Sputum facts for kids
Sputum is the name for the sticky stuff, like mucus, that you sometimes cough up from deep inside your lungs and breathing tubes. It's often called phlegm. When you're healthy, you usually don't notice it. But if you're sick, especially with a cold or a cough, you might cough up sputum.
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What is Sputum?
Sputum is a mix of mucus and other things from your lower airways. These airways include your windpipe (trachea) and the tubes that go into your lungs (bronchi). Your body makes mucus to trap dust, germs, and other tiny particles. This helps keep your lungs clean. When you cough, your body is trying to get rid of this trapped material.
What Can Sputum Tell Us?
The color of your sputum can give clues about what's happening in your body. You can check its color by looking at it on a white surface, like a piece of paper or a white sink.
Sputum Colors and What They Mean
- Clear or White: This is usually normal. It can also happen with a common cold or allergies.
- Yellow: If your sputum looks yellow, it often means you have an infection in your airways. The brighter or deeper the yellow, the more likely it is a bacterial infection.
- Green: Green sputum also suggests a bacterial infection. This color comes from certain cells that fight off germs.
- Brown or Rusty: This color might mean old blood is present, or it could be from something you inhaled, like dirt.
- Red or Pink: This can mean fresh blood. If you see this, it's important to tell a grown-up or doctor right away.
Why Do Doctors Look at Sputum?
Doctors sometimes ask for a sputum sample to help figure out what's making someone sick.
Checking for Germs
Doctors can look at sputum under a microscope to find out if there are germs, like bacteria or viruses, causing a lung infection. This helps them choose the best medicine to make you feel better.
Looking at Cells
Sometimes, doctors also check the cells in sputum. This helps them see if the cells are healthy or if there are any unusual changes.
When giving a sample, it's important that it comes from deep in your lungs, not just from your nose or throat. This makes sure the doctors get the best information to help you.
See also
In Spanish: Esputo para niños
