Sputum, also known as phlegm, is a thick type of mucus in a person’s lungs suffering from an infection or chronic illness affecting the lungs or airways. The first morning expectorated sputum sample is always best for diagnosing lower respiratory tract infections. It is essential that the specimen for culture be sputum and not saliva or nasopharyngeal secretions.Sputum has been the primary means of determining the causes of lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. The symptoms suggestive of pneumonia include fever, chills, chest pain, and cough. In addition to respiratory symptoms, 10% to 30% of patients with pneumonia complain of headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and myalgias.Induced sputum, endotracheal or tracheostomy suction specimen, transtracheal aspirates are other alternatives for expectorated sputum when the patient is uncooperative, pediatric patients or has special conditions/requirements. Sputum samples can be...
