisfactory.
• Smoker's cough with sputum - heavy, with wheezing, occurs more in the morning. Mucus from the bronchi can be light, sometimes with a gray tint, with an unpleasant smell of nicotine resins. The cough reflex is triggered in response to irritation of the bronchial walls by cigarette smoke, to blockage of the bronchioles. tobacco tar, on the accumulation of protective secretion in the respiratory organs. Observed regularly, almost constantly, may be accompanied by inflammatory processes (chronic) of the trachea, bronchi, larynx.
• Cough with sputum in the morning is observed with bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as in smokers with experience. To determine the cause of morning attacks, it is often necessary to check not only the respiratory system, but also the digestive organs, since often the mucus inside the lungs is the secretion of the stomach, thrown into the respiratory tract during night sleep. This happens during diseases of the esophagus - reflux esophagitis.
• Night cough with sputum occurs with bronchial asthma, heart failure, sinusitis, whooping cough. When diagnosing this type of cough manifestations, attention should also be paid to other symptoms: soreness inside the chest or in the heart, the color of the discharge, the presence of fever, runny nose.
• Barking cough with sputum can be a sign of obstructive bronchitis, whooping cough, false croup which often occurs in pediatric patients. In adults, this may be a sign of pharyngitis, laryngitis, as well as an inflammatory process in the bronchi and (or) in the trachea.
• Coughing up to vomiting with sputum in children is common, since the cough and vomiting centers are almost nearby. Therefore, even a mild attack can provoke vomiting, especially if the baby has recently eaten. In adult patients, such a reaction may be a sign of malfunction. digestive system namely peptic ulcer disease.
• A persistent cough with sputum is a clear sign of a chronic lesion of the respiratory system. This condition can be observed in heavy smokers, in people working inside dusty unventilated rooms or in chemical industries, as well as in patients who have not adequately treated acute bronchitis. Chronic respiratory diseases are more difficult to treat. If the disease is related to professional activities, then a change of job may be mandatory.
• Paroxysmal cough with sputum is a frequent companion of allergies, for example, bronchial asthma. During attacks, the patient experiences shortness of breath, a mucous transparent secret can be released from the bronchi. In the intervals between attacks, the patient, as a rule, does not worry about anything - he feels almost healthy.

As you can see, a cough reflex with secretion can be observed with various lesions of the trachea, bronchi, lungs, larynx, heart, or digestive system. Therefore, it is very, very difficult to independently determine the cause of the ailment. Trust good doctor: complex diagnostics will help to identify the disease in order to start treatment of respiratory problems in a timely manner.

Who to contact?

Diagnosis of cough with sputum

The collection of data on the history of the disease is of great importance for the diagnosis of respiratory pathologies. The doctor will begin by obtaining the following information:

• When did the disease start?
• Was it preceded by other illnesses, such as viral infections?
• Is there a seasonality of the pathology, are there attacks of shortness of breath or shortness of breath?
• Are there additional symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, heartburn, stomach pain, etc.?
• Is there an increase in temperature?
• What is special about bronchial secretions? What color are they? Is there a smell?
• Are there any chronic diseases, bad habits?
• What are the features of professional activity?
• Is there a tendency to allergies?
• Did the patient take ACE inhibitor drugs (captopril, enalapril, prestarium, etc.)?

After clarifying the anamnesis, the doctor proceeds to a number of additional studies.

• Physical examination (general examination). Includes detection of signs of heart disease, examination of the mouth, throat. The doctor pays attention to the enlargement of the lymph nodes, the presence of free nasal breathing, the cleanliness of the surface of the tongue and tonsils. He listens to the lungs for the presence of wheezing, whistles, crepitus, as well as the nature of these symptoms.
• Chest radiograph. It is carried out to detect neoplasms and tuberculous changes inside the lungs, bronchiectasis and sarcoidosis can also be detected.
• Assessment of the functionality of external respiration - allows you to detect bronchial obstruction, interstitial lung disease, bronchial asthma.
• Analysis of bronchial secretions with microscopy of the material. Smears are stained according to Gram and Ziehl-Neelsen, mucus culture and cytological examination are carried out.
• Instrumental research methods. Methods of bronchoscopy with cytology and histology are used (mainly for suspected cancer), biopsy of suspicious tissues, transbronchial lung biopsy, computed tomography.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of a complex of studies, according to the results of a general examination, analyzes of the coughed up material and instrumental evaluation the state of the respiratory system.

Treatment of cough with sputum

Some believe that if bronchial mucus is secreted, then the disease does not need treatment. This is a big misconception. Treatment at this stage is mandatory. It should be aimed at facilitating the discharge of secretions and eliminating the underlying disease.

If the secretions are poorly expectorated and stay in the bronchial cavity for a long time, this can lead to bacterial complications. Therefore, the most used medicines in this situation are expectorants, mucolytics and combined drugs. Some of them make the mucus thinner, while others control its production in order to produce exactly the amount of secretions that the body can easily remove.

Thinning of sputum when coughing can occur when taking expectorants:

• vegetable (based on plants) - represented by pectusin, solutan, tussin, breast fees, Doctor Mom syrup;
• synthetic - represented by bromhexine, lazolvan, ambroxol, ACC.

Herbal preparations may have less side effects, however, they are more likely to cause allergies, especially in pediatric patients. All this must be taken into account when choosing means of treatment.

Treatment of cough with sputum that is difficult to separate should be carried out only with the help of expectorant and mucolytic medications. In no case should you use antitussives - they block the cough reflex, and mucus that is difficult to excrete generally ceases to be excreted. As a result, we get the accumulation of mucus inside the bronchi and lungs, the addition of a bacterial infection and complications, sometimes in the form of pneumonia. Medicines should be selected carefully, after consulting with a doctor. We remind you that such drugs should thin and facilitate the removal of mucus from the bronchi, clearing the airways from the inside. At the same time, the underlying disease is treated, symptomatic treatment, and immunostimulating therapy are carried out.

Cough medicines with phlegm

If the mucus from the bronchi is difficult to separate and excrete, doctors recommend drinking plenty of warm liquids, including herbal teas and compotes. Medicines are used that eliminate inflammation, have an enveloping, expectorant and bronchodilator effect, reduce the sensitivity of the bronchial walls, and increase the cough threshold. If not contraindicated, you can use steam inhalation with the addition of various drugs and herbs. Inhalations help to moisturize the mucosa, relieve pain, improve the composition of mucus, and relax smooth bronchial muscles.

At the same time, drugs based on thermopsis or ipecac should not be used in early childhood, as they can stimulate increased irritation of the respiratory system and the appearance of vomiting.

Consider the most effective means in more detail.

Inhalations for coughing with sputum most often involve the use of herbal remedies: eucalyptus leaves, sage, calendula, chamomile, St. John's wort, as well as Salvin and Romazulon preparations. When inhaling with steam, it is recommended to use phytoncides - the well-known onion or garlic, a ratio of 1:50. Available at the pharmacy onion tincture on alcohol - it is used in the amount of 25 drops / 100 ml clean water. A good effect is expected from such simple means, which are used for 0.5 liters of water:

• sea ​​salt or baking soda (1 tsp);
• essential oil 10 cap. (eucalyptus, mint, needles, anise, peach);
• balm "Asterisk" - on the tip of a spoon.

You can use oils for inhalation - from sea buckthorn, olives, rose hips, rosemary.

Medicines for cough with phlegm are divided into several categories:

• products based on bromhexine (Bromhexine, Ascoril, Solvin);
• ambroxol-based products (Ambrobene, Ambrosal, Flavamed, etc.);
• products based on carbocysteine ​​(Bronhobos, Fluifort);
• products based on acetylcysteine ​​(ACC, Fluimucil);
• herbal preparations based on marshmallow, anise, elecampane, plantain, etc. (Mukaltin, Pectussin, Bronchicum, etc.).

Cough tablets with phlegm:

• Carbocisteine ​​- stabilizes the consistency of mucus, promotes its exit from the broncho-pulmonary system. Assign 2 capsules three times a day, as they improve, they switch to 1 capsule three times a day;
• Lycorine - normalizes the secretion of bronchial glands, relaxes spasmodic smooth muscle structures of the bronchi. Take ½ or whole tablet 3 to 4 times a day after meals;
• Likviriton - a preparation of licorice, eliminates inflammation, spasm, improves expectoration. Assign 1-2 tablets up to 4 times a day half an hour before meals;
• Mukaltin is a preparation of marshmallow, a mild expectorant. Apply orally 1-2 tablets up to 3 times a day before meals.

Antibiotics for coughing with sputum are prescribed only in advanced cases of the disease, as well as if there is a suspicion of the possibility of developing complications. In most cases, the following antibiotics are considered effective:

• the penicillin series is represented by amoxicillin (Flemoxin), augmentin, amoxiclav, ampicillin, etc. The listed medicines have a detrimental effect on most bacteria that cause an inflammatory reaction in the respiratory system. If one of these drugs does not show the expected effect, it is replaced by another belonging to a different group of antibiotics;
• the fluoroquinolone series is represented by levofloxacin, moxifloxacin (Avelox). Such drugs are usually prescribed if antibiotics from the penicillin series are ineffective;
• the cephalosporin series is represented by cefuroxime (aka Zinnat, Aksetin), cefixime (Supraks), etc. These antibiotics are often used to treat inflammatory processes in the bronchi, lungs, pleura, etc .;
• the macrolide series is represented by azithromycin (Sumamed), which is often taken for atypical pneumonia, where the causative agents are mycoplasma or chlamydia.

Cough syrup with sputum is a very popular remedy, especially in pediatric practice. Many syrups are analogues of tablets, with a similar composition and action. Children are more willing to take syrups: it is easier for them to swallow a sweet aromatic liquid than to swallow a bitter pill. It is advisable to choose a syrup, guided by the doctor's recommendations:

• Linkas is a herbal medication that eliminates fever, spasms of the respiratory system, improves the production of mucus by the bronchi. It is prescribed for pharyngitis, tracheobronchitis;
• vegetable syrup Suprima-Broncho - can be prescribed for laryngitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, whooping cough, tracheobronchitis. May cause an allergic reaction;
• Syrup Lazolvan is a remedy from the Ambroxol group. A very common and effective drug. Used for inflammation of the bronchi, lungs, bronchial asthma, congestion, bronchiectasis;
• Gerbion - plantain syrup. Treats inflammation of the respiratory system, helps even with the smoker's cough syndrome;
• Bromhexine syrup is a mucolytic, promotes expectoration, liquefaction of viscous mucus. Improves and facilitates the secretion of secretions;
• Erespal when coughing with sputum - a syrup based on Fenspiride, an anti-bronchoconstrictor. It relieves spasms, eliminates inflammation, reduces the secretion of mucus by the bronchi. It is actively used for bronchial asthma, bronchospasm, chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, pharyngitis. Can be used in children from birth, from 2 tsp. up to 6 tbsp. l. a day before meals. When taken, drowsiness, gastrointestinal disorders may occur. \

Herbs for cough with phlegm are the most acceptable treatment without the use of drugs. Pine buds, onions, garlic, marshmallow, mint, chamomile, plantain, coltsfoot, St. John's wort, elecampane, sage are used as components for collections or medicinal mixtures. Herbs can be used in the form of decoctions, infusions for inhalation, herbal teas for oral administration. A good effect is given by special breast fees, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. There are 4 types of fees:

• No. 1 - althea rhizome, oregano, coltsfoot leaf;
• No. 2 - coltsfoot, plantain, licorice rhizome;
• No. 3 - marshmallow rhizome, anise, licorice rhizome, pine buds, sage;
• No. 4 - chamomile color, wild rosemary, calendula, violet, licorice rhizome, mint.

Plant components in the composition of such fees have a complex mucolytic, expectorant, bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effect. The secret begins to depart in time, the cough reflex is gradually stopped.

Folk remedies for cough with phlegm

What other folk remedies are used in the treatment of respiratory diseases with expectoration of secretions:

• Put a whole lemon in water, boil for 10 minutes. Remove from fire, cool. Cut the lemon into 2 equal parts, squeeze the juice into which we add 2 tbsp. l. glycerin, add up to 200 ml of honey, mix. We accept 1 tbsp. l. the resulting mass three times a day before meals and at bedtime.
• Mix equal parts of freshly squeezed carrot juice, black radish and milk. We use 6 times a day for 1 tbsp. l.
• Mixing two chicken yolks, 2 tbsp. l. fresh butter, 2 tsp natural honey, 1 tsp. flour. We use the resulting mass of 1 tsp. throughout the day, multiple times.
• We take black radishes (7 pcs.), Cut into slices, sprinkle each piece with sugar, leave for 6 hours. Drain the resulting juice, then take 1 tbsp. l. every 60 minutes.
• Cooking jelly from viburnum on honey, drink throughout the day.
• Preparing an infusion of sage (1 tablespoon per 250 ml hot water), we insist, filter, add an equal amount of boiled milk. We drink 100 ml several times a day, with honey or sugar.
• Finely chop 0.5 kg of onion, add 400 g of sugar and 40-60 g of honey, boil with 1 liter of water for 3 hours over low heat. Let cool, then drain the liquid. We use 1 tbsp. l. about 5 times a day, it is possible during coughing attacks.

The use of folk remedies can be more effective if combined with steam inhalations, using baking soda, medicinal herbs. A positive effect is observed when fir, cedar, eucalyptus oils are added to the liquid for inhalation. Such procedures are best done at night, before going to bed.

What to do if the cough with sputum does not go away?

The appearance or increased presence of pus in the mucous secretions, a significant increase in the amount of secretion, an increase in temperature indicators (preliminary signs of exacerbation) may be the reason for the earliest and soonest possible prescription of antibiotic therapy. Such treatment begins with the use of ampicillin (1 g from 4 to 6 times a day), chloramphenicol (0.5 g four times a day), tetracycline, cefazolin, lincomycin.

To activate the protective immune mechanism, it is recommended to take vitamin drinks and multivitamin preparations. In order to stimulate the nonspecific resistance of the body, biogenic stimulants are used:

• aloe extract liquid injection i / m or s / c 1 ml per day for a month;
• Biosed IM injection 1 ml (2 ml) every day. For 20-30 days.

If the condition steadily worsens, then about self-treatment there can be no talk. Therapy should be carried out under the supervision of a general practitioner, pulmonologist, otolaryngologist, phthisiatrician.

Help with coughing up phlegm

During an attack, the main type of assistance may be to accelerate the removal of mucous secretions from the respiratory tract. Pathogenic microorganisms can accumulate in the laryngeal or bronchial cavity, and they can be removed only with good expectoration. How quickly will it be possible to clear the respiratory tract from secretions, so much faster body feel relieved and begin to recover.

Simultaneously with the use of medicines prescribed by the doctor, the patient should drink a large amount of warm liquid to facilitate the discharge of mucus. This will greatly improve the excretion of secretions and the cleansing of the respiratory system. As a drink, it is useful to use herbal teas based on lime blossom, rose hips, raspberries, currants, and other medicinal plants.

If there is a mucous secret in the bronchi, then drugs that block the cough reflex should not be used in any case. These drugs include, for example, codeine, as well as all products based on it.

Here are some tips for those who cannot cope with the disease:

• monitor the humidity of the air in the room (normally, the humidity should range from 40 to 60%);
• if you smoke, quit. Moreover, avoid smoky places;
• avoid hypothermia and sudden overheating, do not leave a hot room into frosty air;
• avoid inhaling vapors of various chemical sprays, detergents and cleaners;
• do not suppress the desire to cough - in this way you clear the bronchi, alleviating your condition.

Prevention of cough with phlegm

The triggering of the cough reflex in most cases is a symptom of a disease of the respiratory system, so it can be prevented if you think about the prevention of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, laryngitis, etc.

For prevention, factors that can provoke such diseases should be avoided: these are hypothermia, drafts, weakened immunity, physical overload, stress, vitamin deficiency.

Avoid situations that can lead to lung irritation: leave smoky, smoky, dusty and chemically treated rooms. Working with chemicals, varnish-coloring substances can provoke the development of chronic damage to the respiratory system. If staying in such premises is unavoidable, use appropriate protective measures - these are gauze bandages, respirators, etc.

If you are prone to allergies or have bronchial asthma, try to avoid provoking factors (contact with potential allergens).

Needless to say, smoking - one of the main factors in the appearance of chronic cough syndrome - is very harmful to health in general. If you smoke, give up this habit. The rest can be advised to avoid places where people smoke. Passive smoking irritates the respiratory tract no less than active smoking.

A good preventive effect gives hardening of the body. It is best to start the procedures in the summer, when it is easier for the body to endure temperature changes, and immunity in the summer is considered stronger. Cool water douses are suitable, cold and hot shower, swimming in open water, air and sunbathing doing outdoor sports. In winter, it is better to do hardening under the supervision of a specialist, because illiterate excessive cooling of the body can have the opposite effect.

Prognosis of cough with sputum

The prognosis directly depends only on the underlying disease that triggered the cough reflex. If this symptom accompanies an acute viral or microbial infection of the respiratory system, then it is safely eliminated after the underlying disease is cured.

If the cause of the attack is an allergy or the use of certain medications, then eliminating the allergen with the replacement of drugs with others will help eliminate the unpleasant symptom.

Healthy lifestyle, good nutrition, the absence of bad habits, active pastime can be the key to a favorable prognosis of respiratory diseases.

If the cough with sputum is chronic, then it will be more difficult to get rid of it - this may require complex complex treatment, often with the use of potent drugs and antibiotic therapy.

green sputum when coughing

Green sputum when coughing indicates an inflammatory process in the bronchi, trachea or lungs with the formation of mucopurulent or purulent exudate.

With intense inflammation, the exudate accumulates and enters the secretions of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract affected by the infection.

Causes of green sputum when coughing

The main causes of green sputum when coughing are directly related to those diseases, the symptom of which is a productive (wet) cough. Such diseases are tracheobronchitis, acute bronchitis and exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, bronchiectasis, postpneumonic purulent pleurisy (pleural empyema), and lung abscess.

According to experts, if green sputum comes out when you cough, it means that Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella spp., Serratia marcescens and others

Bronchotracheitis of infectious etiology develops from tracheitis against the background of a sufficiently high temperature, rhinitis, pharyngitis or laryngitis, when the inflammatory process descends from upper divisions respiratory tract to the lower. If at the beginning of the disease the cough is dry, with attacks in the morning, then on about the 4-5th day the cough becomes productive, and yellow-green sputum appears when coughing.

For acute bronchitis, as well as exacerbation of its chronic form, a strong cough is characteristic, in which the patient coughs up a mucopurulent exudate of a viscous yellow or greenish consistency.

Among clinical signs bronchiectasis resulting from damage to the walls of the bronchi and their expansion, there is green sputum when coughing, often with bloody inclusions and particles of dead bronchial epithelial tissues.

And with especially severe forms of pneumonia, a pyogenic capsule can form in their tissues - a cavity with purulent-necrotic contents. In this case, a lung abscess is diagnosed, which, in the end, breaks into the bronchi, and then, when coughing, green sputum with pus comes out, which has a pronounced putrid odor.

Who to contact?

Diagnosis of green sputum when coughing

The exact cause of respiratory diseases, which are accompanied by a cough with green sputum, is called upon to establish diagnostics. Unfortunately, the presence of green sputum when coughing is not always subjected to a comprehensive study using proven diagnostic techniques. This leads to the fact that when prescribing antibiotics, the causative agent of the inflammatory process is not taken into account, which means that with the same symptom, antibacterial drugs may not work and may not lead to a cure for the disease, or much slow down recovery and cause complications.

To find out the true origin of the cough, a more thorough examination is necessary based on:

• general blood test;
• biochemical blood test;
• blood test for eosinophils, mycoplasma, etc.;
• sputum culture for microflora;
• bacterioscopy sputum smears;
• general urine analysis;
• urine analysis for antigens;
• coprological research (fecal analysis);
• chest X-ray;
• spirometric study of respiratory parameters;
• bronchoscopy;
• Ultrasound or CT scan of the chest.

Treatment of green sputum when coughing

Currently, in clinical practice, the etiological treatment of green sputum when coughing, or rather diseases that have this symptom, is carried out with the help of antibiotics.

Ampicillin is prescribed (synonyms - Ampexin, Domipen, Opicilin, Pentrexil, Riomycin, Tsimexillin, etc.): adults - 500 mg 4 times a day; daily dosage for children, 100 mg per kilogram of body weight is calculated and divided into 6 doses within 24 hours.

Amoxicillin (synonyms - Augmentin, Flemoxin) adults and children over 10 years old take 0.5 g three times a day after meals, children 5-10 years old - 0.25 g each, children 2-5 years old - 0.125 g three times per day. Minimum exchange rate treatment is 5 days.

In the treatment of green sputum when coughing in adults (with pneumonia), an effective third-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic Levofloxacin (Levoflocin, Tavanic, Tigeron, Flexid, etc.) in tablets can be used: before meals twice a day, 0.25-0.5 g; duration of admission - 5 days.

A five-day course of treatment of streptococcal infections of the respiratory tract with the antibiotic Rovamycin is practiced (in tablets of 1.5 and 3 million IU). Adults should take it at 3 million IU three times a day, for children the daily dose is calculated per kilogram of body weight - 150 thousand IU per day - and is divided into three doses. Azithromycin (Sumamed) and Erythromycin are also used. And Josamycin (Vilprafen) is especially effective in inflammation of the respiratory tract, provoked by Peptococcus spp. or Peptostreptococcus spp. Doctors recommend taking the drug 500 mg three times a day.

With pneumonia of fungal etiology, treatment of green sputum when coughing should be carried out antifungal antibiotics, for example, Amphoglucamine. The recommended use of this is from 10 to 14 days: adults - 200-500 thousand units twice a day (after meals); children - depending on age (25-200 thousand units 2 times a day).

At drug therapy viral bronchitis and pneumonia antibiotics should be supplemented antiviral agents(Remantadine, Acyclovir, Virazole, etc.), which the doctor prescribes individually - depending on the specific pathogen.

Treatment of green sputum when coughing: means for thinning and coughing up sputum

The key principle that all doctors adhere to when prescribing symptomatic treatment of green sputum when coughing is in no case to suppress the cough reflex, but to promote the coughing up of accumulated exudate.

Expectorants work by dilating the bronchioles, which makes it easier to expel mucus. Terpinhydrate tablets (0.25 and 0.5 g each) are prescribed one tablet three times a day. Mukaltin (based on Marshmallow officinalis) should be taken before meals, 0.05-0.1 g 2-3 times (before meals). Lycorine hydrochloride - 0.1-0.2 mg 3-4 times a day (about 30-45 minutes before meals). Ammonia-anise drops should be taken when coughing in the following dosage: adults - 10-15 drops 2-3 times a day; children - at the rate of one drop for each year of life. Finally, Pertussin, which contains thyme extract and potassium bromide, stimulates the physiological activity of the ciliated epithelium and the peristalsis of the bronchioles, due to which any, including green sputum, when coughing, moves from the lower respiratory tract to the upper, and from there it is brought out. Adults should take Pertussin in a tablespoon three times a day, children in a tea or dessert spoon 2-3 times.

Mucolytic drugs make sputum less viscous, which greatly facilitates its removal from the respiratory tract. Bromhexine recommended by doctors (Bronchostop, Solvin) is used by adults and children over 14 years old at 8-16 mg 3-4 times a day; children 6-14 years old - 8 mg three times a day, 2-6 years old - 4 mg each, children under 2 years old - 2 mg 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 5 days.

Ambrohexal (other trade names - Ambroxol, Lazolvan, Bronchopront, Mucosan, Mucovent, Mucobroxol, etc.) increases the production of mucus in the respiratory tract. For adults, the drug is prescribed one tablet 2-3 times a day (after meals) or 10 ml of the drug in the form of syrup three times a day. For children over 6-12 years old, the recommended dose of syrup is 5 ml (2-3 times a day); children aged 2-5 years - 2.5 ml; up to 2 years - 2.5 ml twice a day.

Acetylcysteine ​​(Acestin, ACC, Mukoneks and other trade names) for adults and children over 14 years old is prescribed 200 mg 3 times a day; children 6-14 years old - 200 mg twice a day; children aged 2-5 years are recommended to take the drug in the form of ACC effervescent tablets - 100 mg 2 times a day.

You can also use pharmaceutical herbal preparations for coughing with green sputum, which include licorice or marshmallow root, coltsfoot grass and oregano, black elderberry flowers, large plantain leaves, anise seeds. Preparing a medicinal decoction is simple: a tablespoon of the mixture is poured with 250 ml of boiling water (or two tablespoons per half liter of water) and infused under a lid in a water bath for a quarter of an hour; then the broth should be cooled, strained and taken half a cup twice a day (after meals).

Prevention of green sputum when coughing consists in the effective treatment of cough in any pathologies of the respiratory tract, without bringing it to a state of sputum stagnation in the bronchi and lungs. The faster you get rid of sputum, the more favorable the prognosis for green sputum when you cough will be. So, acute bronchitis can be overcome in ten days, but chronic bronchitis will have to be fought much longer - one and a half to two months, or even more.

Be aware that inflammation in the airways can lead to purulent bronchitis, chronic pneumonia, bronchiectasis, lung abscess. In the latter case, according to pulmonologists, there are serious problems that may require urgent surgical intervention.

Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor if you have green sputum when you cough.

Causes of yellow sputum when coughing

Yellow sputum when coughing can occur when a large amount of secretions has accumulated in the lungs. Coughing is the body's natural attempt to clear itself of excess. The same sneezing can be called a similar mechanism. That is why it is so important not to restrain yourself, but to clear your throat well during such attacks. But here it is important that the outgoing sputum is spat out, and not returned back by swallowing.

Remembering the rules of decency, while coughing, you should cover your mouth and not use your hand for such purposes, but always have a handkerchief or napkin with you. Firstly, this is how cultured people behave, and secondly, this way the spread of infection is restrained. In fact, coughing is a reflex reaction that occurs in response to irritation of the respiratory tract and respiratory organs. But if sputum is also present, then this may be evidence of an allergic, respiratory or infectious disease. It all depends on the nature of such secretions.

What is sputum?

Such a definition in medicine is wet mucous secretions that form on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and organs. Sputum may consist partly of saliva, which is mixed in during work. salivary glands, immune cells, various microorganisms, blood cells, dust, plasma and products remaining after cell decay. It is worth noting that such mucus manifests itself only if a pathological process has begun in the body. Accordingly, if a person is healthy, then such a nuisance will not pester him.

As noted above, sputum can have not only different color but also different textures. There are a number laboratory research, which allow you to determine the cause of the disease precisely by analyzing the discharge. This helps the doctor to determine a number of therapeutic measures. By the percentage of one or another component in sputum, one can judge not only the type of disease, but also the stage at which it is located. Also, attention is paid to how viscous the sputum is.

Concerning yellow discharge they are usually odorless. But if an unpleasant smell begins to emanate from them, then this is a direct sign that a cancerous process or gangrene has begun in the lungs. Therefore, the sooner treatment measures are taken, the better for the health of the patient. Since if you delay the solution of this issue, then the likelihood of surgical intervention will be very high.

How is yellow sputum tested?

As noted above, for diseases that are accompanied by expectoration, the doctor must take a sputum sample for analysis. Usually this procedure is carried out in the morning, while the patient has not yet eaten anything.

For maximum information, a specialist usually prescribes a bronchoscopy to his patient, which is performed only in a hospital. Using this method, it is possible to assess the condition of the bronchi and trachea. This procedure is performed using a bronchofibroscope, which allows you to take a “clean” sample, that is, without mixing with saliva and other microorganisms that are in the oral cavity.

Yellow sputum may indicate diseases such as:

1. Bronchitis. If the patient has bronchitis, then the inflammatory process in the organs began as a result of a virus or harmful bacteria. This disease can become chronic, especially after acute bronchitis. Also, such a danger awaits those who are in conditions of severe pollution for a long time, for example, with a high concentration of dust or air pollution.
2. Sinusitis. As for sinusitis, this disease causes inflammation in the paranasal sinuses. This situation may arise as a complication after infectious infections or if a person has received serious injury associated with the face.
3. Pneumonia. In this case, the disease develops against the background of an infection that has entered the lung tissues. This disease, if not taken in time, is fraught with death.
4. Asthma. This pathology is more often congenital, it affects the respiratory tract and is provoked by various cellular elements.

To make a more accurate diagnosis, laboratory assistants pay attention not only to color, but also to consistency, odor, the amount of discharge during the day, etc.

Yellow sputum can still be not only a sign of a specific disease, but also evidence that a person has a decent smoking experience. This comes from the fact that cigarette smoke has resins that, during combustion, give a yellow color and stain all surfaces with which they come into contact. The same can be observed with the fingers of smokers: the nail plates often have a yellow-brown tint.

Sputum of this nature is saturated with eosinophils, which not only give such a color to the discharge, but are also a direct sign of the presence of an infectious, allergic or chronic onset of the disease. special attention deserves a cough that comes on for no apparent reason.

Therefore, if a person begins to cough and expectorate yellow sputum, then he should immediately consult a doctor.

At the same time, it is worth paying attention to the secretions themselves, because, in addition to color, they may contain purulent or bloody inclusions.

How to get rid of the problem?

First of all, it is necessary to undergo a series of examinations, on the basis of which the doctor will be able to determine the course of therapy. The fact is that each disease requires its own approach, and if it is pneumonia, then the treatment will have one direction, but if it is tuberculosis, then the issue will be resolved in a completely different way.

Among general recommendations it is indicated that the patient needs to engage in rinsing the mouth during this period. For this, antiseptic solutions are used, and after them the mouth is already rinsed with ordinary boiled water. As for drug treatment, the patient is prescribed:

• expectorant drugs that help cleanse the lungs of harmful accumulations;
• mucolytics aimed at dissolving mucous formations;
• antibiotics that kill bacteria.

In fact, mucolytics act in such a way that the mucus remains in its quantity, but at the same time it liquefies and gradually leaves the lungs itself. Specialists usually prescribe "Ambroxol", "Acetylcysteine", "Bromhexine" and syrups based on licorice root. These medicines are good for bronchial asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis and other similar diseases that are associated with the upper respiratory tract.

The main purpose of expectorants is to help clear mucus from the surface of the upper respiratory tract. Such drugs provoke a cough that the patient cannot restrain. From this category, "Thermopsis", "Trypsin" and sodium benzoate are popular.

In order for the healing process to go better, it is necessary to contribute to the expansion of the bronchi. This will make it easier for the mucus to exit and increase the patency of the bronchi themselves. For such purposes, Erespal, Stoptussin, Bromhexin and Gedelix are prescribed for admission.

If yellow sputum appears, then drugs of a narrower focus will already be needed. These are the same antibiotics and antibacterial drugs.

It is very important to know that treatment should not be aimed at eliminating the symptoms, but at combating the cause that showed such signs. Therefore, it is advisable to seek help from a specialist who will prescribe a course of tests and, based on the results, will fight the disease.

Mucus when coughing - the etiology of the disease

Mucus secreted when coughing can accumulate in the nasopharynx, bronchi or lungs. This happens for various reasons and is not always associated with respiratory diseases. Mucus when coughing irritates certain receptors and, in simple non-medical terms, actively asks to come out. It is different in color and consistency, as well as in quantity. Going to the doctor for an appointment and saying, "I'm coughing up mucus" is not enough. It should be explained when you have attacks, dry or wet symptom they are accompanied by fever, and so on. In order to determine the etiology of sputum, the specialist will prescribe laboratory tests.

Smoker's cough with mucus

Heavy smokers often report that they produce yellow sputum when they cough. This happens most often in the morning. In this case, the attack does not stop until the person completely clears his throat. This happens due to the constant irritation of the respiratory mucosa with tar and other harmful substances contained in nicotine products.

The tissues of the lungs and bronchi of a smoker gradually undergo changes, which leads to chronic bronchitis and other more dangerous diseases. Notable among these are lung cancer and emphysema, in which a smoker's cough also produces yellow to brownish mucus.

When coughing, mucus is secreted in bronchitis and pneumonia

If you cough up white or green slime, and he himself is excruciating, debilitating and painful, a possible cause is pneumonia. This disease develops due to untreated colds and respiratory infections, as well as as a result of severe hypothermia. The color of the mucus in pneumonia can vary from clear and white to green, occasionally becoming brownish-yellow. The secret of inflammation of the lungs departs a lot. In this case, the secretion of mucus when coughing is also accompanied by weakness, profuse sweating and a strong increase in temperature up to fever.

White secretory fluid that does not change color may indicate the presence of bronchitis. A disease affecting the bronchi most often develops after the flu or a cold.

Cough with white and green mucus with pneumonia and bronchitis requires treatment with antibiotics, as well as expectorants. The latter are aimed at relieving inflammation, thinning sputum and removing it from the lungs and bronchi.

Mucus in the throat and cough with laryngitis

Laryngitis is a disease in which the throat becomes inflamed. Cough with mucus in this disease is barking and paroxysmal. It can last for a long time, causing asthma attacks. Laryngitis is most often accompanied by swelling of the larynx, in this case, patients are shown a course hormonal drugs aimed at normalizing the state of the mucosa.

During laryngitis, when coughing, mucus comes out in a small amount. It can be white or transparent.

White mucus is expectorated when coughing, what is the reason?

Not always the cause of cough with clear or white sputum is respiratory and broncho-pulmonary diseases. Sometimes this symptom indicates prolonged contact with chemicals, fuel combustion products, epoxy resins and dust. We are talking about harmful production. People who work on it often complain that they cough up white mucus when they cough. However, its color may be different depending on which substance irritates the respiratory system.

Such a cough, the treatment of which should also be prescribed by a doctor, requires an extended diagnosis, which includes not only laboratory, but also x-ray studies.

Tuberculosis as the cause of this symptom

If, when coughing, mucus of a yellow and green hue or with impurities of blood flies out, then, perhaps, we are talking about tuberculosis. This is a dangerous disease caused by Koch's wand. It is sown with the help of special laboratory tests. At an early stage, tuberculosis affects only lung tissue. In addition to the above symptoms, it is accompanied by pain in the chest area. It is worth noting that this disease in the early stages is completely cured by taking strong antibacterial drugs.

The third and fourth stages of tuberculosis cannot be completely cured. However, even in this state, a sick person is successfully supported with medicines. advanced disease it is especially dangerous because, in addition to lung tissues, it affects the intestines, organs of the gastrointestinal tract and joints.

Tuberculosis is transmitted by airborne droplets and household contact. Prevention of its development is regular medical examination, during which it is necessary to undergo fluorography.

If you have these symptoms for a long time, and the condition gradually worsens, be sure to consult a doctor. Remember that diseases are easier to prevent at an early stage through competent treatment.

The appearance of blood in the sputum may be associated with various pathologies person. Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of this condition. In any case, coughing up sputum and blood requires a visit to a specialist who will prescribe a course of diagnostic measures. Treatment for coughing up blood is prescribed by a doctor, depending on established cause such a phenomenon.

The presence of blood in the sputum may be indicated by streaks of a reddish or rusty hue. Single such streaks usually appear when a small vessel in the lungs ruptures. In this case, there is no threat to life and health. But the appearance of clearly visible blood in the sputum when coughing is a serious sign that may indicate tuberculosis, tumor processes in the lungs, inflammation and other serious diseases.

Sometimes the presence of blood in the sputum is associated with a history of chronic bronchitis. However, this is wrong, since this pathology cannot lead to the occurrence of such symptoms.

Causes of coughing up sputum and blood

Blood in the sputum when coughing in most cases is a sign of damage to the respiratory system. Such a symptom can be accompanied by various serious pathologies that pose a threat to human life and health. There can be several reasons for coughing up sputum and blood, the main ones are the following:

1. Lungs' cancer. This disease in most cases is detected in people who have been coughing up blood for a long time. With tumor processes in the lungs, scarlet streaks of blood may appear in the sputum. Other symptoms of this pathology are a significant decrease in weight, pain in the chest, shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of oxygen, a prolonged painful cough, severe night sweats, and others. The most susceptible to this disease are people who smoke for a long time, as well as those who work in industries with constant air pollution, for example, in the cement industry.
2. Acute bronchitis. With a strong cough, small single streaks of blood may appear in the sputum. In addition, bronchitis is characterized by symptoms such as fever, weakness, severe cough with sputum, sometimes purulent, shortness of breath and others.
3. Abscesses of the lungs, which are the formation of cavities in the lung tissue filled with purulent contents. An abscess usually develops in people with a weakened immune system. Signs of this disease are chest pain, fever that persists for a long time, seizures night sweats, general malaise, a violation of normal sleep and appetite, as well as a cough, in which a large amount of sputum is released with the presence of pus and blood streaks.
4. bronchiectasis. With this pathology, weakness, shortness of breath may be noted, and a rise in temperature is possible. It is accompanied by a prolonged frequent cough with the separation of purulent sputum with blood.
5. Inflammation of the lungs, or pneumonia. Typical symptoms of the disease are chest pain, a significant increase in temperature, severe shortness of breath, a sharp recurring cough, in which a large amount of sputum with traces of fresh blood can be discharged. The color of the sputum itself may be "rusty" due to clotted blood.
6. Tuberculosis. It is manifested by a decrease in body weight, a decrease in appetite, a constant slight increase in temperature to about 37.5 degrees, constant bouts of coughing with sputum discharge, in which pus and streaks of blood may be present. The appearance of a large amount of fresh blood in the sputum when coughing is unfavorable diagnostic feature.
7. Embolism of the pulmonary artery. With an embolism, the lumen of the artery of the lung is blocked. People are more likely to develop this pathology after surgical operations such as the treatment of thrombophlebitis of the veins of the legs. Symptoms of the disease are shortness of breath, sudden onset severe pain in the space behind the sternum, coughing up blood occurs a few hours after the first symptoms.
8. Damage and pathology of the development of heart valves and other similar diseases of the heart. With such diseases, normal blood circulation is disturbed, which leads to congestion in the lungs. Symptoms of heart pathologies are severe shortness of breath, aggravated by physical activity, and a cough with sputum and traces of blood.
9. Cystic fibrosis. This pathology is characterized by a change in the functioning of the glands and is inherited. Respiratory cystic fibrosis, accompanied by damage to the respiratory system, is manifested by symptoms such as a cough with thick sputum, in which there is pus and streaks of blood, often occurring colds, while the infection quickly descends into the lower respiratory system.
10. External factors. Coughing up blood can occur after some diagnostic measures, such as biopsy, bronchoscopy, and chest surgery. There may be traces of blood in the sputum after taking certain medications.
11. Pathologies of the digestive organs. This is a fairly rare case when vomiting with blood or bleeding in the esophagus, stomach or upper intestines is mistaken for the release of blood from the lungs. For organ diseases digestive tract blood comes out, as a rule, in the form of clots, in large quantities, and its color is dark red.

Diagnosis when coughing with bloody sputum

Blood in sputum when coughing often indicates serious pathologies therefore, in such cases, you should consult a doctor. For diagnostic purposes, the following activities can be carried out:

1. Bronchoscopy. With its help, you can identify bronchiectasis, lung tumors and other pathologies. This examination consists in examining the bronchi to determine changes in their walls, narrowing of the lumen and other damage.
2. Chest X-ray. When it is carried out, you can assess the condition of the heart and lungs. Darkening in the area of ​​​​the lungs indicates the presence of embolism of the arteries of the lung, cancerous or inflammatory processes.
3. CT scan. This type of examination shows in detail the nature of changes in lung tissues. Can be used to diagnose tuberculosis cancerous tumors lungs, bronchiectasis, abscess and other pathologies.
4. Sputum analysis. Detects presence and quantity pathogenic microorganisms in the bronchi, such as Koch's rods, which cause tuberculosis. In addition, sputum examination helps to detect pneumonia, abscess and other diseases.
5. Sweat analysis. With its help, a violation in the body of chlorine metabolism, characteristic of cystic fibrosis, is detected.
6. General blood analysis. This examination shows the presence of inflammatory processes in the body.
7. Coagulogram, it is a study of blood clotting.
8. ECG. It is carried out when it is suspected that heart disease has become the cause of a cough with bloody sputum.
9. FEGDS. It examines upper organs digestive system. Such a study is necessary to exclude pathologies of the digestive system.

Treatment of cough with blood in sputum

In any case, if signs of blood are found in the sputum, it is necessary to consult a doctor to establish a diagnosis. The specialist, after conducting the required studies, will be able to prescribe the treatment of cough with sputum and blood, aimed primarily at getting rid of the underlying disease. If more than a year has passed since the last x-ray examination of the lungs, then it is necessary to undergo this study.

Urgently seek medical help in the following cases:

• The patient has a severe cough copious excretion sputum and blood liquid and in the form of clots;
• cough with blood appears suddenly and is accompanied by a feeling of suffocation and pain in the chest;
• coughing up blood occurs after a fall or injury.

You should immediately go to the doctor if:

• sputum with blood that occurs suddenly, without a previous cold and prolonged cough;
• streaks of blood in the sputum when coughing periodically appear for a long time;
• blood is shed when a smoker coughs.

Therapeutic measures for all diseases accompanied by a cough with sputum and blood are prescribed by a doctor. The following groups of drugs may be included in the course of treatment:

• antitussives;
• softening;
• thinning sputum;
• expectorants;
• distractions.

Severe cough and bloody sputum

With a strong cough and sputum with blood caused by infectious diseases of the respiratory organs, expectorants and thinners are usually prescribed. Representatives of this group are licorice root, breast collection, ACC, Lazolvan and others. For the same purposes, inhalations with medicinal plants can be used.

To relieve spasms of the bronchi, salbutamol, its derivatives and analogues are used. Among other things, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and other agents are prescribed if necessary.

At heavy bleeding when the sputum turns red, surgery is often required. This condition indicates severe damage to the bronchi.

Temperature, cough, bloody sputum

High fever, bloody sputum and cough, as well as shortness of breath and chest pain are all typical symptoms flu pneumonia. This disease develops about a week after the onset of the flu. The nature of inflammation, as a rule, is mixed bacterial-viral. The temperature can rise to 40 degrees and above, there are signs of intoxication, shortness of breath, severe pain in the chest, bouts of painful coughing with sputum with blood and pus. If you suspect such a disease, you must definitely contact a specialist. Otherwise, complications such as pulmonary edema, acute heart failure, ulcerative hemorrhagic tracheobronchitis, and abscesses may develop. The consequence of such pathologies can be serious harm to health, and even death of the patient.

Mocrota is a serous or mucous exudate produced by the walls of the bronchi and trachea. Such a substance performs important functions, protecting epithelial tissues from damage. Most often, active mucus production is observed in the presence of pathologies of the respiratory system of varying severity, including bronchitis, tracheitis and other diseases.

It is not so easy to distinguish between various conditions accompanied by exudate discharge. An important diagnostic feature is the color of sputum. Depending on the shade, you can talk about a particular disease. So, it is necessary to consider the question raised in more detail.

The color of sputum, as already mentioned, varies. Normally, if we are not talking about serious illnesses, there is clear thick mucus (clear sputum when coughing). In other cases, options are possible.

green slime

Green mucus almost always indicates an infectious viral, inflammatory diseases upper and lower respiratory tract. This is a dangerous and formidable diagnostic sign. What ailments are we talking about?

• Bronchitis of a purulent nature.

It is an inflammatory and degenerative disease of the lower respiratory tract (bronchi). As the name implies, there is a purulent process. The causes of this disease are many. Most often there is a combination of two factors.

First of all, it is penetration into the bronchial structures pathogenic flora. Most often we are talking about staphylococci, streptococci or a herpetic pathogen. Microorganisms can enter the respiratory tract during surgery during tracheal intubation, as a result of contact with infected persons, etc.

The symptoms are very typical. The color of sputum with bronchitis of purulent genesis is always green or yellowish-green with patches, there are pains when breathing, an intense cough. It is possible to distinguish bronchitis from pneumonia and tracheitis only through objective research. "By eye" to make a diagnosis and, moreover, to verify it is simply impossible.

• Purulent tracheitis.

It has many non-specific signs typical of bronchitis. Therefore, it is not possible to distinguish one disease from another. Cough with tracheitis intensifies in the morning, purulent sputum when coughing departs more actively. It differs in density, it is badly expectorated.

• Green sputum when coughing may be due to bacterial pneumonia.

This is a type of pneumonia. Etiologically, bacterial pneumonia develops as a result of exposure to the lung epithelium. Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, pale spirochete, streptococcus viridans and some others infectious agents. Possible fungal nature (candida fungi).

The causes are the same as for bronchitis. However, the symptoms are much more pronounced. There are intense pains during breathing, shortness of breath, suffocation, heaviness behind the sternum, severe cough, at the first moment - unproductive. However, what has been said is not always true.

In some clinical situations, especially if a small lung segment, the symptom complex is erased, implicit. This makes pneumonia not only severe, but also a deadly disease.

• Tuberculosis in remission. In this case, there is a normal physiological process of exudate discharge after passing a specific course of therapy. This condition does not pose a danger, on the contrary, it is a favorable prognostic sign of the course of the pathological process.
• Cystic fibrosis. Systemic disease characterized by damage to the organs of the respiratory system, the digestive tract. It is considered an autoimmune, genetic pathology.
• Sinusitis. Otolaryngological disease. It develops as a result of inflammation of the sinuses and surrounding anatomical structures.
• bronchiectasis.
• Abscess (furunculosis) of lung structures.

yellow slime

Yellow color of sputum is possible with the following diseases and states:

brown discharge

Brown discharge is caused by the release of blood into the cavity of the respiratory tract, however, in the time before evacuation, the hematological fluid has time to oxidize and acquire a brown, rusty hue. This is an unfavorable sign, often indicating complex diseases.

Among them:

1. Bronchitis, pneumonia with congestive course. As a rule, brown sputum appears with purulent fusion lung tissue.
2. Thromboembolism of arteries.
3. Cancers of the lungs and lower respiratory tract.
4. Tuberculosis in active phase. Almost always accompanied by the release of old, oxidized blood.
5. Bullae of the lungs (cavities filled with atmospheric air). They occur mainly in children. They are innate.
6. Gangrene of the lower respiratory tract.
7. Pneumoconiosis. Inhalation of coal or metal dust into the lungs.

Finally, we can also talk about relatively harmless conditions, like, which led to a rupture of the capillaries. A thorough examination needs to be done.

Read more about the causes of blood in sputum.

Pink sputum

Pink sputum almost always indicates diseases that are accompanied by the discharge of fresh blood. As in the previous case, we have to talk about complex diseases, often potentially lethal.

We can talk about:

• Tuberculosis in advanced stages. In the early stages, the blood leaves in small drops (the so-called hemoptysis) or streaks. In severe cases, pink sputum is produced, similar in structure to raspberry pudding or jelly.
• Lung cancer in the early stages. It is typical for him to develop neoplasm in the structure of the bronchi or lungs (from epithelial tissue). The closer to the center the tumor is located, and the larger its size, the more active the bleeding.

Pink sputum can also be with tracheitis. The culprit of the symptom can be a banal rupture of the vessel in the nose or the structure of the respiratory tract.

Clear slime

Clear mucus when coughing is the most common. One of the following pathological processes develops:

As already mentioned, clear sputum is considered the most physiological (relatively speaking). Almost always, diseases that are accompanied by this symptom do not pose an immediate danger to life (fortunately).

Vitreous sputum

Bronchiectasis or emphysema, allergic tracheitis - these are some more diseases for which the appearance of vitreous exudate is typical.

Glassy sputum of a transparent shade almost always accompanies bronchial asthma. The asthmatic process most often develops as a result of an allergic lesion of the body.

The course of the pathological process is accompanied by shortness of breath, suffocation due to stenosis of the respiratory tract (bronchi). Asthma is not always allergic in nature.

maybe viral origin ailment. The disease is characterized by intense cough, suffocation. It has a paroxysmal character. Exacerbates in the autumn and spring seasons.

This is a potentially fatal disease that develops as a result of bronchospasm.

Somewhat less often, vitreous sputum appears as a result of the course of an acute respiratory viral infection (symptoms and features of the course of the pathology have already been discussed above).

Black and gray

Black and gray sputum are relatively rare (no more than 5% of all clinical situations). There is an inflammatory-degenerative process that affects the lower respiratory tract. But this is not always axiomatic.

We have to talk about the following pathological and physiological processes:

• Sputum can be stained in dark shades (gray and black) as a result of ingestion of coloring components and pigments into the lower respiratory tract when using Cola, strong black tea, coffee, chocolate. This is a temporary phenomenon that does not require specialized treatment.
• Black and gray shades of mucous exudate often develop in people whose professional activities involve working with dyes, including when inhaling coal dust, iron particles, etc.
• Black slime or slime gray color profusely departs in patients who smoke for a long time. This is the so-called smoker's cough, which affects every second person who abuses tobacco. Usually, similar symptom indicates a decent "experience" of smoking.
• Tuberculosis, gangrene, cancer. All these diseases are in the active, neglected phase.

Methods for diagnosing diseases by sputum color

Diagnosis of the problem should be handled by a specialist pulmonologist and / or phthisiatrician.

Transparent mucus protects the respiratory organs of healthy people from dust and pathogenic microbes. In diseases, it turns into sputum - it loses transparency, becomes viscous, makes it difficult to breathe and causes coughing. The color of sputum also changes when coughing: it contains dead cells, pus, bacteria, blood particles. By the color of the exudate released, one can judge how dangerous the disease is.

With far-reaching inflammation in the bronchi and lungs, green sputum is released with a cough. Often this symptom is a complication after SARS or influenza. With the initial cough, the mucus is not green. This color gives it an active inflammatory process, provoked by a bacterial infection.

In the secretions there are clots of rotting microbes and leukocytes that died in the fight against them. The more actively and wider the process spreads, the more green exudate is released when coughing. A fetid discharge of increased density indicates a possible stagnation of blood in the lungs.

Cough with green sputum is usually accompanied by high temperature, shortness of breath. Such symptoms require immediate medical attention, only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis. Possible diseases accompanied by discharge of green sputum:

• Bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia bacterial origin- require fast and intensive treatment, because the inflammatory process quickly spreads to the lungs.
• In tuberculosis during remission, the release of green exudate is a favorable sign of lung cleansing during successful therapy.
• - chronic inflammation in the bronchi, discharge with pus appear in the acute stage.

With SARS, colds or flu, it is important to monitor the color change of the discharge when coughing. The appearance of green color is a signal of the transition from home treatment to intensive care in a hospital.

AT lower parts respiratory tract inflammation may be accompanied by a cough with yellow sputum. Their reason is bacterial infections. The yellow color of the exudate is due to the fact that the purulent contents are mixed with blood from damaged capillaries. Cough with yellow sputum during an infectious disease is very dangerous, because it can become chronic and give a complication in the form of tuberculosis. To prevent its development, it is recommended to do a sputum analysis and start timely treatment.

Inflammation takes on a chronic character with advanced colds, when the cough becomes less frequent and weaker. He is taken for residual effect and stop treatment. In fact, a residual cough lasts 2-3 weeks and produces a small amount of clear sputum.

If the cough lasts longer than a month, and yellow sputum is released, this means that the disease is becoming chronic, enhanced treatment is necessary.

Mucus has a yellow color in such pathological conditions:

• bronchitis and pneumonia of bacterial origin;
• bronchiectasis;
• siderosis - a cough with yellow exudate occurs when iron compounds enter the respiratory cavities;
• - resin, tobacco residues in the bronchi mix with mucus and form clots from yellow to brown.

brown exudate

The appearance of brown mucus can be a signal of a progressive and life-threatening disease. Sputum acquires this color when stagnant blood enters the respiratory tract. As it oxidizes, it acquires a rusty hue. Vessels of the lungs, bronchi, trachea can bleed - as a result of a bacterial or viral infection, and other pathologies. The cause of brown sputum is bleeding wounds in the mouth, nose, or stomach bleeding. The appearance of discharge of this color when coughing is a reason for immediate consultation with a doctor. With this symptom, a variety of diseases are diagnosed:

• Bronchitis and pneumonia with congestion, when lung tissue is decomposed.
• Thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery (PE) - its lumen closes the thrombus, and blood seeps through the walls of the vessels.
• Cancers in the respiratory tract at the stage of tissue destruction.
• An active form of tuberculosis, which is characterized by a symptom of the release of stagnant blood from the lesions.
• Entry into the lungs of foreign particles that injure tissues and blood vessels.

Brown mucus can form as a result of minor damage to the capillaries when coughing - in this case, it passes quickly and is not dangerous. In other cases, self-medication with a cough with brown sputum can be fatal.

Appearance of pink color in mucus

Pink sputum is a symptom of the release of fresh blood, which is just as dangerous as brown exudate. Pink color of varying intensity is characteristic of serious illnesses with defeat blood vessels therefore urgent medical attention is required.

- develops rapidly, accompanied by high fever, shortness of breath, tachycardia. Little sputum is secreted, it quickly turns from pink to dark red.

- the formation in the lung tissue of a cavity filled with pus. A breakthrough of a purulent focus is accompanied by a cough and the release of purulent contents mixed with blood.

Malignant neoplasms in the lungs - exudate may change as the process develops. At first it is a foamy formation with streaks of blood, then it becomes jelly-like and acquires a crimson hue. In the mucus there are pieces of decomposed tissue, greenish pus.

- pink sputum appears in the later stages of the development of the disease, it becomes viscous and dense. Additional symptoms are constant subfebrile temperature, dry cough, profuse sweat.

filling of the lung with fluid respiratory function. Isolation of foamy pink mucus is accompanied by suffocation, shortness of breath, shallow convulsive breathing.

A cough with pink sputum is such a serious symptom that self-medication is out of the question. In this case, urgent hospitalization, accurate diagnosis, and intensive treatment are necessary.

With inflammation of the gums and damage to the vessels in the nasopharynx, blood oozes from the capillaries, staining the saliva, and with it the sputum, pink. This problem is not dangerous and is solved during home treatment.

Coughing up clear sputum

Clear mucus is coughed up at the onset of illness or during convalescence.

It is typical for such diseases:

• viral infections of the respiratory organs and nasopharynx: sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia;
• bronchial asthma;
• allergy;
• reaction to chemical substances, causing irritation of the mucous surface of the respiratory tract.

The release of a large amount of mucus is associated with the action of local immunity. In response to the invasion of viruses or allergens, the mucous membrane produces a large amount of secretion that performs a protective function. In most cases, this symptom is not a sign dangerous disease and does not cause much concern. However, with improper care, the disease can progress, and mucus can acquire unwanted shades. The basic rule of home cough control is its treatment until complete recovery.

The main causes of white sputum

Slime healthy person transparent, the appearance of white sputum is a signal of the development of the disease. Mucus acquires white color in such cases:

• fungal infection of the respiratory tract - white curdled discharge usually accompanying atypical pneumonia;
• white spiral accumulations in watery sputum - characteristic of viral infections and ;
• gray sputum occurs in smokers when smoke particles mix with mucus;
• the exudate acquires a dark gray color when the lung tissue decomposes during the growth of a malignant tumor.

When expectorating white sputum, it is important to monitor body temperature. Elevated temperature is evidence of an infectious process. A cough without fever accompanies allergic attacks or heart disease. It is difficult to diagnose the disease by white sputum, because it is released in many pathologies.

• Bronchitis and pneumonia of viral etiology initially produce white mucus, which "turns green" or "yellows" as the disease progresses.
• Tuberculosis - in the first period of the disease, a white secret is released, into which blood discharge intersperses with the development of the process.
• Ischemic heart disease - accompanied by a dry cough with white bubbling discharge.
• Poisoning with drugs, medicines, heavy metal compounds - causes copious white discharge when coughing.
• Heartburn - the reflux of gastric juice into the esophagus may be accompanied by its entry into the respiratory system, which causes a cough with thick foamy mucus.

Diseases accompanied by cough with sputum different color, require accurate diagnosis and, most often, enhanced treatment.

Diagnostic measures

Establishing the causes of the pathological process begins with a visit to the therapist, who, after anamnesis, prescribes the following studies:

• blood and urine tests;
• sputum analysis;
• chest x-ray.

To clarify the diagnosis appoint:

• electrocardiogram;
• computed angiography of the vessels of the lungs, heart;
• chest tomography.

Further, the patient is treated by a specialized specialist: a cardiologist, an ENT doctor. Self-medication when coughing with sputum is permissible only if clear mucus is released. In all other situations, accurate diagnosis, specialist consultation, and intensive care are necessary.