Doctors say that the color of sputum can determine the health status of the body. (Schematic diagram/pixabay)
Phlegm is the secretion of the human respiratory tract. It can keep the respiratory tract moist and absorb dust, bacteria and other microorganisms to be expelled from the body. According to common sense, usually healthy people have no phlegm or only a small amount of thin phlegm. If there is a problem with the respiratory tract, Through the color and state of phlegm, you can know whether the body is sending a warning signal. Hu Haochun, director of the Department of Otolaryngology at Fuzhou University Hospital, took stock of the four sputum colors that each represent different meanings. Among them, red or pink sputum is usually related to blood. If it is accompanied by acute symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, fever, etc., or if there are no symptoms above but the cough does not improve for more than 1 month, be sure to seek medical treatment immediately, as it may be a heart or lung problem. .
Hu Haochun analyzed on his Facebook page that each of the four sputum colors represents different meanings. (Picture/reproduced from Facebook)
Hu Haochun analyzed the meanings of the following four colors on the Facebook page “Life Yiji Dr. Hu Haochun-Otolaryngology Department of Fuzhou University Hospital Xinzhuang Wugu Taishan”:
1. Transparent or light white sputum: Usually normal respiratory secretions, which help keep the respiratory tract moist and capture tiny dust and bacteria. However, it should be noted that if transparent sputum is accompanied by cough or other symptoms, medical treatment may still be required.
2. Yellow or green phlegm: This is usually a sign of respiratory infection and represents the chemicals released by white blood cells when fighting pathogens. It may be a cold, flu or other respiratory disease.
3. Red or pink phlegm: Usually related to blood, it may be ruptured blood vessels in the respiratory tract, or other serious respiratory problems. If it is accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain, be sure to seek medical treatment.
Hu Haochun also pointed out that phlegm and nasal mucus are both natural secretions of the body and play an important role in maintaining moisturization and cleanliness of the respiratory tract. In addition to the color of the sputum mentioned above, the viscosity of the sputum is also worth observing, as it may be affected by the body’s moisture status. An overly dry environment may cause phlegm to become thicker, while too much moisture may cause phlegm to become thin. Normal phlegm should be of moderate consistency, which helps to clear the respiratory tract. In addition, pediatrician Chen Yingzhuang previously pointed out on the Facebook page “Jianjiakang” that some people always cough up endless phlegm, and phlegm also has different colors:
1. White phlegm: usually caused by colds or allergies.
2. White foamy sputum: chronic bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary hydrops, poor heart function, abnormal kidney function, etc.
3. Yellow-green sputum: bacterial infection such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or tuberculosis.
4. Bronze-colored sputum containing fishy odor: may lead to lung abscess. Lung abscess is caused by bacteria destroying lung tissue and causing pus to accumulate to form an abscess.
5. Blood-streaked sputum: Mucosal bleeding caused by coughing, or diseases such as tuberculosis and lung cancer.
Chen Yingzhuang also reminded that once you find that the phlegm turns from clear to thick or appears in various colors, it is usually an early symptom of bronchitis, pneumonia or other lung diseases, and you should go to the hospital as soon as possible to find out the cause.
Hu Haochun analyzed on his Facebook page that each of the four sputum colors represents different meanings. (Picture/reproduced from Facebook)
2024-01-23 10:02:58
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