Why Does Coughing, Sneezing, and Sputum Production Occur?  

1. Protective Reflexes:

• Sneezing: A neural reflex controlled by the medulla oblongata in the brain, triggered by irritants in the nasopharynx. It helps expel irritants to prevent damage.
• Coughing: Similar reflex mediated by the medulla oblongata, but triggered by irritants in the oropharynx. It involves a forceful expulsion to remove irritants and prevent further damage and inflammation.

2. Types of Cough:

• Dry, Unproductive Cough: Does not expel secretions; can be tiring and cause additional strain. Treated with antitussives to inhibit the neural pathway causing the cough.
• Wet, Beneficial Cough: Helps expel secretions with irritants, beneficial for the individual but can spread infections to others through droplets. Treated with expectorants like guaifenesin to thin secretions, making them easier to expel.

3. Sputum Analysis:

• Color Indicators:
  • Yellowish/green and thick suggests bacterial infection.
  • Reddish/rusty indicates possible blood, suggesting capillary damage in the lungs.
• Types & Implications:
  • Purulent Sputum: Contains pus, bacteria, and dead cells; indicates bacterial infection.
  • Bronchiectasis: Result of multiple infections, leading to scarred, widened airways that collapse, reducing air flow.
  • Thick, Tenacious Mucus: Common in asthma and cystic fibrosis, can block alveoli, disrupt gas exchange, and may include blood.

• Hemoptysis: Blood-tinged frothy sputum, often indicating pulmonary edema, fluid, and inflammation in the alveoli. Impairs gas exchange. Important to distinguish the difference between hemoptysis and hematemesis, as the location of bleeding is associated with the respiratory tract and digestive tract respectively.
• Hematemesis: Blood in vomit, indicates gastrointestinal tract issues, whereas hemoptysis points to lung issues.

 Conditions and Diseases that can involve Sputum Analysis:

• Pneumonia: Often caused by pneumococcal bacteria; involves infection of the lung tissue; can cause yellow, green or rusty sputum.  Analysis of sputum for microbes can confirm diagnosis.
• Tuberculosis: A serious bacterial infection that can also result in yellow, green or reddish sputum that may be analyzed for confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection;  requiring a cocktail of antibiotics for treatment.

 Summary:

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of respiratory diseases involves understanding both protective reflexes and the nature of various coughs and sputum. Diagnostic clues from sputum analysis and associated conditions guide treatment plans for infections and systemic diseases impacting the respiratory tract.