What is the significance of different sputum types?
| Type | Characteristics | Associated pathology |
| Purulent | Thick, yellow/green sputum | Infectious – pneumonia, bronchiectasis and abscess |
| Mucoid | Clear, grey/white | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma |
| Serous | Clear, frothy, can be pink | Pulmonary oedema |
| Blood | Blood | Malignancy, pulmonary embolus, clotting disorders, infection |
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