Violent cough and yellow sputum. What does the color of sputum mean

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 breathing difficult 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 gone inflammatory phenomena excreted in the bronchi and lungs with cough green sputum. 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 fever, shortness of breath. Such symptoms require immediate appeal see a doctor, only a specialist can put accurate diagnosis. Possible diseases accompanied by discharge of green sputum:

• Bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia bacterial origin- require quick 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 transition signal from home treatment To intensive care in the hospital.

IN lower parts respiratory tract inflammation may be accompanied by a cough with yellow sputum. They are caused by 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 turn into a chronic form 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 residual cough lasts 2–3 weeks, with it no a large number of clear sputum.

If the cough continues longer than a month, and yellow sputum is released - this means that the disease is taking chronic need intensive treatment.

Mucus has a yellow color in such pathological conditions:

• bronchitis and pneumonia of bacterial origin;
• bronchiectasis;
• siderosis - cough with exudate yellow color 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. Brown sputum is caused by bleeding sores 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 decomposition occurs lung tissue.
• Thromboembolism pulmonary artery(TELA) - its lumen is closed by a thrombus, and blood seeps through the walls of blood 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 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 different intensity 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.

- 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 on late stages development of the disease, it becomes viscous and dense. Additional symptoms are constant subfebrile temperature, dry cough, profuse sweat.

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

Cough with pink sputum serious symptom that self-treatment is out of the question. In this case, it is necessary urgent hospitalization, accurate diagnosis, intensive treatment.

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 in pink color. 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 chemicals that irritate the mucous surface of the respiratory tract.

The secretion of a large amount of mucus is associated with the action local immunity. In response to the invasion of viruses or allergens, the mucous membrane produces a large amount of secretion that performs protective function. In most cases, this symptom is not a sign of a dangerous disease and does not cause much concern. However, when improper care the disease can progress, and the 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 ;
• sputum gray color happens 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 in initial stage produce white slime, 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 - reflux 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 causes 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.

The patient is then treated with profile specialist: , cardiologist, 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.

The secretion of sputum when coughing is good symptom, as the bronchi and lungs are cleansed, and the healing process is significantly accelerated. Sometimes wet cough may drag on long time, which indicates the transition of the disease to 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 prolonged and difficult treatment. Inappropriate therapy contributes to the occurrence bronchial asthma or the development of an abscess.

Additional Information. Yellow sputum is dangerous symptom, therefore, it is necessary to immediately contact a specialist, since purulent processes in the respiratory tract can have unpredictable consequences.

Causes of yellow sputum

Exists whole line causes of yellow sputum:

1. Smoking. For people who smoke significant amount cigarettes a day 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 morning time indicates congestive processes in the lungs or bronchi.

Additional Information. Expectorant mucus may be yellow in color if freshly squeezed is drunk in significant volumes. carrot juice or eat orange or yellow foods: carrots, persimmons, citrus fruits or pumpkin.

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 main diagnostic procedures prescribed for diseases of the respiratory tract, sputum is analyzed. Slime 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. Cough is defensive reaction Therefore, in order for the child to recover sooner, it is necessary to alleviate the condition of the baby. For better health, should be provided plentiful drink and cool, damp air in the room. At normal temperature 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 briefly subsides, and then increases again.
• Prolonged, agonizing cough.
• Dyspnea.

These symptoms may develop bacterial infection in the respiratory tract, 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, carried out according to the 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.

The room in which the patient is located should be constantly ventilated, humidify the air, and carry out wet cleaning. If the mucus exit is supplemented by a coughing fit, you need to take a supine position, so the bronchi expand significantly and it will be easier for the patient to breathe.

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. From white cabbage it is necessary to squeeze the juice 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 general state you can drink tea with honey before going to bed.

Prevention

Through prevention, you can protect the body from serious
complications caused by inflammatory diseases 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 sick chronic form 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 should be vaccinated against pneumonia or the common cold.
• Hands must be washed after the street and before each meal.
• The food must contain fresh vegetables, fruits, fruit drinks and infusions from berries, mint, citrus and rose hips.
• In the cold period, it is worth abandoning hungry and strict diets.
• It is not necessary to allow overheating or hypothermia of the body.

When the first signs appear colds you should contact a specialist immediately.

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 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 large quantities exclusively in the mornings, and during the wakefulness period, cough almost does not bother, such pathologies can 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 viral disease. Brown, green, blood streaks may indicate more serious problems with health.

Reasons for the appearance

A number of diseases are known in which thick yellow sputum is expectorated:

1. spicy or Chronical bronchitis. Bacteria that enter the body quickly spread to lower divisions respiratory tract. The infection provokes inflammation of the inner epithelium of the bronchi. Among bright symptoms emit first dry, then wet cough, sore throat, chills and fever. Bronchitis is often accompanied by subfebrile or febrile temperature.
2. 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.
3. Banal cold or flu. At the initial stage of the disease, a 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Lung cancer. The most serious illness, at which there is 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 sputum light yellow with a temperature above 37 ° C is a likely sign of 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 medical attention.

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:

1. 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.
2. Mucolytic agents promote the excretion of sputum. This group of drugs includes tablets and syrups - ACC, Bromhexine.
3. 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. 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 0.5 st. l. lemon juice mixed with 1 tbsp. l. honey. add a little 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 folk or traditional treatment can be at the doctor's office.

If you have yellow sputum, then this is a good reason to see a doctor. Consider when such discharges occur, under what circumstances and diseases.

You should consult a doctor if, along with sputum unusual color there is fever, shortness of breath, chills, pain when inhaled.

Back to index

Causes of pathology

If you cough up yellow sputum, it indicates diseases such as sinusitis, pneumonia or bronchitis. Yellow color in the sputum indicates the presence of pus.

Besides yellow discharge there are people who for a long time smoke. Often, yellow sputum with bronchitis indicates the presence of a bactericidal infection in the bronchi. In this case, an urgent examination by a doctor and the appointment of antibiotics are required.

What do these symptoms indicate?

Yellow sputum can't talk about specific disease there must be other indications. But the presence of yellow sputum when coughing may indicate that there is a bactericidal infection in some part of the bronchi or lungs, which causes an inflammatory process. It can occur with a cold, but it can also be a harbinger of serious illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

Not always a yellowish tint is associated with severe inflammation, sometimes this color may indicate an allergic course in the body or irritation of the bronchi with tobacco smoke. At infectious diseases along with yellow sputum green is expectorated.

If you notice other symptoms in yourself (general weakness, fever, coughing, congestion in the lungs, shortness of breath), then do not wait, but go to the doctor. Before making a diagnosis, you can take the following steps in the meantime:

1. Start drinking twice as much liquid as you daily dose. Most likely, the color of sputum is determined by its viscosity. The liquid will dilute the viscosity and enhance the process of its discharge.
2. Try to clear your throat. Do not take cough suppressants. Cough in this case acts as a conductor of sputum, only he can push it out.

Tips for yellow sputum:

1. Seek medical attention.
2. To identify the disease, the liquid can be taken for analysis. In the morning on an empty stomach, a sputum sample is taken and placed in a sterile container. Before expectorating, you need to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic, and then boiled water.
3. It is possible that you are a smoker, then the reason is clear. If yellow sputum is due to bronchitis, then you need to pay attention to other symptoms.
4. Often, mucolytics and expectorants are prescribed to quickly relieve a cough. And if there is a bactericidal infection, antibiotics are prescribed. Treatment depends on many factors, so it is carried out individually. You should only consult a doctor. In a child, treatment is also determined by the doctor, depending on age.

Back to index

What is sputum?

Phlegm is a moist mucous secretion that is formed in the bronchi. A healthy person does not have such secretions. When analyzing sputum, its consistency, color and smell are distinguished, this allows you to accurately diagnose the disease and prescribe the appropriate treatment. For example, yellow or green color sputum indicates the presence of an infection in the respiratory tract, frothy white sputum, containing mucus, informs about pulmonary edema, red indicates lung cancer.

• saliva;
• immune cells;
• microorganisms;
• dust particles;
• cell breakdown products;
• plasma and blood cells.

All these components can be contained to a greater or lesser extent, they can determine the nature of the disease. Sputum can be thin, viscous and thick. A thick one may contain pus, it breaks up into 2-3 layers, or it may not break up at all.

Yellow sputum is odorless. If present bad smell, this may indicate a serious illness.

Back to index

Yellow sputum analysis

To accurately establish the diagnosis of the disease, sputum analysis is performed by microscopic and macroscopic examination. In the morning, on an empty stomach, the material is taken, saliva in the sputum should be as small as possible, for this you should rinse your mouth with a solution of furacilin or another antiseptic, and then with boiled water. The liquid must be placed in a sterile jar.

An effective analysis is bronchoscopy, it is carried out in stationary conditions with help a special preparation bronchofibroscope. At the same time, sputum does not mix with saliva, food debris and gives reliable results.

As already mentioned, the presence of yellowish sputum may be evidence of sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, or incipient asthma.

Back to index

Treatment of the disease

For any disease associated with yellow sputum, treatment is carried out according to the standard scheme. Expectorants are prescribed that promote sputum to the exit, mucolytics help to thin it. Since the characteristic color indicates the presence of bacteria in the body, antibiotics are also used.

Mucolytics are used for asthma, bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. Expectorant drugs remove the secret of the bronchi and contribute to the cough reflex. Bronchodilator drugs by expanding the bronchi contribute to the easy discharge of sputum.

Because they cause disease various viruses and bacteria, you should fight them too, so antibiotics are prescribed narrow and a wide range actions. Apart from symptomatic treatment cough should also affect the focus of inflammation.

This helps loosen the mucus. Humidify indoor air, rest more often, avoid cold air and strong odors. If the discharge of sputum is accompanied by bouts of coughing, then you should lie straight, so the bronchi will expand and it will be easier for a person to breathe.

To subsequently avoid the development of diseases of the pulmonary system, you need to perform a series of exercises. respiratory nature which will help prevent certain diseases in the future. Usually complex breathing exercises helps to make the attending physician.

In the event that it has been found that yellow sputum appears due to exposure to an allergen, the treatment here is somewhat different. Antiallergic drugs are added to the complex of treatment.

Folk methods include taking products that relieve cough and general condition. It is recommended to eat ground lemon with honey, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, pureed radish with vegetable oil and sour cream.

To soothe a cough and promote the discharge of secretions, you can drink a glass of warm milk with butter and honey at night, drink warm compotes and fruit drinks during the day, it is advisable to brew rose hips, you just need to drink it with a straw so as not to damage tooth enamel. Such drinks can be given to children over three years old, as well as teas with lemon. These drinks are taken in the mornings and evenings.

In a child, the disease proceeds in the same way as in adults, but when using medicines age dosage is taken into account.

Yellow sputum is considered a sign inflammatory process in organism. Normally, the mucus is colorless, but with the addition of an infection, the sputum changes color. The process indicates an increase in leukocytes and complications. So that yellow sputum does not appear when coughing, at the first coughing it is necessary to consult a doctor who will not allow the development of a pathological condition by prescribing an effective and timely treatment.

Reasons for the formation of yellow sputum

This is interesting! Depending on the factor that caused phlegm (phlegm), mucus is not only yellow. Dark yellow mucous exudate is often noticed in the morning by people who abuse tobacco. In a polluted atmosphere, phlegm acquires a brownish-yellow hue. A greenish-yellow mucous substance indicates the addition of a bacterial infection. It is important to prevent pathology in time, until blood impurities appear in the sputum.

Yellow mucus indicates the presence of pathogenic microbes in the body. Experts identify a number of diseases that are characterized by the appearance of yellow mucus:

• bronchitis - the first symptom of the disease is a cough, later with the addition of mucous secretions, fever with fever, sore throat. The appearance of bronchitis is due to viral or bacterial infections;
• inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) is an acute pathological condition, the symptoms of which are: respiratory failure, heat, cough with yellowish or greenish sputum, sometimes with blood impurities. The infectious-degenerative process affects one or both lungs, in which the alveoli of the lung are filled with pus or liquid exudate;
• ARVI, influenza - most often after the flu or acute respiratory infections, a residual cough is noticed with yellow sputum released during expectoration;
• inflammation paranasal sinuses nose (sinusitis, sinusitis) - manifested by symptoms of congestion, mucous discharge from the paranasal sinuses, headache in the forehead, fever, characteristic cough with yellowish mucus, which indicates purulent process. Inflammation is caused by an allergy, viral or bacterial infection. Pathological condition begins with irritation of the sinuses with mucus, which accumulates and serves as a favorable environment for the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms;
• cystic fibrosis - chronic illness with the accumulation of secretory secretions in the lungs is inherited. With cystic fibrosis - the second name of the pathology - yellow, brownish, greenish mucus is released;
• allergy - interaction with the allergen leads to irritation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Allergic reaction manifested by inflammation with a wet cough and expectoration of tracheobronchial mucus;
• asthmatic syndrome - the disease is manifested by wheezing in the bronchi, shortness of breath, cough with slight secretions of mucous exudate;
• tuberculosis is an infectious and inflammatory lesion of the lungs. The causative agent of the disease is Koch's wand. At the beginning of the disease, white sputum is secreted, the discharge indicates a neglected state. yellow slime, which over time acquires brown shade. Tuberculosis is indicated by a strong cough reflex, an increase in body temperature, a sharp decline weight and other signs;
• bronchogenic cancer - persistent cough for more than 2 weeks, followed by the appearance of yellow mucus with blood impurities during expectoration. If you are worried about chest pain and a prolonged cough, you should consult a doctor and rule out lung cancer.

Reference! If fever is associated with sputum production, this is an occasion to urgently consult a doctor. The doctor will diagnose based on secretory secretions and prescribe effective treatment to avoid complications.

Treatment of yellow sputum when coughing

It is important! Therapeutic or surgery appointed after diagnostic measures, during which it turns out what led to the coughing process, what makes the patient sick. Based on microscopic, macroscopic, bacteriological examination, blood test, tuberculin test, x-ray of the lungs, fluorography, the doctor chooses the tactics of treatment.

With absence elevated temperature body is enough outpatient treatment following doctor's orders. If the temperature rises above 38 degrees, it is recommended bed rest or hospitalization, depending on the diagnosis. Complex therapy includes diet food with the exception of fried, salty, smoked foods, overconsumption sweets - junk food encourages the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Preference is given to boiled foods, steamed foods, it is desirable to consume a large amount of fiber in the form of fruits and vegetables, sour-milk products. Maintaining cleanliness in the living room, regular airing of the room, quitting smoking during the illness contributes to a speedy recovery.

Based individual features the patient and the complexity of the inflammatory process, it is recommended to take the following medications:

1. Expectorants - remove sputum from the upper respiratory tract - Trypsin, Thermopsis, Sodium Benzoate;
2. Bronchodilator drugs - contribute to the release of sputum from the bronchi - Stoptussin, Erespal, Bromhexine, Gedelix;
3. Broad-spectrum antibiotics - for the treatment of yellow sputum, it is important to choose the right one antibacterial drugs in addition to symptomatic treatment;
4. Inhalations - have an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, expectorant effect - Berodual, saline;
5. Antihistamines - if coughing allergic origin antiallergic therapy is prescribed.

Note! To quickly relieve cough symptoms and get rid of sputum, it is recommended to drink more fluids, use a humidifier, relax, avoid unpleasant odors, take horizontal position to expand the lungs. In addition to the treatment of cough, it is worth paying attention to the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, because in these places a large number of harmful microorganisms accumulate that enter the bronchi.

Treatment of cough with yellow sputum folk methods

With yellow sputum when coughing, traditional medicine in the form of tinctures, lotions, decoctions, rubbing, compresses effectively cope. Medicinal herbs collected traditional healers, help to alleviate the condition:

• coltsfoot infusion;
• steaming a mixture of plantain, thyme, elecampane root, wild rosemary;
• a mixture of white cabbage juice with honey;
• lemon juice.

Attention! Frequent gargling with soda and salt helps to improve the condition.

Associated symptoms

For correct diagnosis of a disease that provokes yellow sputum, the doctor collects an anamnesis from the words of the patient, paying attention to additional symptoms:

• pain, discomfort behind the chest;
• asphyxia;
• increase in body temperature;
• cough.

Reference! Based on the above features, clinical picture disease and therapy.

Prevention

To avoid a cough with yellow sputum, you must adhere to preventive measures:

• at the first signs of SARS, consult a doctor, do not self-medicate;
• stop abusing smoking;
• avoid crowded places during flu and cold epidemics;
• get vaccinated against pneumonia and influenza in a timely manner;
• wash your hands more often;
• Healthy food;
• refrain from hypothermia and overheating.

Video: How to get rid of phlegm