the patient is a male, age 60. He was admitted to the hospital for shortness of
ID: 123725 • Letter: T
Question
the patient is a male, age 60. He was admitted to the hospital for shortness of breath and a productive cough accompanied by greenish sputum (lower airway mucus) and blood. The patie
nt is a real-estate developer in the Indianapolis area. He specializes in tearing down and/or renovating properties. He is married, with two children. The family owns an African
Grey parrot and two cats. The patient has a family history of chron's disease and is currently undergoing treatment
Explanation / Answer
Green sputum: According to the given situation the patient was admitted to the hospital for shortness of breath and a productive cough accompanied by greenish sputum (lower airway mucus) and blood. The greenish sputum typically indicates a chronic or otherwise long-standing infection. The green color occurs due to neutrophils breaking down and myeloperoxidase/ verdoperoxidase being released, an enzyme found in this type of cell.
In the long standing inflammatory but non-infectious condition can also possible to notice green sputum. This kind of sputum generally contains large quantities of pus in the case of infections has more mucus as opposed to pus in the case of non-infectious inflammatory issues. In the respiratory tract bacterial infection can also possible to cause green sputum.
Possible examples of green sputum causes:
Cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis: Just green
Chronic bronchitis: Gray to green and clear
Lung abscess: Green sputum (abscess ruptures)
Pneumonia: Green, yellow, or white
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