What is meant by sputum production?

Coughing up sputum, also known as expectoration, refers to the pathological secretion in a patient's respiratory tract that is expelled from the body through coughing.

Sputum is composed of secretions or exudates originating from the trachea, bronchi, throat, and alveoli. When the body is infected by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, sputum may contain mucus, serum, pus, necrotic tissue, and various types of bacteria or fungi. Retained sputum inside the body is harmful, as pathogens can continuously grow and multiply, leading to worsening or spreading of inflammation. Persistent sputum production may be caused by conditions such as upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, pneumonia, or pleurisy.

If a patient experiences symptoms of sputum production, it is recommended to visit a reputable hospital for relevant examinations such as complete blood count and chest CT scan. The underlying cause should be identified based on test results, and appropriate medication should be selected under medical guidance. In daily life, avoid consuming unclean or moldy food.