Jan 22, 2024 · Sputum is a type of thick mucus produced by the lungs. This article explains the types of sputum, what causes changes, and when to speak with a doctor.

Sep 20, 2024 · It lines your mucous membranes and helps trap and destroy or clear out germs and harmful particles. Mucus gets thick and sticky and might be white, yellow or green when you have an …

Jan 25, 2026 · Sputum is phlegm that is coughed up from the lower airways—the trachea, bronchi, and lungs. While phlegm refers to the substance itself, sputum refers to the expectorated (expelled by …

Sputum is mucus that is coughed up from the lower airways (the trachea and bronchi). It is commonly referred to as "phlegm". In medicine, sputum samples are usually used for a naked-eye …

Aug 2, 2024 · Producing clear phlegm often means your body is reacting to irritants or inflammation, while yellow or green phlegm may suggest an infection. Red, pink, brown, or black phlegm …

Aug 22, 2025 · Sputum is a mix of cells, foreign matter, and white blood cells produced in the respiratory tract. An increased amount of sputum is often due to increased respiratory inflammation …

Feb 19, 2026 · In the lungs, mucus plays a key role in protecting your lungs and airways from harmful irritants. Sputum and phlegm are other names sometimes used to refer to the mucus in your lungs …

Sputum is not saliva but the thick mucus (sometimes called phlegm) which is coughed up from the lungs. The body produces mucus to keep the thin, delicate tissues of the respiratory tract moist so …

Mucus has several names. Snot, the sticky goo that pours from your nose during a cold. Or phlegm, the gunk that can clog your lungs and make you cough. You probably aren’t a fan of the stuff. But …

Apr 12, 2023 · Sputum is a mucus layer that serves a protective lining. The mucus layer found in the respiratory tract prevents the area from drying out and becoming irritated. It acts as a protective …