Yellow sputum comes out of the lungs. Causes of yellow sputum and treatment

M okrota is determined in medical practice as a diverse exudate produced by cells of the ciliated epithelium of bronchial structures. Mucus production is the body's natural defensive response to intrusion into the respiratory structures. pathogenic flora or imaginary disease agents (as, for example, with smoking). Yellow sputum is a clear indicator of problems with the bronchial tree.

However, this kind of exudate should be subdivided on the basis of localization pathological process. Phlegm may not be phlegm, but mucus from the nose. So, what is the basic information about the problem?

Factors in the emergence of true yellow sputum when coughing are diverse. Among characteristic diseases or pathological conditions the following can be named:

Pneumonia.

The most typical disease, which is accompanied by the release of yellow exudate. essence pathogenic process consists in inflammation of one or more segments of the lungs. Another name for the disease is pneumonia. The causes of the formation of the problem are almost always infectious-degenerative.

The most common causative agent of pneumonia is Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic and viridescent streptococci and other pathogens. The symptoms are very specific. In the first few days, a cough develops, the body temperature rises. For 3-5 days there comes a period imaginary well-being and the disease is on the rise.

A large amount of yellow sputum is found when coughing. A similar exudate consists of serous fluid, mucus, dead leukocytes and infectious agents. This is pus. The disease is resolved at 3-4 weeks and ends with recovery, the transition of infection to chronic phase or lethal outcome.

Bronchitis.

It is a disease similar to pneumonia, but unlike the latter, bronchitis has a smaller affected area. Only the bronchi are involved in the pathological process, as a rule, their small segments. Possible yellowish purulent sputum bad smell(indicates the putrefactive process).

Symptoms are similar to those of pneumonia. Despite the fact that the disease is less dangerous than pneumonia, it tends to actively chronicize and also threatens to be fatal for the patient.

Tuberculosis

An infectious and inflammatory disease provoked by the so-called Koch's bacillus (tuberculosis microbacterium). On the early stages sputum is white, the further the disease progresses, the more intense the pigmentation of the mucous exudate. First, yellow sputum is expectorated, then it acquires a rusty (brown) hue.

Tuberculosis symptoms include intense coughing, sudden loss weight and other factors.

bronchiectasis.

It is not possible to thoroughly determine the causes of the formation of bronchiectasis. The essence of the pathogenic process is the formation of small sacs filled with pus in the alveolar structures of the bronchi. When coughing, yellow mucus of a multi-layered nature is expectorated. Interspersed blood is observed, including fresh and oxidized.

Bronchiectasis is observed in 7% of cases of visits to a pulmonologist. It is not possible to distinguish it from pneumonia, emphysema and other conditions without specialized studies.

Lung abscess.

An abscess (colloquially known as "abscess") is a papular formation localized in the tissues of the lungs or bronchi. The opening of such a structure is fraught with suppuration or purulent melt of the lungs. In both processes described, great amount yellow exudate with impurities of fresh blood.

The condition is potentially lethal, as the phenomena of respiratory failure increase.

Cancer diseases of the lungs. With the localization of the tumor structure in the central segments of the lungs, pus comes out mixed with blood.

In some cases, the secretion of yellow mucus is due to purely subjective reasons. So, everyone knows the so-called smoker's cough. Tobacco and harmful resins stain the mucous exudate yellow or. Eating citrus fruits, carrots in large quantities also responds with the formation of a large amount of yellow mucus.

It is possible to delimit these causes only by conducting specialized diagnostics. All events are prescribed only by a doctor. Yellow sputum acts only as a vector, determining the direction of the examination.

Associated symptoms

Phlegm is never the only isolated symptom. It is just one of many manifestations typical of a particular disease. In almost all cases, the following characteristic features are also present:

Pain behind the sternum. They are noted in most diseases, accompanied by the release of yellow sputum in the morning. The pain has a pulling, aching character, it is noted when inhaling and, somewhat less often, when exhaling.
Shortness of breath, suffocation. Respiratory disorders. Both of these states cause respiratory failure. The difference between shortness of breath and suffocation lies in the intensity of the manifestation. Asphyxiation is potentially lethal because it causes acute disorder bodily functions.
Increase in body temperature. Almost always indicates an inflammatory-degenerative process in the lung structures. It's about about subfebrile or febrile thermometer values. With cancer, the level is always kept within 37.5 degrees Celsius.
Cough. Always productive, has a clogging character. Increases in the morning, weakens somewhat during the day.

The clinical picture consists of similar manifestations.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of problems with lung structures is carried out by specialists in pulmonology. Additionally, consultations with an oncologist or phthisiatrician may be required. The complex of diagnostic measures includes an oral questioning of the patient regarding the nature and degree of development of symptoms, as well as taking an anamnesis.

The main thing that can be said at first glance is that yellow sputum always indicates a purulent-necrotic process in the lower respiratory tract. The more specific gravity pus in the mucus, the more it moves towards a green tint.

To put an end to the issue of the origin of the problem, you need to carry out a number of diagnostic measures:

General macroscopic analysis of sputum. Reveals its physical and chemical properties.
Microscopic examination. It is prescribed to assess the microscopic composition of mucus (as the name implies).
Sputum inoculation on nutrient media. Allows you to identify the pathogen.
tuberculin test. It is necessary for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in the early stages of the course.
General blood analysis. As a rule, it gives a picture of severe inflammation with a large number of leukocytes, a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, high rate hematocrit, etc.
Radiography of the lungs. Allows you to identify pathological changes in the lungs and bronchi.
Fluorography. It makes it possible to determine only the most gross changes in the tissues and organs of the chest. It is most often prescribed for the diagnosis of oncological ailments and tuberculosis.
MRI/CT diagnostics. Both studies provide vivid, informative images of the structures of the chest organs. Due to the low availability, such diagnostic measures relatively rare.
Bronchoscopy. A minimally invasive study aimed at examining and visually evaluating the epithelial tissues of the lower respiratory tract.

Such studies are assigned in a complex manner. If organic causes are excluded, it makes sense to look for a physiological factor.

Therapy

Methods for treating cough with yellow sputum are diverse, depending on the specific ailment, medication or surgical therapy. Since in most cases there is a putrefactive or necrotic process, the use of the following is indicated. medicines.

Sputum is a respiratory secret that is a product of the tracheobronchial tree of the respiratory system. The color of sputum can help a doctor diagnose a patient's condition. Knowing what the different colors of sputum mean is also useful for the average person.

In this article:

What is sputum

Phlegm is a slimy, sticky substance that is secreted from the respiratory tract. Phlegm often comes out when you cough or spit, sometimes phlegm indicates that you may have some form of respiratory disease. The color of the sputum usually helps doctors diagnose the condition along with other symptoms, medical history and physical examination, and findings. laboratory research. Sputum cytology (examination of mucus under a microscope) and sputum culture for microflora also help identify pathogens associated with sputum color.

Sputum consists of the secret of the respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, etc.), as well as exudate, cellular elements, microbial flora, which causes the inflammatory process. Sputum is usually mixed with saliva from the oral cavity, mucus from the nasopharynx.

Morning sputum is the best option for research, since it is at this time that the ideal amount and composition of mucus. Otherwise, sputum samples taken later in the day may be contaminated by staining from other substances in food and drink.

How to assess the color of sputum when coughing

Phlegm from the respiratory system often mixes with saliva produced in the mouth. Sputum may contain microorganisms, cell debris, immune cells, dust and blood components. The different color of sputum when coughing may depend on the pathological process and the amount of the mentioned components. Thus, your sputum may have a wide variety of colors that can give a better understanding of the health problem: clear sputum, white sputum, yellow sputum, gray sputum, green sputum, pink sputum, red sputum, brown sputum, black sputum, or rust-colored sputum.

1. Clear / White / Gray sputum

It's okay to cough sometimes a large number of sputum. However, excessive production of clear or white sputum may be abnormal in some cases, such as:

respiratory tract infections caused by a virus - clear to white sputum
asthma - thick, white/yellow sputum
Chronical bronchitis(COPD) - clear/gray sputum
pulmonary edema (presence of fluid in the lungs) - clear, white, frothy sputum
after nasal drops
allergic reaction
gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD

Cigarette smoking and air pollution can lead to grayish sputum. Clear or white sputum may also precede yellow or green sputum, especially early in the infection. However, white, frothy sputum may be a sign of a health problem that results in increased fluid in the lungs - or an indication of pulmonary edema.

2. What does yellow sputum mean?

Yellow sputum is often seen with infection, chronic inflammation, and allergic conditions. It comes from white blood cells called eosinophils, which are associated with hypersensitivity to allergic conditions or neutrophils that are associated with infection. Examples of conditions where you may have yellow colored sputum include:

acute bronchitis
acute pneumonia
suffocation

Sputum light yellow may be a sign normal functioning immune system, which means that it fights off a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. However, thick, dark yellow sputum may indicate a bacterial infection that can occur in the sinuses or lower respiratory tract, such as chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. Seek medical attention immediately.

3. What does green sputum mean?

The green color of sputum is an indicator of a long-standing or chronic infection. It occurs as a result of a lack of neutrophils (neurophils are lowered), which are the main enemies of pathogenic bacteria in the blood and tissues. Decrease in the level of neurophils causes the release of enzymes from the cells. Non-infectious but inflammatory conditions can cause large amounts of greenish mucus to be produced, but infectious diseases associated with green sputum that has a large amount of pus (more purulent). These conditions may include:

pneumonia
lung abscess
Chronical bronchitis
cystic fibrosis
bronchiectasis

In addition to green sputum, there may be symptoms such as fever, cough, weakness, and loss of appetite. See your doctor immediately for proper assessment and treatment.

4. Brown/Black Phlegm

Black or brown sputum indicates the presence of old blood". This color of sputum is associated with the level of red blood cells, which leads to the release of hemosiderin from hemoglobin. Organic as well as inorganic materials can also cause brown or black sputum. Examples of conditions that may produce dark-colored sputum include:

chronic pneumonia
pneumoconiosis
lungs' cancer
chronic smoking

If you are a chronic smoker, it is definitely better to stop smoking. Consuming dark-colored foods and drinks, such as coffee, wine, or chocolate, can also cause brown or black sputum, especially if you have acid reflux. See your doctor for further examination and treatment.

5. Red / Pink / Rust-colored Phlegm

Pink or red sputum usually indicates the presence of blood in the sputum. The blood cells can cause the mucus to change color completely or appear only as spots or streaks in the sputum. Pink sputum means bleeding in small amounts. Rust-colored sputum may be due to the breakdown of red blood cells. Conditions with pink/red/rusty sputum include:

pneumococcal pneumonia
lungs' cancer
tuberculosis
pulmonary embolism
chronic heart failure with pulmonary edema
trauma in the lungs
lung abscess
bleeding
tropical eosinophilia

Blood in the sputum (hemoptysis) may be a sign of some serious illness, the diagnosis of which requires immediate medical attention. If you have a lot of blood mixed with mucus, immediately call an ambulance.

Denial of responsibility: The information provided in this article about sputum color is for the information of the reader only. It cannot be a substitute for the advice of a health professional.

Increased mucus production in the nasopharynx is defensive reaction on hit infectious bacteria and irritants in the human body. Viscous, sticky yellow sputum when coughing indicates pathological course diseases. It is impossible to restrain such a cough and swallow such secretions.

Sputum is the secretions of the tracheobronchial tree that are coughed up when coughing, mixed with saliva, the secret of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. Mucus is formed during pathological processes that occur in the body. At healthy person such exclusions do not exist.

Each sputum light can indicate a specific disease, which makes it easier to diagnose and prescribe a course of treatment individually.

The composition of sputum, in addition to these components, includes:

plasma and blood cells;
dust particles;
cells of the immune system;
blood decay products;
microorganisms.

Depending on the percentage the above constituent parts it is possible to regard the course of the disease, its causes, stage and character.

Depending on the pus contained in it, the discharge may break up into several layers or not be separated at all.

Like any other, yellow sputum is odorless. In cases where the discharge acquires an unpleasant putrid (cadaverous) smell, the most common cause is lung cancer, gangrene, abscess, and so on. In these cases, therapy takes on a more intensive form, up to surgical intervention.

Causes of yellow sputum

Cough is a reflex function that removes toxins from the respiratory system. different kind irritants and sputum accumulated in the lungs. Cough with sputum is a symptom of the disease.

Sputum may be secreted into different occasions differently. Excreted during coughing and expectoration. Its quantity directly depends on the nature of the disease and varies from a single appearance to one and a half liters with purulent inflammatory processes.

The amount of discharge also depends on the patency of the bronchi and on the position in which the patient is located (the discharge process is enhanced in the supine position on the healthy side).

The yellow color of expectorated sputum may be various reasons. One of the main ones is smoking. Cough with yellow sputum heavy smokers- this is a fairly common occurrence. This is due to changes in the bronchi and lungs due to the influence of poisonous tobacco smoke.

If purulent inclusions are found in the sputum, this may indicate serious illnesses respiratory system. Therefore, you should urgently contact a specialist to establish accurate diagnosis. The main causes of yellow sputum when coughing are:

sinusitis - acute or chronic inflammation paranasal sinuses of a different nature of occurrence;
bronchitis - an inflammatory process located in the bronchi;
pneumonia - inflammation lung tissue of various origins, the lesion is mainly located in the alveoli;
infectious viral diseases;
purulent processes in the respiratory system.

Also, staining of cough discharge can occur due to the drug taken, citrus, carrot juice and other yellow.

Symptoms

Yellow sputum often appears when an infection enters the body. The immune system in response to this sends its protective particles - neutrophils, which have a greenish-yellow color, which gives such a color to the secretions. Also, the color can vary from pale yellow to mustard yellow and with a greenish tinge depending on the disease.

In addition to sputum, accompanying symptoms are possible, which will also indicate the presence of a particular disease:

elevated temperature;
nasal congestion;
loss of smell;
hearing loss;
chest pain.

Elevated temperature- one of accompanying symptoms, which also indicates the presence of the disease

Sputum can be separated by coughing, expectoration or expectoration. This happens in a fairly large amount or in small drops.

Diagnostic studies

When sputum appears, you need to contact a therapist or pediatrician, pulmonologist. They will prescribe a number of examinations - macroscopic, instrumental and bacteriological.

Macroscopic studies

Detachable during macroscopic examination is studied according to several parameters: character, quantity, smell, color, consistency, the presence of various kinds of inclusions.

The nature of sputum is determined by its composition. Depending on it, the following types can be distinguished:

mucous;
purulent-mucous;
purulent;
mucosanguineous;
mucopurulent-bloody;
bloody discharge;
serous discharge.

By consistency:

liquid;
thick;
viscous.

It depends on the enzyme components contained in the sputum (leukocytes, epithelium) and mucus.

Transparency and color directly depend on the nature of the discharge.

Bacteriological studies

Sputum is the discharge from lower parts respiratory system. They have importance in research, as they are an indicator that indicates the presence and stage of the disease. The patient collects them in a special glass transparent container. Carry out the procedure in the morning on an empty stomach, after hygiene procedures(brushing teeth, gargling).

The study of sputum microflora is necessary to establish the causative agent of the disease and select effective treatment. To do this, swabs are taken from the nasopharynx and nasal cavity, sending them to bacteriological examination. This analysis detects several types of microbes: pneumococcus, staphylococcus, streptococcus, micrococcus, spirilla and others.

This type of study determines the resistance of identified bacteria to medicines, virulence, etc.

Instrumental Research

Instrumental studies include:

Fluorography is one of the types of radiographic examinations. By darkening it helps to understand the localization of inflammatory processes in the lungs.
Radiography - detects pathological areas in the lung tissue.
X-ray - determines the transparency of the lung tissue, detects foci of seals, cavities, the presence of fluid, air in the pleura, pathological changes.
Bronchography is an X-ray examination of the bronchi using a contrast solution.
Tomography is a layer-by-layer examination of the lung region using radiography. Diagnoses bronchi, lungs for the presence of infiltrates, caverns, cavities.

Treatment

Before starting treatment, consider:

Therapy is prescribed depending on the identified underlying disease.
The purpose of the dosage and treatment regimen is made strictly individually, taking into account the underlying disease, comorbidities possible reactions of the patient to drugs.

With a large number of secretions are used herbal teas and infusions and other types warm drink. Herbs are used with expectorant, anti-inflammatory, enveloping effects. These include: sage, chamomile, marshmallow, St. John's wort and others.

It is also possible to perform inhalations with essential oils, sodium bicarbonate in the absence of contraindications.

drugs with an expectorant effect that reduce the accumulation of bronchial secretions, facilitating its excretion (Thermopsis, ammonium chloride);
mucoregulatory agents that promote the removal of sputum from the bronchi, stimulate the entry of antibacterial drugs into the bronchi (Ambroxol, Libeksin muko, Fluditec);
mucolytics, contribute to the normalization of coughing up discharge from the bronchi (ACC, Fluimucil);
antihistamines - in cases of an allergic nature of cough.

Ambroxol is one of the drugs used in drug therapy

If a child has yellow sputum when coughing, then in addition to the above medical methods apply:

Special massage. It is carried out in the morning. For this, the baby is placed on his knees with his chest down, his legs are raised as high as possible. The back is massaged with light tapping and vibrating movements, directing them from the lower back to the shoulders. After such a procedure, the child will be easier to cough up and expectorate.
If there is no special device for inhalation - a nebulizer, then you can carry out a similar procedure by breathing the warm vapors of the decoction. To do this, use boiled potatoes, eucalyptus, Pine cones and other.
Put mustard plasters. To do this, put cotton socks or tights on the child, and put other socks on top, with mustard powder poured inside. This procedure carried out at night and promotes the separation of sputum from the bronchi.

Complications

In the absence of proper treatment or with improperly selected therapy, complications may occur.

Acute bronchitis can progress to chronic form, which requires a longer and enhanced treatment, as well as a number of certain restrictions. In addition, bronchitis and tracheitis can turn into pneumonia. But given form complications require hospitalization constant surveillance doctors.

When a cough with yellow sputum appears, it is necessary to consult a specialist for diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Prevention

Prevention of cough with yellow sputum is the prevention of the occurrence of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system and their complications.

The inflammatory process passes into the lower respiratory tract with improper or untimely treatment of acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections. Therefore, it is necessary to begin treatment of these diseases after the first symptoms, and not wait for them to disappear on their own.

To prevent diseases of the respiratory system, you should follow the rules:

To give up smoking. This habit is harmful not only for the smokers themselves, but also for those who are nearby, as they also receive a poisonous dose of smoke. This can lead to chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
During epidemics of respiratory viral diseases, avoid large cluster of people.
In some cases, doctors recommend flu and pneumococcal vaccinations. This should be done with a weakened immune system and frequent viral diseases.
Adhere to personal hygiene rules: wash your hands after the street, avoid using public toilets etc.
Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables during the epidemic. You can also use fruit drinks, compotes, juices, they moisturize the mucous membrane and, thanks to the vitamin C it contains, increase immunity.
During periods of cold weather, increased activity of viral infections should not be adhered to strict diets. Nutrition must be balanced. Otherwise, the body weakens, resistance to infections decreases.
You need to dress according to the weather, avoiding hypothermia and overheating.

If a cough occurs, you should consult a doctor to avoid complications and start more gentle therapy on time.

Phlegm is a secret produced by the respiratory organs to protect against the penetration of foreign particles. Its small amount and transparent consistency is not a sign of pathology. Many infectious diseases are associated wet cough with liquid separation. At this time, the volume of the separated mucus increases markedly, and it itself turns into a certain color. Yellow sputum when coughing, secreted from the bronchopulmonary department, may indicate a type of disease.

What does the color of sputum mean

Fluid is present in the respiratory organs throughout a person's life. In the absence of diseases, its norm is a transparent secret that does not provoke a cough reflex and practically does not stand out. If it enters the body harmful bacteria, they begin to actively multiply and spread, which is reflected in the consistency and color of the mucus.

If the liquid comes out in large quantities exclusively in the morning, and during the wakefulness period the cough almost does not bother, such pathologies may occur:

gastric reflux (reflux of contents into the esophagus);
bronchiectasis;
cardiovascular disorders;
adenoids - in a young child.

The shade of sputum in diseases can vary. Gray-yellow, white expectorant mucus is a clear indicator of a viral disease. Brown, green, streaked blood may indicate more serious health problems.

Reasons for the appearance

Known whole line diseases in which yellow thick sputum is expectorated:

Acute or chronic bronchitis. Bacteria that enter the body quickly spread to lower divisions respiratory tract. Infection causes inflammation internal epithelium bronchi. Among bright symptoms emit first dry, then wet cough, sore throat, chills and fever. Bronchitis is often accompanied by subfebrile or febrile temperature.
Various forms of pneumonia. This pathology often occurs against the background of SARS or bronchitis. Microbes that cause pneumonia belong to the streptococcal group, but there may be other pathogens. Bacteria infect one side of the lung or both at the same time. Symptoms include wheezing in chest, increased body temperature, viscous yellow sputum is separated. Sometimes expectorant mucus is yellow-brown or yellow-green. Purulent blotches give color to sputum.
Banal cold or flu. On the initial stage dry cough may appear. After a certain period, it is converted into wet, with the release of yellow sputum. The temperature can stay at the level of 36.6-39.5°С.
Sinusitis or sinusitis are provoked by a rapidly spreading virus. start to get inflamed maxillary sinuses, a large number of purulent fluid. Mucus exits through the nasal passage, part of it flows down the nasopharynx. There is a cough reflex with expectoration. If yellow sputum is expectorated when coughing, pain in the paranasal sinuses is noted, it is possible that the patient has sinusitis.
Chronic hereditary disease lungs - cystic fibrosis. The second name is cystic fibrosis. With this pathology, a large mass of mucus accumulates in the respiratory tract, and the layering of a bacterial infection causes purulent inflammation. The sputum comes up with a violent cough.
Seasonal allergic reactions of the body. White-yellow sputum is expectorated, often viscous. In addition to this symptom, there is redness of the eyes, itching, increased sneezing, discharge liquid mucus from the nose.
Smoker's cough. The symptom is caused pathological changes respiratory tract. Constant irritation of the mucous membranes with tobacco smoke provokes an increased separation of sputum from the lungs in the morning with a cough. Dark yellow mucus accumulates during the night, is intensively released when a person wakes up.
Lung cancer. The most serious illness in which there is a persistent cough. Yellow sputum with blood is expectorated. In addition to coughing, there is strong pain in the chest. Mucus streaked with blood and paroxysmal cough more than two weeks allows the doctor to suspect a malignant tumor.

Expectorated light yellow sputum with a temperature above 37°C - probable sign SARS. Other symptoms, contact with the patient matter. A person feels stuffy nose, headaches, loss of strength.

Important! Usually, infectious diseases last 7–10 days, but without adequate treatment, they can turn into complicated forms. In this case, drugs from the group of antibiotics are often prescribed.

Cough with yellow sputum may be without fever. The causes that provoke it are smoking, allergies, asthma. In the absence of a serious disease, yellow sputum does not have a specific pungent odor. If the discharged mucus smells of rot, this indicates complications in an adult:

lung abscess;
gangrene;
oncological pathology.

Know! alarming, unusual symptoms requires immediate appeal to the doctor.

Diagnostics

When bright yellow mucus comes out when coughing, accompanied by a rise in body temperature, the doctor diagnoses infectious process in the patient's body. He prescribes additional tests to establish an accurate diagnosis:

general blood analysis;
Analysis of urine;
biochemical blood test;
sputum analysis.

For laboratory examination of sputum, a small amount of the patient's mucus is taken directly into medical office. Sometimes the patient is prescribed an independent collection of morning sputum, it is carried out three times.

Attention! More reliable information about the state of the respiratory system can be obtained during special survey- bronchoscopy. The procedure is for endoscopic methods carried out in a medical facility.

The doctor receives an image from the bronchoscope to the monitor, which allows him to see and analyze the changes that have occurred with the organs. In addition, during bronchoscopy, mucus can be obtained, in which there are no impurities of saliva and food particles - for further research. Sometimes a piece of tissue is taken in parallel for a biopsy - if you suspect malignant neoplasm.

Yellow sputum treatment

Before prescribing, the doctor must establish the cause of the symptom. Therapy, first of all, is aimed at eliminating the causative agent of cough with the separation of purulent sputum.

Important! If there is no fever, home treatment may be prescribed. Round-the-clock medical supervision is required only for complicated forms of the disease - pneumonia, severe acute bronchitis, sinusitis or sinusitis.

Medical therapy

Drugs are prescribed only after establishing the type of infection. At the same time, the individual characteristics of the organism, the presence of concomitant diseases, and the characteristics of the patient are taken into account. Medicines that help adults may not be suitable for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women.

If the sputum is difficult to separate and has a dense structure, drugs are prescribed that facilitate coughing and mucus discharge:

Altea syrup, Thermopsis tablets, licorice root infusion - all these medicines are aimed at enhancing the formation and thinning of sputum. Thanks to the intake of drugs, the cough decreases, the mucus is easier to expectorate.
Mucolytic agents promote the excretion of sputum. This group of drugs includes tablets and syrups - ACC, Bromhexine.
Expectorants increase fluid secretion, clear the airways, and help a person cough up phlegm. These include Prospan, Ambroxol.

Know! If the prescribed medications do not bring relief after a week of taking, the doctor may recommend another method of therapy. Sometimes only antibiotics help, but they are prescribed according to strict indications.

Additionally, anti-inflammatory antiviral agents. To support immunity, take vitamin complexes.

Treatment with folk methods

You can supplement the main therapy with recipes from traditional medicine. Collections of medicinal herbs are excellent help:

1 st. l. dry herbs coltsfoot pour a glass of boiling water. Infuse for a quarter of an hour, then filter through a double layer of gauze or a fine sieve. Take orally 1 tsp. up to 4 times a day.
2 tbsp. l. collection of herbs plantain, elecampane, wild rosemary and thyme are added to boiling water. After a couple of minutes, the pan is removed from the stove and covered with a lid. After 2 hours, the broth is passed through a sieve or gauze. Infusion is recommended to use 1 tbsp. l. every 6 hours.
The black radish is washed well, a hole is made on its surface. A small amount of fresh honey is added to the hole. After 30–60 minutes, the juice that appears in the hole is poured into a spoon and drunk.
0.5 st. l. lemon juice mixed with 1 tbsp. l. honey. Add some warm water and mix thoroughly. Take on a full stomach 4-5 times a day.

It should be remembered that pregnant women may have contraindications. And this applies not only pharmaceutical drugs. Some types of foods should also not be consumed during the period of bearing and feeding a child. Learn about acceptable methods popular or traditional treatment you can see your doctor.

Yellow sputum that appears when coughing is a sure sign of the development of a pathological process in the body.

A change in the color of the mucous secretion is most often associated with an increase in the level of leukocytes, when the immune system trying to fight off the infection on his own. However, there are other reasons when phlegm begins to accumulate in the airways.

The dark yellow expectorant substance is well known to smokers, as they see it every morning, immediately after waking up. Also, the discharge may take on a yellowish-brown hue due to severe air pollution.

With a bacterial infection, they turn greenish-yellow. But it's much more dangerous when the mucus gets Brown color through the presence blood clots.

What is sputum? What is normal? Why is she needed?

It is a thick, viscous, jelly-like substance that is separated during expectoration. It is secreted in the mucous epithelium of the lower airways by submucosal and unicellular glands.

Its composition includes high molecular weight glycoproteins, immunoglobulins, lipids and other substances. Simply put, phlegm contains:

Impurities of saliva;
Slime;
red blood cells;
Fibrin;
epithelial cells;
bacteria;
Foreign inclusions (dust particles, food residues, etc.).

performs protective function and has antimicrobial properties.

It consists of mucus produced by the seromucous glands, goblet glandular glandulocytes of the mucous epithelium of the bronchi and trachea, as well as cellular inclusions.

Tracheobronchial exudate provides natural breeding from the body of inhaled particles, toxins and waste products due to the transport activity of the ciliated epithelium.

The rate of phlegm of the tracheobronchial tree released per day is 10-100 ml. This is the volume of a substance that a person swallows during the day imperceptible to yourself.

The increase in mucus formation occurs as a result of a change biochemical composition tracheobronchial secretion and impaired escalatory function of the ciliated epithelial tissue, resulting in the development of mucostasis.

Yellow sputum when coughing: causes

The yellow color of sputum when coughing is a sure sign of the presence of pathogens in the body. There is a whole list of ailments for which increased mucus formation is characteristic.

Bronchitis. It develops as a result of a viral or bacterial infection that provokes inflammation of the mucous epithelium of the bronchi. It often begins with a dry cough, which subsequently develops into a violent cough with yellow sputum. Other symptoms of bronchitis include sore throat and fever.

Pneumonia. Occurs as a complication after respiratory diseases. The most common microbial strain responsible for pneumonia in adults is Streptococcus pneumoniae. The infection affects one or both lungs and causes the air sacs to fill with pus or fluid.

As a result, the patient has pus in the sputum. Symptoms associated with this pathology depend on the specific type of disease. General symptoms include shortness of breath, chills, fever, cough with yellow (sometimes green and bloody) sputum.

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Cold or flu. One of the most common signs of these ailments is the appearance of clear or yellow clots during expectoration.

Sinusitis. May be triggered by allergies, viral or bacterial infection. It is characterized by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinuses), which are four pairs of air-filled cavities.

When they are irritated, the mucus that normally drains into the nose becomes blocked, accumulates in the sinuses, and creates a perfect nutrient medium for bacteria. Sinusitis is accompanied by headache, sore throat, persistent cough with characteristic highlights.

cystic fibrosis. This condition is classified as chronic illness lungs when tracheobronchial exudate begins to accumulate in them. One of the signs of pathology is the tracheobronchial substance of a yellowish, greenish and brown color.

An allergic reaction is another a common cause of colored phlegm during expectoration. An allergen-irritant provokes inflammation, thereby increasing the production of thick, pale yellow secretions.

Excessive mucous clots, moving along the nasopharynx, irritate the throat and cause coughing. Symptoms respiratory allergies go away with the elimination of the allergen and proper therapy.

Asthma. Causes respiratory inflammation, and often leads to the formation of excess tracheobronchial mucus. This substance is white-yellow, stained with inflammatory cells.

But since the cough in asthma is usually prolonged and unproductive, viscous clots are usually insignificant. Other symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and seizures.

Lung cancer (BAR). Most serious pathology in which yellow sputum is coughed up. Sometimes it contains bloody impurities, due to which the exudate acquires a pinkish tint.

This pathology is characterized by the persistence of the cough reflex for more than two weeks and incessant chest pain. The presence of such symptoms requires immediate medical attention.

Yellow sputum when coughing in a child

Cough with yellowish discharge in children is the result of an infectious lesion of the airways - colds, acute bronchitis, SARS, whooping cough, pneumonia or tuberculosis.

In the vast majority of cases acute cough with fever caused by a cold, and yellowish exudate indicates the attachment of pathogens. It is necessary to study phlegm for microflora.

If such an analysis is not possible, the doctor prescribes broad-spectrum antibiotics. Usually, the therapeutic effect of taking medication occurs on the third day. If relief does not occur, the antibiotic is replaced.

Purulent sputum

Purulent sputum is a mucopurulent substance composed of white blood cells, dead tissue, cell debris, serous fluid, and thin mucus.

The color intensity of the purulent secretion can vary from milky with yellowness to green, and manifests itself in pneumonia, bronchiectasis, abscessing pneumonia, protracted bronchitis or acute infectious lesions respiratory organs.

Cough with purulent sputum good reason consult a doctor, because if pus is expectorated, its shade will allow you to determine the pathology and choose the appropriate therapy.

1. Yellowish-purulent and yellow-greenish (mucopurulent) a pathological secretion indicates that antibiotic therapy will help reduce symptoms.
2. Green or greenish tint indicates an old respiratory infection, pneumonia, ruptured lung abscess, chronic infectious bronchitis, infected bronchiectasis, or cystic fibrosis.
3. Bright yellow and orange slime secreted in pneumonia (caused by pneumococcal bacteria), pulmonary embolism, bronchioloalveolar cancerous tumor or tuberculosis.
4. Discharge that is pale, milky, yellowish, or yellowish gray(clearly visible on a white background) indicate the ineffectiveness of antibiotic treatment, since the symptoms of the disease are associated either with a viral infection or with allergies (even asthma), and not with microbiotics, which are sensitive to antibiotics.

Foamy pink color characteristic of severe pulmonary edema.
Foamy white indicates obstruction or pulmonary edema.
Light yellow sputum with blood talking about possible inflammation throat or bronchi, or the presence of bleeding erosions, ulcers or tumors of the lower airways. Abundant presence of blood clots in the bronchial secretion indicates tuberculosis, bipolar disorder, pulmonary embolism, abscess pneumonia.

Yellow sputum when coughing without fever

The appearance of colored discharge when coughing without fever

Allergic cough with exudate with yellow patches also proceeds without fever.

Attention

In smokers, the formation of a dirty yellow dense exudate is associated with harmful effects nicotine tar and tobacco smoke, which lead to the decomposition of bronchial tissues and wear of the respiratory organs.

As a result, bronchioloalveolar cancer often develops. That is why it is extremely important to visit a specialist in time when the first signs of the development of pathology are detected.

Which doctor should I contact?

What the appearance of a viscous exudate indicates in the first stages will be prompted only by a general practitioner. In the future, it may be necessary to consult other specialists - pulmonologist, allergist, oncologist, otolaryngologist, surgeon.

Analysis of yellow sputum: diagnosis. How is it researched?

Samples of secretions taken from the throat for analysis make it possible to determine the cause of the change in the shade and consistency of the tracheobronchial secret.

The material is taken into a sterile glass container in the morning on an empty stomach, after careful treatment of the oral cavity and throat with saline.
If it is not possible to collect pathological clots when coughing, bronchoscopy is prescribed to obtain the necessary material.

The study of the sample is carried out by several methods:

Microscopic analysis allows you to determine the content of leukocytes, erythrocytes, alveolar macrophages in phlegm, epithelial cells, detect Kurshman's spirals, drusen of actinomycetes, fungi, Charcot-Leiden crystals, eosinophils, neutrophils.
Macroscopic analysis determines the daily volume of secreted exudate, its smell, density and color. Special attention is paid to the delamination of the material during a long stay in a glass container.
Bacteriological analysis (Bakposev) allows you to determine the types of bacteria present, their sensitivity to drugs.

If yellow sputum is expectorated: treatment

Regardless of the color of the discharge, their appearance is already a pathology, and it is important to correctly determine its cause. However, any cough requires plenty of fluids.

It has been proven that it has the same effect on the respiratory system as expectorant drugs. In the case when you cough, and yellow sputum comes out, dense in consistency, they are prescribed additional measures for its natural discharge:

Reflex acting drugs, which are aimed at enhancing mucus formation. They contribute to an increase in the proportion of liquid secretion in the bronchi, its liquefaction and trouble-free coughing. This group of medicines includes medicines for plant-based(licorice root, marshmallow, thermopsis grass, anise fruits, etc.).

Expectorants resorptive action directly affects the bronchi and the exudate itself, thereby accelerating the process of its removal from the respiratory system. This group of medicines includes solutions of sodium bicarbonate, sodium iodide and potassium iodide, as well as essential oils.

Mucolytic drugs change the structure of the exudate itself. Under their influence, the destruction of mucopolysaccharides occurs, which means the liquefaction of a viscous substance. These agents include Acetylcysteine, Carbocysteine, Ambroxol, Bromhexine and their analogues.

All these funds are taken orally or inhaled (through a nebulizer). If necessary, when there is a protracted form of the disease, injection of drugs is prescribed.

Folk remedies for cough

Speaking about how to treat a cough, do not forget about traditional medicine. Of the most accessible and effective recipes you can note:

1. Infusion mother-and-stepmother. Preparation boils down to the fact that 1 tablespoon of grass is poured into 1 tbsp. boiling water, infused for 10-15 minutes, filtered. Such an infusion is used inside for 1 tsp. up to 4 times a day.
2. Infusion from a mixture of herbs of plantain, thyme, elecampane root and wild rosemary. 2 tbsp dry mixture of herbs is poured with 1 l of boiling water, infused for 2 hours, filtered. A solution of 1 tbsp is taken. inside up to 4 times a day.

White cabbage juice. Freshly squeezed juice is mixed with honey in a ratio of 2:1. The finished mixture is taken inside 1 tsp. 6 times a day.
Lemon juice. Mix 2 tsp. product in a cup of warm water, add honey to this mixture, and take 3-4 times a day.

In addition, the treatment of cough with yellow sputum involves frequent gargling with saline.

It is necessary to dissolve 1⁄2 tsp. salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with the resulting solution as often as possible. This process clears the trapped mucus.

What are the possible complications?

In the absence of proper therapy, even the most harmless, at first glance, cough reflex can cause a deterioration in the patient's well-being.

Acute bronchitis easily becomes chronic, requiring long-term treatment and certain restrictions.

Pneumonia is usually preceded by bronchitis and tracheitis. However, unlike the latter, pneumonia is treated in stationary conditions when the patient must be constantly under the supervision of doctors.

If the patient coughed up a substance with signs of yellowness, he needs to urgently consult a therapist for an accurate diagnosis and urgent medical treatment.

Prevention

Timely prevention helps to avoid serious complications that cause respiratory diseases.

And this means that the appearance of the first signs of acute respiratory infections or acute respiratory viral infections, it is necessary to immediately begin treatment, and not wait for the symptoms to be eliminated on their own.

In addition, it is necessary to adhere to preventive measures:

Stop smoking (active and passive);