Causes of Phlegm
The increased production of mucus is a common symptom of various diseases of the respiratory tract, some trivial such as the classic cold, others a little less, such as chronic bronchitis or tuberculosis. The mucus produced under an inflammatory stimulus is called phlegm, because it is more abundant than the norm (up to 400/500 ml / day), but also because it is different in its composition, which makes it more dense and sticky.
Aftermath
Since the abnormal production of phlegm represents an obstacle to the circulation of air in the airways, the body tries to expel the excess through involuntary movements of the eyelashes and coughing (expectoration), hence the term sputum.
Sputum examination
The analysis of the phlegm, subjected to chemical-physical and bacteriological examination, is able to provide important information on the nature of the respiratory disease.
The simple observation of its macroscopic characteristics (smell, color, consistency) provides the doctor with useful elements for a general overview of the disease.
(in the latter two categories of patients it can be particularly dense).(pus), that is, rich in leukocytes; it is typical of bacterial infections (when greenish of anaerobes).
, which in addition to the typical color also acquires a fetid odor (gangrenous sputum). It is typical of lung abscesses and gangrene, or bronchiectasis caused by repeated bacterial infections.it can be the consequence of micro-lesions of the respiratory mucosa produced during efforts to cough. In any case, this is a symptom that should not be underestimated, as it is also common to neoplasms, pulmonary infarcts and bacterial pneumonia of various kinds [in these cases the phlegm takes on a color ranging from pink (typical of pulmonary edema) to red rust (typical of pneumococcal pneumonia), due to the simultaneous presence of blood and purulent material)].
it is typical of Klebsiella Pneumoniae pneumonia
, and through coughing (sputum or sputum) when it is produced and accumulated at the bronchial level.active towards those particular microorganisms.
The cytological examination of the sputum, aimed at the search for neoplastic cells, can highlight the presence of lung cancer. However, this test - due to its low sensitivity - cannot be used as a screening test for lung cancer.
Finally, in bronchial asthma, the evaluation of eosinophils in the sputum is used to assess and monitor the degree of bronchial inflammation over time and the response to pharmacological treatments.
(such as guaifenesin) are drugs used to eliminate the catarrhal secretion produced and accumulated excessively in the respiratory tree, while mucolytics (such as carbocysteine) increase the fluidity of the phlegm, facilitating its elimination.
Widely used in phytotherapy are the roots of licorice and those of Polygala, rich in triterpene saponins; in the presence of phlegm it is also useful to take essential oils (eucalyptus, thyme, pine, fir or niaouli) in the form of herbal teas (pay attention to the irritating effect on the oral mucosa), coated tablets, capsules or inhaled (always taking note that fumigations with essential oils can cause allergic reactions, bronchospasm and asthma attacks, especially in children).
