Sputum is made up from secretions from cells lining the respiratory tract, dead cells, foreign matter that is breathed into the lungs, such as tar from cigarettes and air pollutants, and white blood cells and other immune cells. In infections, bacteria may also be present in sputum.
How do you get sputum?
To collect a sputum sample, you should do the following:
- Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth without using antiseptic mouthwash.
- Take a couple of long, deep breaths.
- Breathe deeply again and cough hard until sputum comes up.
- Spit out the sputum into the sample cup.
What is sputum a symptom of?
Sputum symptoms are commonly caused by various viral and bacterial infections of the respiratory system including: Acute bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes) Common cold (viral infection) Croup (laryngotracheitis), an inflammation of the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea)
