Natural Relief for Colds & Allergy Symptoms

How It Works

Got a stuffy nose from allergies or a cold? Nasal irrigation may help. You pour a saltwater (saline) solution into one nostril. As it flows through your nasal cavity into the other nostril, it washes out mucus and allergens.

1. Decide What You’ll Use

For nasal irrigation, you’ll need a container and saline solution. You can buy prefilled containers, or use a bulb syringe or neti pot. All are available at drugstores.

2. Mix the Saline Solution

If you choose a prefilled bottle, skip this step. Otherwise, you can buy a saline solution powder and follow the directions on the label or make your own. Start with 1-2 cups of warm water that’s distilled, sterile, or that you’ve boiled to help prevent infection. Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and a pinch of baking soda.

3. Get in Position

If you’re using a squeeze bottle, neti pot, or syringe, lean forward over the sink, at about a 45-degree angle. Tilt your head so that one nostril is pointed down toward the sink. Don’t tilt your head back.

4. Pour in the Saline Solution

Place the spout of a neti pot or the tip of a syringe or squeeze bottle just inside your nose. The tip should go in no further than a finger’s width. Keeping your mouth open, squeeze the bulb syringe or bottle, or tilt the pot to pour the water into your nostril. Remember to breathe through your mouth, not your nose.

5. Let It Drain

The saltwater will run through your nasal passages and drain out of your other nostril and maybe your mouth. You should spit it out and not swallow it. But if some does go down your throat, it won’t hurt you.

6. Clear Your Nose and Repeat

Gently blow your nose to clear out the remaining solution. Repeat the procedure with your other nostril. When you’re done, throw away any leftover solution and thoroughly clean the items you used. Let them air dry. Store them in a clean, dry place.

What If It Stings or Burns?

Use less salt in the saline solution. And make sure the water is lukewarm, not hot or cold.

How Fast Does It Work?

You may see results after just one or two times. The benefits grow as you continue to do it. One study showed that in the long run, nasal irrigation helped people feel in control of their sinus symptoms and improved their quality of life.

How Often Do You Use Nasal Wash?

Using a saline solution just once a day can help thin mucus, curb postnasal drip, and clean bacteria from your nasal passages. It can also wash out allergens you’ve inhaled. After their symptoms are gone, some people find three times a week is enough to keep them symptom-free.

Is it Right for You?

Irrigation can benefit people who have sinus problems, nasal allergies, colds, and even flu symptoms. It can help both adults and kids. Some people use it every day to stay symptom-free. You shouldn’t use it, though, if you have an ear infection or a nostril that’s plugged and hard to breathe through.

How Sinuses Get Clogged

It can happen if the lining of your sinuses and the passages between them become inflamed. An allergy or a cold could cause that, for instance. The inflammation swells and blocks the sinuses from draining. Bacteria can build up, leading to a sinus infection. That causes more inflammation, swelling, stuffiness, and pain.

Why Nasal Irrigation Helps

The saline solution rinses out your nasal passages. The saltwater also restores moisture and eases inflammation of the mucous membranes that line your sinuses. Tiny hair-like “cilia” in those membranes pass bacteria and other junk to the throat, where you harmlessly swallow them. With less swelling, it’s easier to breathe.

Ways to Curb Allergens

With allergies, avoiding your triggers is a key way to make it easier to breathe. Use an air conditioner in your home and car during warm seasons, cut down on indoor humidity, and always run the exhaust fans when you shower or cook. Vacuum regularly, and use protective mattress and pillow covers, too.

Work With Your Doctor

One study showed that people with chronic sinus problems who used nasal irrigation were able to use fewer medications. Before you stop, talk to your doctor.

The physiology of mucus and sputum production in the respiratory system

The main function of the respiratory system is to draw air into the lungs to allow the exchange of gases with blood circulating to the lungs.

This article has been updated

The evidence in this article is no longer current. Click here to see an updated and expanded article

Abstract

VOL: 99, ISSUE: 23, PAGE NO: 63

Marion Richardson, BD, CertEd, DipN, RGN, RNT, is senior lecturer and programme leader, emergency nursing, University of Hertfordshire

This blood supplies the cells of the body with oxygen and removes the waste products of metabolism. Tissues of the respiratory tract are thin and delicate, and become thinnest at the surfaces of the aveoli, where gaseous exchange occurs. The body has a number of mechanisms which protect these tissues and ensure that debris and bacteria do not reach them.

Tiny hairs called cilia trap large pieces of debris and waft them out of the airways; the reflexes of sneezing and coughing help to expel particles from the respiratory system and the production of mucus keeps the tissues moist and helps to trap small particles of foreign matter.

Mucus production in the airways is normal. Without it, airways become dry and malfunction. But sometimes the mucus is produced in excess and changes in nature. This results in the urge to cough and expectorate this mucus as sputum. Sputum expectoration is not normal and there is always an underlying pathological cause.

Mucus

Mucus is secreted from two distinct areas within the lung tissue. In the surface epithelium, which is part of the tissue lining of the airways, there are mucus-producing cells called goblet cells. The connective tissue layer beneath the mucosal epithelium contains seromucous glands which also produce mucus.

The respiratory tract produce about two litres of mucus a day from these glands (Martini, 2003), and this is composed of water, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. The high water content helps to humidify the passing inspired air. Mucus contains glycoproteins (or mucins) as well as proteins derived from plasma, and products of cell death such as DNA.

Mucus is sticky and this helps to trap dust particles, bacteria and other inhaled debris. Mucus also contains natural antibiotics, which help to destroy bacteria – the epithelial cells secrete a substance called defensis. Mucus also contains lysozyme, which is an antibacterial enzyme.

Movement of mucus

Cilia in the nose move the mucus formed there towards the throat where it is swallowed and digested in the stomach. In cold weather, this process slows and the mucus sometimes gathers in the nose and drips or dribbles out – a winter runny nose.

Particles larger than 4mm in diameter usually become trapped in mucus in the nose and rarely get any further down the airways. The nasal mucosa has many sensory nerve endings and large particles irritate these nerves, stimulating a sneeze – a violent burst of air – which expels the particles along with mucus.

Further down the airways, cilia in the trachea and bronchi also waft the mucus towards the pharynx to be swallowed. This movement, against the force of gravity, is sometimes called the mucus escalator. Normally, this upward movement is not noticeable, except when we clear our throats. However, if larger quantities of mucus build up, the cough receptors may be stimulated and air and mucus will be forcibly expelled from the trachea.

Moving down the airway, the mucosal epithelium gets thinner and changes in nature. There are only a few cilia and no mucus-producing cells in the bronchioles, so any airborne debris is removed by macrophages in the alveoli or coughed out.

Sputum production

Irritation of the respiratory system causes both inflammation of the air passages and a notable increase in mucus secretion. A person may become conscious of swallowing the mucus or the inflammation may trigger a coughing reflex so that they expectorate these secretions as sputum.

It seems that the inflammation of the mucosa is responsible for sputum production rather than any of the other changes that occur in diseased lung tissue (Jeffrey Maestrelli et al, 2001).

Expectorated sputum contains lower respiratory tract secretions, as well as secretions from the nose, mouth and pharynx, and cellular debris and micro-organisms (Rubin, 2002). In some disease processes, the sputum changes in nature and colour.

Airway disease and sputum

Sputum production is associated with many lung disease processes and sputum may become infected, stained with blood or contain abnormal cells.

Smoking – Smoking has many effects on the airways. Inhaled smoke destroys the cilia that are important for moving mucus to the throat for swallowing. As a result, mucus accumulates in the bronchioles and irritates the sensitive tissues there, causing a cough. Coughing is vital as it is the only way smokers can remove mucus from their lungs and keep the airways clean (Rubin, 2002). This is characterised by the ‘smoker’s cough’.

Constant coughing to clear the sputum has an effect on the smooth muscle of the bronchioles which becomes hypertrophied (enlarged or overgrown). This in turn causes more mucus glands to develop.

Smoking also causes hyperplasia (excessive cell division and growth) of the mucus-producing goblet cells (Maestrelli et al, 2001). Because of the constant irritation, more mucus is produced and collects in the alveoli, which can become overburdened and collapse.

Another effect of smoking is the development of emphysema when the alveoli expand, the capillary blood supply deteriorates and gaseous exchange is reduced. Smoking makes other lung diseases worse and is a major cause of lung, and many other, cancers.

Smoking cessation improves lung health – bronchial tubes relax and the work of breathing becomes easier, and cilia begin to regrow within a few months, so mucus and debris can be cleared without the need for constant coughing. Also, the risk of cancers reduces over time.

Bronchitis – Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial lining. It is commonly related to cigarette smoking but is also triggered by environmental irritants such as chemical vapours, exhaust fumes or pesticides. In response to the inflammation, excess mucus is produced. This can block the small airways and reduce respiratory efficiency, for example, in chronic airways obstruction. Over-production of mucus leads to frequent coughing, which further irritates the tissues and causes even more mucus production.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – A pattern of persistent respiratory symptoms (chronic bronchitis, chronic airway obstruction and emphysema) is termed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Most patients with COPD show the characteristics of mucus hypersecretion in the airways in the following ways:

– The production of sputum;

– Increased mucus in the lumen of the airways;

– Hypertrophy of submucosal mucus-producing glands;

– Goblet cell hyperplasia.

The mucus hypersecretion leads to impaired gas exchange and reduced mucociliary clearance, encouraging bacterial colonisation and exacerbations of the disease (Rogers, 2001). Mucus hypersecretion may contribute to morbidity in these patients.

Asthma (acute obstructive airways disease) – Some people’s airways are sensitive to allergens such as drugs, environmental pollution or bacteria, and this causes mast cells in their tissues to burst and release histamine and prostaglandin.

In response, the mucosa of the airways becomes swollen and oedematous, and mucus production increases in an attempt to rid the body of the allergen. Smooth muscle constricts, particularly around the terminal bronchioles, and breathing becomes difficult. Mucus transport slows and fluids accumulate in the air passages.

This hypersecretion of mucus is an important cause of illness and death in patients with asthma. No specific treatments for it are available (Fahy, 2002). The number of goblet cells increases and the patient stores and secretes more mucin, which makes the sputum thick and sticky. Asthma can be fatal, and death is usually caused by blockage of the narrow airways with a plug of sputum.

Cystic fibrosis – Cystic fibrosis is a lethal disease which is inherited and affects Caucasians of north European descent. A defective gene located on chromosome 7 means a protein called a cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator, responsible for the active transport of chloride ions within cells, does not function normally.

This protein is abundant in cells that produce watery secretions such as mucus. The abnormality means that secretory cells cannot transport salts and water efficiently, and secretions become thick. This affects the mucus glands in the respiratory tract and secretory glands in the gastro-intestinal tract.

In the respiratory tract, the hyperviscous, sticky mucus adheres to the airways and cannot be transported properly – the mucus escalator stops working and mucus plugs block the smaller airways. Breathing becomes difficult and problems with transporting mucus may lead to bacterial colonisation.

The average life expectancy of people with cystic fibrosis in the UK is 31 years (National Services Division, 2002). People with cystic fibrosis die from chronic recurrent bacterial infections of the lungs and associated heart failure.

Sputum assessment

Sputum can provide a number of clues about a patient’s health. It is difficult to assess the amount of sputum produced in a day (Law, 2000) but there are many terms to describe it – mucoid, purulent, mucopurulent, frothy, viscous or bloodstained.

Mucus colour also varies considerably from white or opaque to grey, orange, green, brown or, occasionally, black. Yellow, orange or green sputum is commonly associated with bacterial infection. The more neutrophils that are present in sputum, the greener it becomes and patients may require treatment with antibiotics.

However, people with asthma often have neutrophils in their sputum – the sputum may be coloured but is free from infection. Red sputum indicates the presence of blood and may suggest tuberculosis or cancer.

Conclusion

Sputum is produced when lungs are damaged or diseased and can give nurses important information about the patient and his or her illness.

What Causes Excessive Mucus & Phlegm In Throat?

A number of reasons can contribute to development of excessive phlegm and mucus in throat. Immediate medical attention may be necessary in some cases, such as presence of blood in the phlegm. Let us see what triggers the production of these substances in the throat.

What Is Phlegm?

During an infection, the mucous membrane secretes a thick liquid substance known as phlegm, in the airways or the windpipe. It is a mixture of certain particles, pathogen that caused the infection such as virus or bacteria and the inflammatory cells developed during the infection. The basic purpose of phlegm is to filter the air we inhale, so that minute dust particles do not enter the respiratory system. White-colored phlegm is generally considered healthy, however, a different variation may be a sign of some infection.

Green-colored phlegm is generally seen in people suffering from pneumonia, while blood-red phlegm is related to bronchitis. People with smoking habits may notice phlegm that is generally dark brown in color. Occurrence of phlegm after eating is mainly due to excessive production of mucus at the back of the throat.

What Is Excessive Mucus?

Mucus is the yellowish-green substance that clogs your throat. The glands in your throat and nose are responsible for its production, with roughly 1-2 quarts of mucus produced daily by the lining of the sinus. It plays a vital role during the breathing process, as it prevents any foreign substance from entering or accumulating in the respiratory system. It can be really annoying to have mucus in the throat all the time.

What Are The Reasons Behind Excessive Mucus Production?

Mucus and phlegm can develop as a direct result of a disease, throat irritation or an infection. Here are some common causes to take note of:

• Infections such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, flu and common cold can result in unwanted production of phlegm.
• It can also be produced due to allergic reactions, resulting from irritants such as in hay fever and asthma.
• Mucus production is directly related to over exertion of the vocal cord, which is quite common for people who sing a lot or scream a lot.
• Smoking allows the dusty particles to get accumulated over the larynx, which results in dehydration of the vocal cords. In order to alleviate this dryness, phlegm is produced by the airways to line the passage.

How To Reduce It?

The most effective way to combat excess production of phlegm is to remove the root cause. Try not to put too much stress on the vocal cords, and stay away from irritants if you are sensitive to allergy. In case you are suffering from any kind of infection, it will generally go away in a few days.  Forcing the phlegm out or inhaling steam can help you ease the discomfort. Antibiotics is not an effective choice, in case the phlegm is caused by viruses.

You need to maintain a good lifestyle with a properly balanced diet, plenty of fluids and sufficient rest to prevent the occurrence of any infection.

Phlegm: It’s More Than Just Gobs Of Goo : Shots

Phlegm can give clues to what’s going on inside. But as with so many things phlegmy, mysteries remain.

Alex Reynolds / NPR

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Alex Reynolds / NPR

Phlegm can give clues to what’s going on inside. But as with so many things phlegmy, mysteries remain.

Alex Reynolds / NPR

Struggling through a nasty round of bronchitis with little better to do than binge watch Netflix and feel epically sorry for myself, I pondered the ageless cold-and-flu-season question: Phlegm. Why?

It begs an answer. The human body is capable of such constant wonder, so much to awe and inspire. And then, phlegm. And not just a little phlegm. Gobs. It’s the only word that really describes the whole phlegm experience.

So I started asking around, and in so doing have learned that there’s a lot more to phlegm than meets the Kleenex.

First, some definitions. Phlegm is really just one form of mucus, which the body produces all over the place to perform useful tasks, says Murray Ramanathan Jr., medical director of otolaryngology head and neck surgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Bethesda, Md. And because he suffers from chronic sinusitis himself, he gets the whole mucus thing on a pretty personal level.

“The entire lining of the respiratory tract, which includes the nose all the way to the bottom of the lung, makes mucus,” he says. Phlegm, he says, is limited to mucus made in the lung and in the trachea.

Or as Mark Rosen, a pulmonologist at Mount Sinai in New York and a past president of the American College of Chest Physicians, puts it: “Phlegm is something you cough up, not something you blow out.”

When everything is running smoothly, we produce phlegm and mucus every day — about a liter, Ramanathan says. We usually swallow that daily production without even noticing.

Both mucus and phlegm act as general maintenance and cleaning mechanisms, keeping airways moist and tidy and defending against the host of pollutants, particles, viruses and other things that do not belong in your nose or lungs.

“That’s often what you see when you blow your nose,” says Ramanathan, who studies the role of pollutants and environment in respiratory issues. “In foreign countries where diesel exhaust is a major contributor to air pollution and some people use wood fires indoors for cooking, you actually see black deposition and particles from the air pollution. “

But mucus also has an immunological role in sniffing out trouble. It provides proteins that are antiviral and antibacterial. Receptors on the epithelial cells in the airway sense threats and create bug-fighting enzymes in the mucus, which moves along via the cilia—microscopic hair-like structures that can provide propulsion to help eject the foreign substance.

What we call smoker’s cough, Ramanathan says, “is when the components of cigarette smoke get into the lung and cause mucus [and phlegm] to be produced, because cigarette smoke is an irritant to the respiratory lining in both the nose and the lung.”

This primary defense system can be overwhelmed by viruses, bacteria and the resulting inflammation of the airway. That’s when mucus and phlegm production go into overdrive. And often with the increase in quantity, the quality changes too, becoming thicker to better trap and remove the offending material. Before you know it, you’ve achieved gobs status.

Sometimes phlegm can morph from its usual clear to yellow or green, a byproduct of the white blood cells that have charged in to fight infection. And then we as patients get asked that question — What color is it? — since color can sometimes, although not always, indicate the presence of infection.

As someone who tries to avoid inspection of my own snot or phlegm, I’ve always found this a rather disgusting query. But Ramanathan sees it another way. “As a sinus doctor, one of the worst nightmares you get is when people bring into the office the little Ziploc baggie of, ‘Look what I coughed out yesterday!’ In rare cases, they bring in Tupperware.”

So what to do to survive the phlegm stage, besides stock up on tissues and make sure the iPad is fully charged for the Netflix binge? Antibiotics will only help if you have a bacterial infection, and the average cold, no matter how phlegmy, usually doesn’t qualify.

“Just because your phlegm is green doesn’t mean you need antibiotics,” Rosen says. “Your cold and mine, even if you’re coughing up stuff, is usually viral, and there are no antibiotics for a virus.”

If your phlegm gets too gob-like (technical term), over-the-counter meds like Mucinex can help thin it, which makes it easier to expel, Ramanathan says. For the sinuses, using a Neti pot or decongestants can aid the mucus flow, and bending over a pot of steaming water helps some people with the symptoms, he says. I can revert straight to my childhood with the scent of Vicks VapoRub, doubling the comfort factor. And of course, chicken soup.

Eventually, as the illness subsides and the airway calms down and is no longer irritated (phlegmatic, you could say), the system goes back to producing our regular ration of mucus. Something for which we should be grateful every day.

Poet and journalist Wendy Mitman Clarke last wrote for Shots about giving children a bedtime pass. She has contributed to Smithsonian and other magazines.

Coughs of Many Colors: When Should You Be Worried About Phlegm?

Admit it: After you blow your nose or aggressively clear your throat, you might steal a glimpse at what your body just discharged — maybe not every time, but every once in a while. Just a quick peek. There’s nothing weird about that. You’re simply checking that everything looks right. At a time of year (and an era in history) when people are particularly concerned about respiratory health, it only makes sense to occasionally inspect your output, as it were, to be sure things are working normally. 

But when it comes to mucus, what is normal? Would you recognize warning signs even if you saw them? Can the color and consistency of that stuff actually tell you anything useful about your health? 

Does this seem like an undignified topic for a respectable science website? What can we say, except: it’s not.

Honorable Discharges

Before we tackle the question of color, let’s define just what sort of goo we’re talking about. The terms phlegm, mucus and sputum are used interchangeably by many laymen, yet they describe three distinct but related — and disgusting — bodily phenomena. Mucus is a thin, slick secretion produced by the mucous (with an “o”) membranes — a colorless, watery gel composed of salts, enzymes, antibodies, and other proteins in a viscous suspension. Mucus occurs throughout the body and functions primarily as a lubricant; it is found most abundantly in the digestive tract, a slippery coating that eases the passage of food down the esophagus, protects the lining of the stomach, and helps waste move through the intestines. Mucus also protects and lubricates the eyes and the respiratory system.

Phlegm is a specialized term for mucus that occurs specifically in the lower respiratory tract — that is, the lungs and throat. (Mucus produced in the nose is still just mucus.) Respiratory mucus serves to lubricate the vocal folds, and also filters out particulate debris like pollen, dander and smoke. When you inhale something nasty, it gets stuck in the phlegm coating your throat or lungs, triggering the cough or throat-clearing mechanism to expel it. Phlegm discharged by coughing or spitting is called sputum.

Now that You Bring It Up… 

Ordinarily, your body produces about a quart of phlegm — which, if you’re healthy, is colorless — each day. That’s how much you need to keep your airway clean and well-lubricated. But if you have an infection or inflammation in your respiratory tract, your body increases its production of both phlegm and nasal mucus. Copious amounts of clear, thin phlegm usually indicate an allergic reaction; the extra volume indicates that your body is trying to flush out the pathogen, and can show up as postnasal drip or a wet cough. In some cases of viral pneumonia, too, the characteristic dry cough may give way to clear phlegm as the infection lingers and your body produces a mucus layer to soothe and protect irritated lung tissue.

Some chronic conditions, such as acid reflux (formally, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are characterized by persistent white phlegm. Asthmatics, too, might see white phlegm when a flare-up occurs. For most people, white or light gray phlegm, especially when accompanied by nasal congestion, typically signals the onset of viral bronchitis. The color indicates the presence of infection-fighting white blood cells, and phlegm and nasal mucus will be thicker than usual.

As viral bronchitis settles in, it often brings with it a secondary bacterial infection — and a change in the color of your phlegm from white to a darker yellow. The color is caused by an enzymatic reaction as specialized white blood cells called neutrophils attack the infection. Sinusitis can also bring in yellow phlegm, which will take on a darker green cast as the infection lingers. 

Phlegm tinged with pink or red indicates the presence of blood. It’s a classic sign of tuberculosis; the bloody handkerchief was a staple of many a Victorian novel when the disease was more common. Frothy pink sputum accompanied by shortness of breath is a sign of pulmonary edema; blood and fluid leak from the alveoli into the lungs. This is often a symptom of congestive heart failure, and should be checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.

A brown hue means blood in the phlegm, too — old blood, rather than fresh. This shows up in people suffering from various forms of pulmonary fibrosis, a family of chronic, incurable diseases caused by inhalation of microscopic particles which cause scarring in lung tissue. These conditions are an occupational hazard for miners; “black lung” is the most infamous. Heavy smokers will also sometimes cough up brown phlegm; the color in this case comes from tar residue.

Black phlegm, though uncommon, is most often caused by environmental factors — smog, coal smoke, or heavy smoking. A fungal infection, Exophiala dermatitidis, can also cause black phlegm. This is thankfully quite rare, and generally occurs in people with an underlying chronic condition, typically cystic fibrosis.

Through Thick and Thin

More so than its color, it’s the consistency of phlegm that makes cold-and-flu season such a misery. Although it’s swollen nasal tissues, not mucus, that gives your nose that stuffed-up feeling, the gunk in your nose and throat does get thicker during the winter, largely due to dehydration; you may be drinking the same amount of water, but the air gets drier, so you’re losing moisture through respiration. It’s a good idea to boost your fluid intake when the cold weather rolls around. A home humidifier will help, too.

And now that you know what you’re looking for, don’t be ashamed to peek — discreetly, of course.

Snot and sputum | Health Navigator NZ

Snot is mucus from your nose and sputum is mucus from your airways. Mucus production is normal. Without it, your nose and airways become dry and don’t work properly. But sometimes your body makes too much mucus which causes problems such as a blocked or runny nose and cough.

What is snot?

Snot is mucus produced in your nose. Membranes on the inside of your nose are lined with cells that make it. This mucus lining traps dust and germs that you breathe in.

Tiny hairs move the mucus down your nasal cavity to where you swallow. When you swallow, the mucus goes into your digestive system (gut).

You usually produce around 1–2 litres of mucus each day, but if your sinuses or other parts of your upper respiratory tract (upper airways) are inflamed, you can produce twice as much. Inflammation of your upper airways can be caused by dust, smoke, pollen, chemicals or infection.

If you have an infection, your body makes extra mucus to trap and get rid of the germs. The extra mucus that is not swallowed comes out your nose as snot.

What is sputum?

The same process occurs in your lower respiratory tract (lower airways), such as your trachea (windpipe), bronchi (airways into your lungs) and your lungs.

Mucus is produced in the surface tissue of these airways to keep it moist, which makes it easier for the air you breathe to get past. Cells move the mucus up towards your throat where you swallow it.

When you have an infection, your body makes extra mucus to trap and get rid of the germs. This triggers an increased urge to cough, and you cough up the mucus as sputum. Coughing also irritates your lower airways and leads to even more mucus production.

What does the colour of my snot or sputum mean?

The colour of the mucus tells you what’s going on in your airways. It tells you how inflamed your tissues are and shows you that your immune system is fighting off the infection. The yellow-green colour of snot means there are more neutrophils, white blood cells that fight infection.

Changes in colour are usually not a cause for alarm and doctors don’t usually use this as part of their diagnosis.

Use this interactive tool to work out what is happening with your snot: What the colour of your snot really means

Do I need antibiotics if my snot or sputum changes colour?

The colour of your snot or sputum doesn’t tell you whether your infection is bacterial or viral. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them can cause antibiotic resistance and may make you sick.

If you have a blocked or runny nose, you can try breathing in steam, use a nasal decongestant or try a salt water (saline) nasal spray or rinse to get some relief. 

A cough can sometimes settle by breathing in steam, sucking a cough lozenge or by using an inhaler from your doctor. Read more about cough in adults and cough in children.

Learn more

Read about the different respiratory tract infections to find out which one you have, whether you need to see a doctor and what you can do to take care of yourself at home.

Reference

1. Cold season – managing without antibiotics BPAC, NZ, 2018 

Reviewed by

Where does all the snot come from?

How can humans produce so much phlegm or mucous?

Winter has come to the Northern part of the world, and people are suffering from colds.

One symptom of the seasonal cold is the runny nose. There seems to be no end to the fluid flowing out of the nose and the pile of used paper tissues are growing bigger by the hour.

How is it possible for a person to produce so much snot? We decided to consult science.

Niels Christian Stenklev is an associate professor at the University of Tromsø and a specialist in otalaryngology, in other words, an ear, nose and throat doctor. He should know enough about snot.

“When we catch a cold we are usually infected by a virus. It takes about two days from being infected until you start to feel the symptoms.”

“The virus has spent this time migrating into the mucous membrane cells of your nose, multiplied itself and created an inflammation reaction in the mucous membranes,” explains Stenklev.

Inflammations are actually one of the body’s protective mechanisms against foreign organisms and material.

“As a part of this process a number of signal substances are released the mucous membranes of your nose. These lead to increased production of mucous, more blood is channelled to these membranes and more body water is leaked out between the cells of the mucous membranes,” says Stenklev.

We experience this as having a stuffy nose and a lot more snot runs out than usual.

Mucous plus a little more

Snot is actually a collective designation for everything that comes out of your nose, with the exception of when you have a nosebleed.

When you are healthy it runs out as mucous. If the mucous is dried you get boogers. When you catch a cold the production increases and the phlegm and body water run from your nose.

If you have a bacterial infection you get also get pus – which is a mixture of dead tissue, bacteria and white blood cells, or leukocytes.

The colour of snot can tell us show sick we are:

Clear and colourless snot is okay, yellow or green indicates a viral or bacterial infection. Your body is sending leukocytes to the mucous membranes in your sinuses to fight the infection, and the aftermath of this battle gives your snot colour.

Snot and culture

There are all kinds of myths and taboos linked to our bodily fluids. Blood, for instance, plays a big role in religions. It can stand for vitality, purgation, forgiveness and healing. Blood can be warm or cold. It was also one of the “four humours” of the Greeks, the others being black and yellow bile, and the subject here − phlegm.

In ancient times it was believed that bad-tempered people had too much yellow bile and melancholy ones had an excess of black bile. Snot also enters the picture, as too much phlegm makes a person phlegmatic – gives them an unemotional or stolid disposition.

Of course tears play a heavy role in literature, film and art, and they have a palliative effect and can easily infect a sympathetic audience.

But snot is never praised by artists or priests.

It’s simply gross.

That’s overlooking the fact that it’s very essential, whether we’re sick or not. Snot is a kind of garbage removal.

Our nasal hairs catch bacteria, viruses, grains of dust and pollen and other unwanted foreign elements, so that they don’t easily follow the air into our lungs. Snot transports it out again through the nose or down into your stomach.

Problematic snot

Most of us consider it enough just managing our own snot. But some are concerned about others’ yucky substances.

In a research project about smell, fluids and shame the sociologist Lise Widding Isaksen at the University of Bergen studied health and care workers’ relationship to various body fluids.

Breast milk was viewed as the cleanest and most acceptable body fluid. Snot was much more difficult, ranking along with blood and vomit near the bottom of the list, only surpassed by excrement.

Beautiful and healthy?

Blood can be beautiful, excrement can provide relief for the person involved, and for some people urine is sexy. But phlegm is never coveted. At best it’s a sign of a peak performance and effort when it’s frozen onto the face of cross-country skier who’s first across the goal line.

But doctors say it can also be healthy. Also if we eat it! When we do so, we consume bacteria that can actually protect our bodies from bacterial attacks.

There’s even a facebook group that views it as a source of nourishment: “Eating Snot is NOT Disgusting! It’s a Good Source of Glycolsilated Protein”.

Apparently, medical textbooks don’t have a pat answer regarding how much snot a person can produce. Some produce more than others, that’s normal.

And it isn’t your brains leaking!

Translated by: Glenn Ostling

Microbiological examination of sputum – Clinics of Belarus

Microbiological examination of sputum

Sputum is a secret of the respiratory tract (lungs, bronchi, trachea and larynx), which is formed when they are damaged by various microorganisms-pathogens, or under the influence of chemical or physical factors and is released when you cough. Sputum is formed only with a disease. Healthy people, as a rule, do not have sputum.

Why test sputum? What is the purpose of microbiological examination of sputum?

Microbiological examination of sputum is carried out to identify the causative agent of the disease and determine its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs. In other words, it is necessary to select an adequate treatment regimen.

When is it necessary to conduct a microbiological examination of sputum?

Such examination of sputum is necessary in all cases of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system (pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis, pulmonary abscesses and others), which are accompanied by the separation of sputum.

And it is also very important for patients with chronic diseases: cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).After all, it is in such people that the bacterial infectious process is chronic, they receive treatment for this for a long time, and it is extremely important to “get” with an antibiotic.

We all know that there is no good or bad antibiotic. There are those that act on a specific pathogen, and those that do not act on it.

Do I need to somehow prepare for a microbiological examination of sputum? How to donate sputum for bacterial culture?

Microbiological examination of sputum is mandatory before starting antibiotic therapy.

It is important that the expected result is not “blurred” by any treatment. We need to single out the “naive” unafraid pathogen. And to understand exactly how to help a person, what treatment to choose.

In case of ineffectiveness of antibiotic therapy, with a protracted course of an inflammatory disease (for example, pneumonia), with suspicion of superinfection (re-infection of the patient with the same or another pathogen), as well as to monitor the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy, repeated studies can be carried out.

Usually, a study is carried out on the morning portion of sputum accumulated during the night, since this portion is the richest in microflora.

Sputum should be collected before breakfast. Be sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth thoroughly with boiled water.

Sputum is collected in a special sterile container with a lid. And this obtained sample must be delivered to the laboratory immediately, as a last resort, they can be stored in the refrigerator, but not longer than 2 hours.

How is sputum microbiological examination performed?

In the laboratory, the obtained sample is first stained with special dyes (Gram stain).

And then the microscopy itself is carried out.

The entire study takes about 1 hour.

The result is a preliminary conclusion about the pathogen contained in the sputum.

He is recognized by his “portrait”. But outwardly, some microorganisms are similar, therefore this method of determining the pathogen gives only a preliminary conclusion.

And this is not enough for treatment. We need to know exactly what kind of microbe we are dealing with.

For this, the next stage is performed – inoculation of sputum on special Petri dishes with certain nutrient media. The seeded Petri dishes are placed in a thermostat (a device in which the temperature is optimal for bacterial growth).

The presence of growth on these nutrient media and its character are monitored daily.

Estimate the number of colonies that have grown.

This is very important, since the presence of at least 1 million bacteria in 1 ml of sputum is diagnostically significant.

From the grown colonies, pure cultures of bacteria are isolated, the type of bacteria is established using classical laboratory methods or automated systems.

And only after that it is possible to obtain information on the sensitivity of the isolated microbe to antibacterial drugs.

It takes about 3-7 days to complete all stages of the study.

The principle here is simple: the more bacteria were in the delivered sample, the faster we will get their growth, and, therefore, the answer.

About the rules of preparation for diagnostic tests

Instructions for the correct collection of sputum for research.

Sputum should be collected in a specially equipped isolated place.
The health care provider supervising sputum collection must wear a face shield and observe the process through the glass door of the sputum collection room. It is forbidden to stand in front of a coughing patient!
Sputum collection is performed in the morning before the morning toilet and food intake. Otherwise, rinse your mouth before donating sputum to remove food debris from the mouth.
Take two deep breaths, holding the breath for a few seconds after each inhalation and exhaling slowly.
Then inhale a third time and exhale with force. Breathe in again and clear your throat sharply. Bring the container as close to your mouth as possible and gently spit phlegm into it.
If the patient has no sputum at the moment, try again after a while.
The sputum collection container is sterile and can only be opened when spitting up sputum.
After sputum has entered the container, it must be tightly closed with a lid. The sample number is written on the side of the container.
It is necessary to deliver containers for research to the laboratory in special tightly closed boxes. The bottom of the bix should be lined with a multi-layer gauze napkin dipped in dez. solution. Directions are shipped separately in a plastic bag.

How to properly collect sputum.

Sputum collection is performed in the morning before the morning toilet and food intake. Otherwise, rinse your mouth before donating sputum to remove food debris from the mouth.
Take two deep breaths, holding the breath for a few seconds after each inhalation and exhaling slowly. Then inhale a third time and exhale the air forcefully. Breathe in again and clear your throat sharply.Bring the container as close to your mouth as possible and gently spit phlegm into it.
Close container tightly with lid.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Collection of feces for scatological examination.

In preparation for the analysis, the food regimen (diet) with a dosed amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates must be observed for 3-4 days.

Feces are collected in the morning, after spontaneous defecation, in a specially designed dish: clean, dry, moisture-proof, with a lid.
You cannot bring material obtained after an enema, taking laxatives, or the introduction of suppositories. Feces should not contain urine impurities.
Before the study, the intake of activated carbon is excluded for 3-4 days.
In the study for latent bleeding from food, fish, meat, green vegetables, tomatoes, eggs, and iron supplements are excluded. The study is carried out after 3-4 bowel movements.
Feces are delivered to the laboratory on the day of collection in the morning. If this is not possible (there is no morning bowel movement), the feces are delivered no later than 10-12 hours from the moment of defecation, with its indispensable storage in the refrigerator at t + 3, + 5 grams.P.
Pevzner’s diet.

Contains 400 gr. bread, 250 gr. fried meat in a piece, 100 gr. oil, 40 gr. sugar, buckwheat, rice porridge, fried potatoes, salads, sauerkraut, compotes, fresh fruits and vegetables.

In some gastrointestinal diseases, this diet can accelerate peristalsis, leading to misinterpretation of the coprogram. Therefore, when examining patients with pathology of the digestive system, a sparing Schmidt diet is recommended.

Schmidt’s diet.

200 gr. white bread, 125 gr. chopped lightly fried lean meat, 200-250 gr. mashed potatoes, 1 liter of milk, 0.5 liters. Liquid milk oatmeal, 1-2 soft-boiled eggs or scrambled eggs, 40 gr. butter.

Instructions for conducting a glucose tolerance test (sugar curve):

The patient should adhere to a diet high in carbohydrates for 3 days and refrain from eating for 10 hours before the study.

The patient should also refrain from drinking alcohol and coffee; from heavy physical activity within 8 hours before and during the study.

You must sign up for a queue in the laboratory and bring glucose in advance.

During the period of the test, the patient should be in a calm state, all medical and diagnostic procedures should be canceled.

In patients with a fasting glucose level of more than 6.0 mmol / L, the test is not performed.

Rules for taking blood for the study of the hemostasis system:

Prepare a test tube, put the serial number on the glass with a pencil, add the required amount of sodium citrate (0.5 ml, 3.8% sodium citrate + 4.5 ml blood) or (1 ml of 3.8% sodium citrate + 9 ml of blood). An overdose or lack of sodium citrate leads to a distortion of the research results.
Blood is taken from the cubital vein, preferably without a tourniquet on the arm, by gravity.Having collected the required amount of blood, blood and anticoagulant are mixed by shaking the test tube. Intense shaking and foaming causes hemolysis of erythrocytes, which distorts many indicators of the coagulogram.
Deliver the tube to the laboratory in accordance with the shipping rules.

Instructions for the study of a general blood test

For a general analysis, capillary blood is used.

The study is carried out in the morning on an empty stomach. You can drink hot tea without sugar.

Before the study, exclude physical activity, alcohol, smoking, wash your hands. X-ray examinations, physiotherapy procedures, taking medications should be carried out after donating blood.

Have a referral from a doctor with you.

Instruction for biochemical blood tests

Venous blood is used for biochemical research.

Last meal before donating blood no later than 19.00. Eliminate fatty spicy and sweet foods.The study is carried out in the morning on an empty stomach.

Before the study, exclude physical activity, alcohol, smoking. X-ray examinations, physiotherapy procedures, taking medications should be carried out after the analysis.

Have a referral from a doctor with you.

After donating blood, it is recommended to have breakfast.

Instructions for collecting urine for a general analysis

For a general analysis of urine, use the morning portion.

Before collection, it is necessary to conduct a thorough toilet of the external genital organs.Women during menstruation should refrain from testing or use a tampon.

The urine is collected in a container, closed and delivered to the laboratory for research. Have a referral from a doctor with you.

Instructions for collecting urine for analysis according to Nechiporenko

For the analysis of urine according to Nechiporenko use the middle portion of morning urine.

Before collection, it is necessary to conduct a thorough toilet of the external genital organs. Women during menstruation should refrain from testing or use a tampon.

The urine is collected in a container. The beginning of urination is in the toilet, the middle portion is collected in a jar, and the end of urination is again in the toilet.

The collected urine is delivered to the laboratory. Have a referral from a doctor with you.

Instructions for the collection of daily urine

Before starting the collection, it is necessary to conduct a thorough toilet of the external genital organs. Women during menstruation should refrain from testing or use a tampon.

It is necessary to collect urine during the day (from 6 h.in the morning until 6 am the next day) into a large and clean container. Then mix the contents of the container thoroughly, pour out about 100 ml. into a clean dry jar and deliver to the laboratory. Have a referral from a doctor with you.

Rules for collecting urine for a general analysis

For a general analysis of urine, it is better to take the first morning portion, as it is the most informative.
Perform a thorough toilet with soap and water before collecting urine.
Collect the urine in a clean, wide-mouth jar and mix thoroughly.Pour 2050 ml into a shipping container and deliver to the laboratory as quickly as possible within 1-2 hours. Rules for collecting urine according to Zimnitsky

Urine is collected during the day from 6 am to 6 am the next day in 8 glass containers for urine collection. Labels are attached to each of them indicating the time of urine collection.
The day before collection, the intake of diuretics is stopped (after prior consultation with the attending physician).
At 6 o’clock in the morning, you need to urinate in the toilet, then all urine is collected in separate containers for every 3 hours: from 6 to 9 o’clock; from 9 to 12 o’clock; from 12 to 15 hours; from 15 to 18 hours; from 18 to 21 hours; from 21 to 24 hours; from 24 to 3 hours; from 3 to 6 o’clock.
If the volume of the main container is not sufficient, then it is necessary to take additional dishes from the sentry nurse and the corresponding time interval is indicated on this additional container.
If there was no urine for a 3-hour period, then the corresponding container remains empty, but is delivered to the laboratory.
During collection, the usual water and drinking regime is observed. The amount of liquid taken is taken into account; water, tea, coffee, first courses, as well as intravenous infusions. This amount must be reported to the sentry nurse and recorded on the analysis form.The resulting urine is stored in a cool, dark place.

Plain urography (a survey of the kidneys and urinary tract), X-ray of the lumbar spine and pelvic bones
Carried out on an empty stomach, with preliminary preparation: a laxative is taken the night before at 18-00 (for example, 30 ml of castor oil or Fortrans 2 sachet) or put a cleansing enema with boiled water at room temperature, with a volume of 1.5-2.0 liters.

Fluorography (FLG), X-ray of the skull, paranasal sinuses, musculoskeletal system
Preparation for this study is not required.

Mammography
Preparation for this test is not required. But, for women with a preserved menstrual cycle, it is recommended to conduct this study on days 2-12 of the cycle

Irigoscopy
For 3 days before the study, the patient should adhere to a slag-free diet, limit the intake of carbohydrate foods. Exclude black bread, potatoes, cabbage, apples, grapes, legumes, milk from the diet, food should be liquid, easily digestible; in the evening on the eve of the study and in the morning on the day of the study, it is necessary to carry out cleansing enemas (to clean water).An alternative way of preparation can be taking the drug “Fortrane” (according to the scheme) on the day before the study.

X-ray of the esophagus and stomach
On the eve of the study, after 18.00, it is necessary to restrict food intake (fluid intake is allowed). The procedure is carried out strictly on an empty stomach (excluded, including taking pills).

Intravenous urography
1-2 days before the urography, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, sweet foods and brown bread should be excluded from consumption.On the eve of the study, fluid intake is limited from the second half of the day. In the evening, before going to the radiologist, you need to do a cleansing enema, you can easily have dinner, but no later than 18.00. Repeat the cleansing enema before testing. On the day of the study, the patient should not eat or drink any food or liquids prior to performing the study procedure. If there is an allergic reaction to iodine preparations, the procedure is contraindicated.

Rules for preparing a patient for multispiral computed tomography (CT)

Standard (non-contrast) CT examinations of the bones of the skull, brain, paranasal sinuses, temporal bones, neck, larynx, chest cavity, mediastinum, spine, scapula, large joints, limbs – are carried out without preliminary preparation of patients.

Native (non-contrast) CT scans of the abdominal cavity (liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and adrenal glands) – do not eat for 5 hours before the study. Drink 1.5 liters of non-carbonated liquid 1.5 – 2 hours before the test.

CT studies of various organs and systems using contrast

intravenous enhancement are performed on an empty stomach on the recommendation of a radiologist and as directed by the attending physician, after a thorough study of the patient’s allergological history, and the absence of contraindications for intravenous administration of radiopaque contrast agents.On the eve of the study (the previous day) and on the day of the study, the patient should drink an additional 1-2 liters of water (liquid).
Rules for preparing a patient for ultrasound of the abdominal organs (liver, spleen, pancreas, gallbladder)
2-3 days before the examination, it is recommended to switch to a slag-free diet, exclude from the diet foods that increase gas formation in the intestine (raw vegetables, rich vegetable fiber, whole milk, brown bread, legumes, carbonated drinks, as well as high-calorie confectionery – pastries, cakes).For patients with problems with the gastrointestinal tract (constipation), it is advisable during this period of time to take enzyme preparations and enterosorbents (for example, festal, mezim-forte, activated charcoal or espumisan, 1 tablet 3 times a day), which will help reduce the manifestations of flatulence … An ultrasound of the abdominal organs must be performed on an empty stomach, if the study cannot be carried out in the morning, a light breakfast is allowed.
IMPORTANT !!! If you are taking medications, notify the ultrasound doctor about it.It is impossible to conduct a study during the first days after fibro-gastro- and colonoscopy. and also after X-ray examinations of the gastrointestinal tract using contrast agents (barium suspension).

Rules for preparing a patient for ultrasound of the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract
If only the kidneys are examined, preparation is not required. For examination of the bladder, it must be filled – contain 300-350 ml of fluid. Preparation: three to four hours before the study, you need to take 1.5 liters of any liquid. During this time (before the study) do not urinate.

Rules for preparing a patient for an ultrasound of the prostate
Preparation for a transrectal examination of the prostate (TRUS): it is necessary to carry out an enema in the evening before the study (to clean water) and once in the morning. Preparation with FORTRANE is acceptable (according to the scheme).

Preparation for transabdominal examination
a well-filled bladder is required.It is recommended to drink 1 liter of any liquid 1.5-2 hours before the examination.

Rules for preparing a patient for the study of the cardiovascular system
Electrocardiography – when recording an ECG in a planned manner, do not eat or smoke for 2 hours before the study.
Bicycle ergometry – medications that can affect the test results are canceled before exercise: cardiac glycosides, Ca antagonists, diuretics in 2-3 days, adrenergic blockers, sedatives – 1 day, prolonged-release nitrates – 6-8 hours).Do not eat or smoke for 2 hours before the test.
Cardiointervalography – exclude food intake, strong tea, coffee, smoking within 2 hours before the examination.
Echodopplercardiography – no special preparation is required for the study.

Rules for preparing a patient for the study of the function of external respiration (spirometry, bodyplehysmography, study of the diffusion capacity of the lungs)
Do not smoke for 2 hours; do not take caffeinated drinks and medications for 8 hours;
Do not use antihistamines for 48 hours;
Do not use bronchodilators for 6 hours.

Rules for preparing a patient for duplex scanning of blood vessels
Duplex scanning of the main veins of the lower extremities with color Doppler blood flow mapping
Preparation – for examining the iliac veins and inferior vena cava: three days diet with restriction of foods containing fiber ( vegetables, fruits, juices, coarse bread), dairy products. The study is carried out on an empty stomach.

Duplex scanning of the abdominal aorta and aorto-iliac segments with color Doppler blood flow mapping
Preparation: three days diet with restriction of foods containing fiber (vegetables, fruits, juices, wholemeal bread), dairy products.The study is carried out on an empty stomach.

Duplex scanning of the arteries of the abdominal cavity, the veins of the abdominal cavity (celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, renal arteries, portal system, inferior vena cava)
Preparation : three days diet with restriction of foods containing fiber (vegetables, fruits, juices, coarse bread), dairy products. The study is carried out on an empty stomach.

Duplex scanning of the extracranial sections of the great arteries of the head (MAG) with color Doppler blood flow mapping
Preparation: No special preparation required.

Rules for preparing a patient for ultrasound of the thyroid and salivary glands, lymph nodes, soft tissues, ultrasound of the neck vessels.
These studies are conducted without preparation.

Rules for preparing a patient for ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries
With a transvaginal study, the bladder should be empty.
At transabdominal examination, a well-filled bladder is required. It is recommended to drink 1 liter of any liquid 1.5-2 hours before the examination.

Rules for preparing a patient for an ultrasound of the mammary glands
It is advisable to study the mammary glands in the first 7-10 days of the menstrual cycle (cycle phase).
For 2 days before the examination, do not use physiotherapy, cans, mustard plasters, radiation and chemotherapy.

Rules for preparing a patient for an ultrasound of the heart. Echocardiogram (EchoCG)
These studies are carried out without preparation. It is recommended that you have your electrocardiogram (ECG) results with you.

Rules for preparing a patient for fibrogetroduodenoscopy
The study is performed strictly on an empty stomach, as a rule, in the morning. In the evening on the eve of the study (until 20:00) – a light dinner. Avoid smoking if possible prior to the study. Before the study, you can drink a small amount of plain water without gas, but be sure to inform your doctor about this. After the examination, you must not eat or drink for 30 minutes. If you had a biopsy, the food you eat on the day of the study should not be hot.It is possible to perform gastroscopy in the second half of the day. In this case, a light breakfast is possible, but at least 8-9 hours should pass before the study.

Rules for preparing a patient for a colonoscopy
Preparation includes two simple stages – a diet without plant foods and taking laxatives in two stages.

The diet begins 3 days before the study: do not eat any plant foods, prefer light foods that are quickly digested (list of foods on the back).
Attention! For 5 days, it is necessary to exclude preparations that can stain the intestine: iron preparations, bismuth (De-nol), some antibiotics and other preparations staining feces.

You do not need to starve while taking a laxative, you can drink any transparent liquids in unlimited quantities (strained broth, sweet tea, coffee without milk, juices without pulp, jelly without grains and berries, water) up to the colonoscopy itself …

2.Laxatives for preparation are taken only in a divided dosage of : the first time the night before and the second time in the morning before the colonoscopy (this is necessary for a good cleaning of the colon and facilitating the intake of the entire required dose). Even if you live far away, taking laxatives should be in two stages, the morning dose in this case will start earlier, taking into account the travel time. It is forbidden to take the entire dose in the evening.

A choice of four drugs is used as a laxative: Moviprep, Lavacol, Fortrans, Esiclene (do not use other drugs or be sure to warn the doctor in advance about choosing other drugs, this may affect the quality of preparation of the colon for the study).Subject to the recommendations for taking laxatives, any of the proposed four drugs prepares the intestine equally well:

Moviprep:

First intake – the night before: 1 liter of solution + 0.5 liters of clear liquid (listed above). Reception time from 18:00 and at least 2 hours.
Second appointment – on the day of colonoscopy: 1 liter of solution + 0.5 liters of clear liquid. Reception time from 07:00 and at least 2 hours. If the procedure is scheduled for 12:00.The time of taking the last dose of the drug should end 2-3 hours before the colonoscopy and not exceed 5 hours. That is, from the last dose of the laxative to the colonoscopy, NOT MORE THAN 5 hours should pass.
Along with the morning portion of the laxative, you need to drink a bottle of antifoam – Simethicone: Sub Simplex (30 ml.) Or Bobotic (30 ml.).

Fortrans:

First intake – the night before: 2 liters (2 bags) of Fortrans solution. Reception time from 18:00 and at least 2 hours.
Second appointment – on the day of colonoscopy: 2 liters (2 bags) of Fortrans solution.Reception time from 07:00 and at least 2 hours. If the procedure is scheduled for 12:00. The time of taking the last dose of the drug should end 2-3 hours before the colonoscopy and not exceed 5 hours. That is, from the last dose of the laxative to the colonoscopy, NOT MORE THAN 5 hours should pass.
Along with the morning portion of the laxative, you need to drink a bottle of antifoam – Simethicone: Sub Simplex (30 ml.) Or Bobotic (30 ml.).

Lavacol:

First intake – the night before: 2 liters (2 bags) of Fortrans solution.1.6 liters (8 sachets) Lavacol. Reception time from 18:00 and at least 2 hours.
Second appointment – on the day of colonoscopy: 2 liters (2 bags) of Fortrans solution or 1.4 liters (7 bags) of Lavacol. Reception time from 07:00 and at least 2 hours. If the procedure is scheduled for 12:00. The time of taking the last dose of the drug should end 2-3 hours before the colonoscopy and not exceed 5 hours. That is, from the last dose of the laxative to the colonoscopy, NOT MORE THAN 5 hours should pass.
Together with the morning portion of the laxative, you need to drink a bottle of antifoam – Simethicone: Sab Simplex (30 ml.) or Bobotik (30 ml.).

Esiklen :

First intake – the night before: 0.5 liters of the drug + 1 liter of clear liquid (listed above). Reception time from 18:00 and at least 2 hours.
Second intake – on the day of the study: 0.5 liters of the drug and 1 liter of clear liquid. Reception time from 07:00 and at least 2 hours. If the procedure is scheduled for 12:00. The time of taking the last dose of the drug should end 2-3 hours before the colonoscopy and not exceed 5 hours.That is, from the last dose of the laxative to the colonoscopy, NOT MORE THAN 5 hours should pass. Together with the morning portion of the laxative, you need to drink a bottle of antifoam – Simethicone (liquid, emulsion and not capsules!): Sub Simplex (30 ml.) Or Bobotik (30 ml.).

The criterion for the readiness of the colon for colonoscopy is the appearance of a liquid transparent or yellowish stool.
The main contraindication to taking laxatives is prolonged unexplained constipation (intestinal obstruction).

Additional recommendations:
It is imperative to take medications for the cardiovascular system (arrhythmia, hypertension) and other vital medications.
While taking laxative MANDATORY perform light physical activity: walking, light gymnastics, side bends. Do not sit or lie down while drinking a laxative, as evacuation from the stomach will be slow and nausea may occur. You can also do a circular massage of the abdomen around the navel in a clockwise direction. This speeds up the passage of the laxative through the gastrointestinal tract, thereby making it easier to take the drug.
The drug needs to be MANDATORY to drink slowly, in small sips.If you are in a hurry and drink quickly, then the laxative may start to vomit.
If there is a tendency to constipation (in the absence of stool for more than 3 days), then you need to start taking laxatives in tablets or drops (for example, Fitolax or Senade) in a few days.
Lemon juice or honey can be added to laxatives to taste. Also, it is recommended to drink laxatives chilled.
Enemas do not need to be done, this increases the peristalsis of the large intestine and unnecessarily injures the intestinal mucosa! All this adversely affects the course of colonoscopy.To prepare the colon well for examination, it is enough to drink the entire volume of the laxative.
After taking a laxative before colonoscopy, you can drink sweet tea or other clear liquids (listed above).

Diet recommendations 3 days before the study.

ALLOWED:

Meat: soups based on low-fat meat broth without vegetables; various, well-prepared dishes from lean beef, veal; boiled chickens, also in the form of cutlets, meatballs, soufflé; egg.
Fish: dishes from cod, pike perch, perch, pike (low-fat types of fish).
Dairy products: calcium-rich foods (low-fat cottage cheese, cheeses), natural yogurt ( without additives !), Low-fat kefir, no more than 2 glasses of skim milk.
Flour products and cereals: white bread from enriched refined premium flour, buns, biscuits, bagels (bagels) – no poppy seeds, simple crackers (no additives), noodles and noodles from premium flour, porridge (rice, oatmeal), white (peeled) rice.
Vegetables, fruits and drinks: vegetable broths, potatoes (without peel), mousse, ½ banana, peach, melon, tea, weak coffee, compotes, jelly and only clear juices (no pulp, dried fruits, berries and grains!)
Sweet : sugar, honey (not in combs!), syrup.
Fats and sauces: butter and vegetable oil, margarine, mayonnaise in limited quantities.

FORBIDDEN:

Meat fish: fatty varieties of fish and meat, duck, goose, smoked meats, sausages, sausages.
Dairy products: yoghurt containing fillers (fruit, muesli), pudding, cream, sour cream, ice cream, full-fat cottage cheese.
Flour products: all grain-containing products (whole grains, products containing crushed grains, nuts, poppy seeds, coconut, etc.), black bread, cereals (not included in the list of permitted), legumes, peas, lentils, etc.
Vegetables and fruits: All fresh and dried vegetables and fruits, cabbage in any form (both fresh and cooked), raisins and berries, especially those with small seeds, all types of greens.
Soups: cabbage soup and borscht, milk soups, cream soups, okroshka.
Drinks: alcoholic drinks, kvass, carbonated water, prune drinks.
Condiments and canned food: hot spices (horseradish, pepper, mustard, onion, vinegar, garlic), as well as all seasonings (sauces) with grains, herbs, pickles, canned food, pickled and pickled mushrooms, seaweed.

* Do not take liquid petroleum jelly, activated carbon, De-Nol (other medicines with bismuth) and preparations containing iron!

Rules for the preparation and passage of the FGDS
Preparation for the FGDS begins three days before the date of its holding in order to exclude all fatty, smoked, carbonated foods, as well as foods that contribute to an increase in acidity.
The last meal should be twelve hours before the diagnosis. In this case, the menu should include only easily digestible products. It can be porridge, boiled chicken.
If the patient smokes, then at least three hours before the procedure, he must give up cigarettes.
It is better not to take any medications before the procedure. This is necessary in case you have to use any medications while performing EGD. In addition, no colorants should remain in the stomach.
Also, the preparation algorithm provides for the collection of anamnesis by a doctor. Information that is important for the doctor will be a message about which medications are allergic, which chronic and acute pathologies are available.
For the procedure, the patient must bring with him a diaper, which will be underlined, a handkerchief, and a patient’s card. If the diagnosis was done before, then its results must also be provided to the doctor. The patient should put on shoe covers or wear replaceable shoes on his feet.
If you come to the procedure unprepared, the results will be uninformative and the doctor may prescribe it again, which is not very pleasant.
The doctor gradually introduces a fibrogastroscope
The procedure is not very pleasant. During its implementation, patients experience discomfort, slight soreness, at the beginning of the insertion of the probe, gag reflexes are triggered. In order to exclude all unpleasant sensations as much as possible, the pharynx is treated with an anesthetic, most often with lidocaine, for patients, but in the presence of allergies, other types of anesthesia can be performed.
The procedure is performed while lying on its side. First, the patient lies on his back, then the doctor says which side to turn (to the left).
The patient clamps the mouthpiece with his teeth, a probe will be inserted through it.
During the introduction, periodically the doctor will warn about the need to take a sip. At these moments, he will advance the device into the organs.
In order to reduce the gag reflex during the advancement, it is necessary to breathe calmly, deeply.
During the advancement of the probe, the doctor will examine the condition of the esophagus, then the stomach, and then examine the duodenum. If necessary, during FGS or FGDS, photographs will be taken or video filming of pathological areas will be carried out.
If during the diagnosis, the doctor can see bleeding areas, he will perform procedures to stop the bleeding. If a suspicious area with a polyp is displayed on the screen or a neoplasm is found, the doctor will immediately take the tissue for a biopsy, and remove the polyps. According to indications, with the help of FGDS, the drug can be injected directly into the pathological focus.
Normally, the diagnosis lasts no more than ten minutes. If you need to carry out any medical or additional diagnostic procedures, then the time of the manipulation increases and can last about half an hour.After the completion of the procedure, patients feel discomfort in the oral cavity. Within a day, this feeling disappears.
After the study, some patients may experience slight discomfort in the throat

Which doctor should you go to for sputum with blood

Pulmonologists of Moscow – latest reviews

Lovely, kind and attentive doctor! I am pleased with the visit.Marina Anatolyevna spent more than enough time for me. If there is such a need, I will definitely contact this specialist again. And I went to the clinic only because of the doctor.

Diana,

October 19, 2021

An excellent doctor.The best. She asks everything meticulously, about what worries, she carefully studied all the analyzes. This is exactly the doctor whom I trust one hundred percent!

Helena,

October 22, 2021

Leonid Yuryevich fully explained everything to us, we received the necessary information.He also told about our further actions. The appointment lasted 40 minutes. We will refer to this specialist again. We liked the welcome. If necessary, I will recommend this doctor to my friends.

Olesya,

October 30, 2021

Ekaterina Vladimirovna, very much helped with our problem, carefully read the anamnesis, conducted an examination, did an ECG, and on the basis of this she prescribed medications that helped…. we continue treatment.

Albina Sergeevna,

October 26, 2021

Everything went well, I had a second appointment with this specialist.Elena Gennadevna corrected my treatment. She is attentive, tries to help and understand the problem. If necessary, I will refer to her again.

Pauline,

October 31, 2021

The doctor loves his job.Everything is fine, no questions asked. I liked everything. At the reception, Satsita Gilanievna spoke specifically about my situation, prescribed pills, and made recommendations. Now I take it down, help. I hope everything will be fine, everything will go away, you will not have to go to hospitals anymore.

Andrey,

October 22, 2021

All was good.Everything about the case quickly and efficiently. At the reception, Natalya Anatolyevna examined, listened, prescribed treatment and medicine. I am satisfied with the quality of the reception.

Ksenia,

October 26, 2021

This is the first time I am writing a review about a doctor.I was at the reception today, after I told my complaints, I was immediately diagnosed with an unambiguous diagnosis and assigned a single examination with the words: “This is definitely it, I am an excellent doctor.” And they immediately told me that the examination must be done here without fail, they will certainly treat me here with droppers, and nothing else. When I asked how confident the doctor was that there was no other reason, I received in response: “Okay, let’s look at your belly.”
Thank you for coming down and looking at my belly for 2000r.She received no recommendations, conclusions or anything from the doctor.
I just gave the money for 5 minutes of dialogue.

Anastasia,

October 22, 2021

I liked the doctor.Everything went well. Adelia Yurievna issued directions for the necessary tests. I received enough information for the first appointment. I will contact this specialist again.

Vaisya,

October 25, 2021

Viktor Alexandrovich is a very good doctor.Thanks a lot to him! The doctor is very attentive, open to contact, it is clear that the person knows his job. At the reception, the doctor examined, gave recommendations, answered all questions.

Maryam,

October 31, 2021

Show 10 reviews of 4,380 90,000 Sputum culture – Clinic Health 365Ekaterinburg

Inoculation, or bacteriological analysis, is one of the most common methods for isolating a culture of bacteria on a nutrient medium in a laboratory. “Cultivation” of such crops leads to rapid multiplication of microorganisms and facilitates the identification of the causative agent of the infection. Any biological material can be sent for sowing. Bacteriological research aims not only to clarify the nature of microflora, but also its quantity, as well as to determine their sensitivity to various groups of antibiotics.Usually this information is enough to start the most difficult treatment and prevent the transition of an acute process to a chronic one.

Sputum cultures are performed for purulent-inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract (bronchitis, pneumonia, lung abscess, bronchiectasis). It is recommended to collect sputum for bacteriological examination in the morning, on an empty stomach after oral cavity sanitation, in a sterile plastic container (the container can be obtained from the registry). To avoid contamination of the collected sputum by the normal bacterial flora present in the mouth and throat, and in order to mechanically remove food debris and desquamated epithelium, the patient cleans his teeth before coughing up, rinsing his mouth and throat with boiled water.Morning sputum released during a coughing fit is collected in a sterile container with a wide neck and a tight-fitting lid. With poorly separated sputum, it is recommended to prescribe an expectorant the day before. If at the moment the patient cannot excrete sputum, he should not make an effort to cough up. The study is carried out before taking antibiotics. Delivery of material to the laboratory is carried out as soon as possible, since storage of the material contributes to the reproduction of flora, the development of processes of decay and fermentation, the death of streptococci and pneumococci.Sputum can be stored for 2 hours at room temperature, 5-6 hours at 2-8 ° C. The causative agents detected in this analysis include: etiologically significant – H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae and M. catarrhalis, gram-negative bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, S. pyogenes, Acinetobacter sp., Fungi of the genus Candida. Sputum, passing through the upper respiratory tract and the oral cavity, can be contaminated by the microflora growing in them, these can be green streptococci (S.viridans group), staphylococci (S. epidermidis), non-pathogenic Neisseria (Neisseria sp.), non-pathogenic diphtheroids (Corynebacterium sp.), Lactobacillus sp., Candida sp. and some others.

In the given result, the prevailing microflora, the number of pathogenic microorganisms and sensitivity to various groups of antibiotics are indicated.

90,000 Sputum – causes, diagnosis and treatment

Sputum is the pathological contents of the respiratory tube, represented by the discharge of glandular cells of the mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchi with an admixture of saliva, nasopharyngeal secretion.Coughing up sputum occurs during infectious and inflammatory processes of the upper and lower respiratory tract, allergies, inhalation of irritating substances. Radiological examinations of the chest, bronchoscopy, laboratory tests help to identify diseases in which sputum appears, to establish the causes of the formation of pathological mucus. The choice of treatment tactics depends on the nature of the underlying pathology.

General characteristics

In the lumen of the tracheobronchial tree of a healthy person, up to 100 ml of transparent mucus is collected during the day, which has bactericidal properties, participates in metabolism, elimination of infectious agents and small foreign particles from the respiratory tract.The secretion does not cause cough or discomfort and goes unnoticed. Sputum is excreted in excess in diseases of the nose, sinuses, respiratory and digestive organs.

The volume of discharge varies depending on the pathological process, in some diseases it reaches 4000 ml per day. The phlegm may be easily separated or difficult to cough up. In mucus, blood impurities, foreign inclusions (dust, metal particles, microliths) are often present.In most cases, bronchial secretions are odorless, the color is influenced by the nature of the underlying disease.

Classification

The consistency of sputum is thick, viscous and liquid, watery. When standing, in some cases, it is divided into 2 or 3 layers. According to physical properties (color, odor, transparency, other macroscopic characteristics), the following types of sputum are distinguished:

• Serous. It is allocated in acute left ventricular failure, accompanied by pulmonary edema.Characterized by the absence of odor, watery consistency, an abundance of foam. Serous sputum is usually colorless, sometimes has a pinkish tinge.
• Mucous. The appearance of a mucous discharge indicates the onset of inflammation of the respiratory tract or the attenuation of the activity of an acute pathological process. Sputum is coughing up in small amounts, it is a colorless viscous mucus.
• Muco-purulent. Formed in the acute period of many respiratory diseases.For such a secret, an increased viscosity is typical, the presence of impurities of yellow or green color.
• Purulent. Appears in severe inflammation, suppurative processes of the respiratory system. The consistency of the purulent secretion is liquid, the color is green or yellow-green, sometimes there is a putrid odor.

Perhaps, shocking photos of medical operations are hidden here, in which blood and intestines are visible

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Purulent sputum

Causes of sputum formation

Causes of purulent sputum

The appearance of a purulent yellow or yellow-green discharge indicates the presence of a severe acute respiratory infection or exacerbation of a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract.Purulent fetid sputum secreted with cough accompanies various destructive processes of the lungs, it is observed with stagnation of pathological contents in bronchiectasis. The most common causes of purulent secretions are:

Causes of thick / viscous sputum

Coughing up of viscous mucus or mucopurulent secretions occurs in most diseases of the bronchopulmonary system. Any acute respiratory pathology manifests as an unproductive cough with thick light or yellowish sputum.Chronic diseases are accompanied by the release of a viscous secretion during the period of remission. The most common coughing up of thick mucus is observed with the following pathologies:

Causes of mucous sputum

Some diseases of the respiratory system are manifested by the discharge of liquid, watery mucus. Sometimes such sputum is released by single spits, but with a number of diseases there is a lot of it. Coughing up mucus is common in acute airway infections. Mucous sputum, the causes of which are associated with chronic pathology, is coughing up during remission.Excessive production of clear mucus occurs against the background of the following conditions:

Causes of yellow sputum

Often sputum secreted by the patient turns yellow due to the activation of bacterial microflora. The appearance of such mucus in the morning can occur due to the admixture of nasal secretion, which flows into the trachea during sleep. Sometimes the sputum acquires a rich yellow tint due to food dyes, an increased content of eosinophils. Major diseases with yellow sputum production:

• Diseases of the nose, paranasal sinuses: rhinitis, sinusitis.
• Acute diseases of the respiratory system: bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia.
• Chronic respiratory diseases: chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, COPD.
• Eosinophilic infiltrates: ascariasis, hookworm disease, drug allergy.
• Specific infections: pulmonary forms of syphilis, tuberculosis.

Causes of mucopurulent sputum

Coughing up mucus with pus indicates an acute advanced stage of bronchopulmonary disease.Sometimes mucopurulent sputum is painted in a rusty color, streaks or droplets of blood may be present in it. Simultaneously with the appearance of pathological impurities, the volume of discharge increases. The main diseases in which the discharge of mucopurulent contents with cough is observed:

• Acute diseases of the bronchi, lungs: bronchitis, pneumonia.
• Chronic pathology of the respiratory tract: chronic bronchitis, COPD, the presence of bronchiectasis.
• Specific diseases: tuberculosis of the bronchi, lungs, pulmonary syphilis.
• Rare hereditary pathology: cystic fibrosis.
• Malignant neoplasms: bronchopulmonary carcinoma.
• Mycoses of the lungs: actinomycosis.

Causes of offensive phlegm

A strong unpleasant smell of sputum is caused by stagnation of the contents of the cavities of the lungs, putrefactive processes associated with the activity of anaerobic microflora.When such a cavity is drained in the bronchus, a fetid, semi-liquid secret is cleared out in large quantities. Morning phlegm sometimes smells strongly due to impurities in the discharge of the nasopharynx. The main pathologies accompanied by this symptom include:

• Suppurative pulmonary diseases: lung abscess, lung gangrene, pleural empyema.
• Neoplastic processes: disintegration of a cancerous tumor.
• Specific infections: disintegration of syphilitic gum, drainage of the tuberculous cavity.
• Bronchiectasis.
• Diseases of the nasopharynx: ozen.

Causes of green sputum

Green sputum is the result of bacterial infection and stagnation of secretions in the respiratory tube, bronchiectasis, and cavities. Such a discharge usually has a purulent, mucopurulent character, sometimes it has an intense putrid odor. Coughing up green contents may indicate a serious bronchopulmonary disease, often noted with pathologies such as:

• Acute diseases of the respiratory system: bronchitis, pneumonia.
• Pulmonary purulent destruction: gangrene, lung abscess.
• Suppurative diseases of the pleura: pyothorax.
• Respiratory tuberculosis: fibrous-cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis, pleural empyema with tuberculous pleurisy.
• Bronchiectasis of any genesis.
• Hereditary diseases: cystic fibrosis.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of diseases in which sputum is separated is carried out by pulmonologists or therapists.During the survey, the duration of the illness, the presence of occupational hazards, and the connection with smoking are specified. Examination reveals signs of hypoxia, symptoms of distal hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. To finally find out why the patient is coughing up sputum, the following methods help:

• Physical research. Local dullness of the percussion sound allows one to suspect pneumonia, the presence of pleural effusion. Dry wheezing rales on auscultation indicate bronchial obstruction, moist and crepitant abnormal breathing sounds are heard during infiltration of the lung tissue.
• Visualization methods. Radiography of the lungs reveals infiltrates of the pulmonary parenchyma, globular formations, the presence of destruction of the lungs. CT, MRI of the chest are prescribed to clarify the localization of the pathological process. It is possible to visualize the signs of pyothorax using X-ray examination or ultrasound of the pleural cavity.
• Endoscopic techniques. Bronchoscopy makes it possible to examine the mucous membrane of the bronchi, trachea.Using this method, you can detect manifestations of bronchitis, bronchiectasis, bronchoconstriction zones. Under the control of a bronchoscope, a biopsy of suspicious areas of the bronchial wall is performed. Fibrogastroscopy is performed to exclude GERD, rhinoscopy – if a pathology of the nasopharynx is suspected.
• Laboratory research. Peripheral blood tests reflect inflammatory changes in the body. During a microscopic examination of sputum, its physical qualities are assessed, Kurshman’s spirals, Dietrich’s plugs, and other inclusions are detected.The culture method allows you to detect the causative agent of an infectious disease, to determine its sensitivity to antibiotics.

Sometimes when coughing with sputum, spirometry, bodyplethysmography, and allergy diagnostics are additionally performed. To exclude syphilis, helminthic invasions, pulmonary mycoses, serological tests are performed. Molecular genetic methods and special studies are used to diagnose hereditary pathology. To confirm tuberculosis, the Mantoux test, diaskin and quantiferone tests can be used.

Bronchoscopy is performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes

Treatment

Help before diagnosis

Long-term, regularly expectorant sputum is the reason for a mandatory visit to the doctor. When coughing up liquid purulent contents with a full mouth, hemoptysis or rusty sputum, a visit to a medical facility should be urgent. Before the diagnosis is established, it is recommended to drink plenty of warm alkaline drink, expectorant herbal preparations and medicines, and breathing exercises.

Conservative therapy

There are a large number of pathologies in which sputum is coughing up; treatment depends on the etiology and mechanism of development of the disease. Conservative measures include the use of pharmacological agents and physiotherapeutic procedures, physiotherapy exercises. Medicines can be divided into the following groups:

• Etiotropic. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections, taking into account the sensitivity of the microflora.Combinations of anti-tuberculosis drugs are used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Antifungal medicines are indicated for fungal diseases, anthelmintics – for helminthic invasions.
• Pathogenetic. Includes expectorants. Against the background of treatment, the sputum becomes more liquid, it is better excreted from the bronchi. Mucolytics and mucoregulators are preferred. The group of pathogenetic agents also includes bronchodilators, corticosteroid hormones used for bronchial obstruction.For malignant neoplasms, anticancer medications are recommended.

Physiotherapeutic treatment is actively used for a number of pulmonological diseases. Patients are prescribed medicinal inhalations, breathing exercises. Sputum clears up well after percussion massage of the chest. Patients are trained in postural drainage techniques. Rehabilitation bronchoscopy is performed if necessary.

Surgical treatment

Patients with abundantly secreted purulent sputum resulting from suppurative-destructive diseases, as well as patients with lung tumors, are subject to surgical treatment.The scope of the operation depends on the prevalence and nature of the pathological process. Segmental resections, forehead, bilob and pulmonectomies are performed. With pyothorax, drainage of the pleural cavity is performed.

Pulmonology

Pulmonology – a branch of medicine dealing with the study, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract.

When do you need a consultation with a pulmonologist?

• Difficulty inhaling, exhaling, or both
• Whistling is heard when breathing
• You breathe normally, but still lacks air
• Shortness of breath on exertion or at rest
• Sputum has changed color or has blood streaks
• Chest pain on breathing
• Lingering cough
• Violent snoring during sleep
• Intermittent cessation of breathing during sleep
• Laboratory research

What diseases do we treat?

• Bronchial asthma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Pneumonia

Modern research methods:

• Laboratory tests – blood and sputum tests, allergen tests and many other special studies that will help determine your health condition and the cause of the disease.
• Fluorography – some diagnostic procedures are intended for prophylaxis in order to timely identify developing pathologies. They are performed at regular intervals, due to which it is possible to detect diseases at an early stage of their formation.
  One of these procedures is chest fluorography, which must be done by every adult at least once a year.
• Ultrasound of the pleural cavity – ultrasound examination of the lung membrane.A simple and affordable procedure that detects inflammation, fluid accumulation, air accumulation, or other lung pathologies.
• CT of the chest (under agreement with the ZhDB) – a modern method of X-ray examination. It makes it possible to determine the nature of the pathology: to distinguish inflammation from a neoplasm, an abscess from a lung cyst, and also to characterize the airiness of the lung tissue and the state of the bronchi.
• Respiratory function (FVD, spirometry) – determination of lung volume and respiratory rate.It is carried out for accurate diagnosis of bronchial asthma, COPD and a number of other diseases.
• Pulse Oximetry – a simple and non-traumatic way to determine the level of oxygen in the blood: a special clothespin is put on the finger, and the device takes readings.

Effective treatment approaches

• Pharmacotherapy – the appointment of drugs to relieve symptoms and treat the cause of the disease.
• Physiotherapy – treatment with physical fields – heat, light, magnetic and electric fields – to alleviate your condition and activate your own recovery processes.

Information about the disease »State budgetary institution of health care

Disease information

Tuberculosis today remains a serious problem both for the whole world and for the Russian Federation, which carries biological and economic threats.According to the WHO. About a third of the world’s population is infected with mycobacterium tuberculosis. Every year about 10 million people fall ill with tuberculosis in the world, one million of them are children. Tuberculosis is still one of the 10 leading causes of death in the world, ahead of human immunodeficiency virus and malaria.

Affecting mainly the working-age population (about 82% of patients with tuberculosis), tuberculosis is a heavy burden, primarily on the health care system, having an adverse effect on the country’s GDP.

Since 2000, the incidence of tuberculosis in the Russian Federation has decreased by 46%, and amounted to 48.3 per 100 thousand population in 2017.

The main , but not the only route of transmission of tuberculosis is airborne . The entrance gate of infection is most often the human respiratory tract, into which mycobacterium tuberculosis enters with particles of dried sputum or droplets of mucus and sputum thrown out by patients when talking, coughing and sneezing.From the moment of infection – the ingestion of mycobacterium tuberculosis into the body and until the clinical manifestation of the disease, a long time passes: the disease develops gradually and often the sick person does not present any complaints.

In the vast majority of cases, tuberculosis affects the lungs, but extrapulmonary forms can also appear.

Pulmonary tuberculosis is characterized by a wide variety of clinical symptoms, which vary widely in severity and severity. The main symptoms include: poor sleep and appetite, fatigue and irritability, weight loss, weakness, sweating, chills, fever.

Cough can sometimes occur. It can be a mild cough due to bronchial irritation or coughing fits when phlegm and blood are released.

Bone tuberculosis may occur when the infection enters the bones. Then, in addition to the general symptoms, various local signs of the disease appear.With tuberculosis of the joints of the extremities, their mobility is limited, pain appears during movement. With the defeat of the spine, the patient’s posture and gait change, and he quickly gets tired when moving.

The diagnosis can be made by X-ray data and laboratory research methods.

It is important to detect tuberculosis at its initial stage. If the necessary treatment is carried out exactly at this time, then in most cases a complete and lasting recovery is achieved. Unfortunately, during a mass examination of the population, some, for one reason or another, evade X-ray control (fluorography).Others, even experiencing unpleasant sensations, go to the doctor only a few months after their appearance. During this time, they often engage in self-medication, under the influence of which they sometimes feel better, cough will decrease, and the temperature will drop. However, the process remains active or even progresses, and the patient turns to the doctor only when the condition deteriorates significantly. But then it is not uncommon to find a widespread, and sometimes neglected process in the lungs in the form of large or multiple tuberculosis foci, and when they disintegrate, cavities (cavities) are revealed.At the same time, mycobacteria are often found in sputum and, thus, the patient becomes a bacillus excretory.

The main method for early diagnosis of tuberculosis is regular fluorographic examination!

Fluorography is a diagnostic method in which X-rays are used to obtain an image of tissues and organs, reflected from a special luminous screen.

The method was developed at the end of the nineteenth century, a year after the discovery of X-rays.

Fluorography should be done for prophylactic purposes to detect tuberculosis at least once every two years.

More often people with special indications need to be examined. So, if there are cases of tuberculosis in the family or in the work collective, the examination is scheduled once every 6 months. The same requirements for workers in maternity hospitals and tuberculosis dispensaries, hospitals and sanatoriums.

People suffering from severe chronic diseases, such as bronchial asthma, diabetes, HIV, stomach or duodenal ulcers, should also have a fluorogram every six months.

People who have served time in prisons must be examined once every 6 months.

Regardless of the period that has passed since the previous examination, it is done to persons diagnosed with tuberculosis, conscripts into the army.

Contraindications

Contraindications to fluorography are pregnancy and children under 15 years of age.

In our institution, fluorographic examination is carried out on modern low-dose digital X-ray machines.

“TO PARENTS about tuberculosis, vaccination with BCG vaccine, Mantoux allergic test”, Diaskintest or simply

“TO PARENTS”

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a tubercle bacillus (Koch’s bacillus). Tuberculosis often affects the respiratory system, but extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis are also found. Lymph nodes, skin, bones, kidneys, eyes, abdominal organs, central nervous system, etc. can be affected.d.

Since the beginning of the 90s, an unfavorable situation with regard to tuberculosis has been noted both in Russia and in the world as a whole. In 1993, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared tuberculosis a global threat. In the world, 16 million people are sick with tuberculosis, 3 million die annually from tuberculosis, 1/3 of the world’s population (2 billion people) are infected with tuberculosis bacillus, i.e. are its carriers.

You can get infected with tuberculosis from a patient by airborne droplets (when talking, sneezing, coughing), when in contact with things or objects contaminated with sputum, saliva, containing the causative agent of tuberculosis, i.e.because the bacillus Koch retains its activity in the external environment for a long time. In liquid sputum, the bacillus dies within 5-6 months. Even in a dry state on various objects, linen, books, etc. it can retain its properties for a number of months and, falling into favorable conditions of existence, is capable of causing infection. Direct sunlight kills bacteria in 10 minutes, scattered light kills them within 5-7 days. In a dirty, dark room, tubercle bacilli retain their viability for a very long time.

Animals (cattle) with tuberculosis can be dangerous in the spread of infection. Infection occurs when eating, most often, dairy products that have not been heat-treated.

How to protect a child from tuberculosis or significantly alleviate his suffering and ensure a better outcome of the disease?

BCG vaccine.

The main preventive measure against tuberculosis is BCG vaccination.Children vaccinated against tuberculosis get sick 15 times less often and much easier than those who are not vaccinated. The vaccine will protect the child, first of all, from tuberculous meningitis and severe common forms of the disease.

Vaccination against tuberculosis is carried out on the 3rd-7th day of the child’s life in the hospital in the absence of medical indications. Contraindications to vaccination against tuberculosis are only those conditions of the child in which the risk of developing post-vaccination complications increases. There are not many of them: the child’s weight is less than 2000 g, acute manifestations of any diseases and exacerbation of chronic diseases, congenital primary immunodeficiency, malignant neoplasms, the use of drugs that reduce immunity and radiation therapy.At the site of the vaccine injection, inflammatory changes occur gradually (within 4-6 weeks), sometimes a small ulcer forms. This is a normal course of the vaccine process that does not require any intervention (lubrication, bandaging, etc.). In most children, immunity lasts for 5-7 years, therefore, at the age of 7 and 14, children with a negative reaction to the Mantoux test are vaccinated again.

Immunity is developed no earlier than 2 months after vaccination, therefore, if contact with a patient with tuberculosis is possible, the child must be isolated for this period.

If the child was not vaccinated in the hospital, the vaccination is carried out in the clinic after the removal of contraindications. Before vaccination and for the period of development of immunity (2 months), it is necessary to limit the circle of adults who communicate with the child and conduct their examination for tuberculosis (fluorography).

If the child is not vaccinated before 6 months. age, it is important to give him a Mantoux tuberculin test and if it is positive, consult a phthisiatrician.

Children with chronic diseases need vaccination more than healthy ones, i.because the vaccine process is usually easy, imperceptible to the body, and the course of tuberculosis in such children, most often, is severe and requires significant efforts of medical workers and the patient himself on the way to recovery.

Now, in the wake of the anti-vaccine fad, some parents believe that vaccines are harmful. The point of refusal is clearly spelled out in our legislation, but such parents want to say only one thing – this is your child and it is you who take responsibility for the refusal

Mantoux test.

The least harmless method for diagnosing tuberculosis in children and adolescents is the Mantoux test with 2 TU. The mantoux test should be performed annually, starting from 12 months of age, absolutely healthy children. The Mantoux test is harmless to the body, but acute viral and bacterial infections, exacerbation of chronic diseases can affect the final result. Therefore, the Mantoux test is recommended 1 month after the child recovers.

Many consider the Mantoux reaction to be a vaccination, but this is not a vaccination, but an allergic skin test, which reveals the strength of the immune system and early detection of tuberculosis in a child.Parents should not refuse to go to a specialist if they suspect an infection. It is necessary to find out whether this is a true reaction, or a false-positive, examine the child and, possibly, carry out preventive treatment. All children’s anti-tuberculosis care is aimed at preventing tuberculosis, because the treatment of active forms of tuberculosis in stationary conditions is very long.

If the parents categorically refuse to perform the Mantoux test, the child should be examined for tuberculosis by other methods.An alternative is a chest x-ray.

In accordance with the normative documents (sanitary and epidemiological rules SP 3.1.1295-03 “Prevention of tuberculosis”), the administration of children’s institutions has the right not to admit children who have not been examined for tuberculosis into the collectives until a report from a phthisiatrician is provided.

Diaskintest – skin test to determine the presence of tuberculosis, characteristics of the development of the pathological process.With the help of the test, an active form of the disease of all organs is established, an asymptomatic carriage, in which the patient is a carrier of mycobacteria.

Among the advantages of the test are:

High level of security;

Does not cause reactions in healthy and vaccinated people;

Highly sensitive. All sick and infected individuals have an accurate positive result;

Allows you to determine the activity of the disease, monitor the effectiveness of treatment;

Shows negative result after correct therapy.

Diaskintest allows you to diagnose tuberculosis. The method differs from the classical Mantoux in its accuracy. The effectiveness of Diaskintest is 90%. For comparison: Mantoux accuracy ranges from 50 to 70%. The results are assessed after 72 hours. Diaskintest is well tolerated, rarely causes allergic reactions. Even in the event of individual intolerance to the test component, undesirable reactions disappear after 2-3 days.

Diaskintest is used for setting an intradermal test in all age groups for the purpose of:

Definitions of the phase of development of tuberculosis;

Identification of persons at high risk of developing an open form;

Diagnosing the form of the disease;

Evaluations of treatment activity, etc.d.

A sample through the Diaskintest test is carried out in the following cases:

To persons who received a referral to an anti-tuberculosis institution for examination for the development of the tuberculosis process;

High-risk individuals due to epidemiological, medical and social factors.

Dear parents! Vaccinate your children on time.

Your children’s health is in your hands!

If you have any questions, then ask them in the “Question-Answer” section.

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