The color of sputum or phlegm, which is the mucus and sometimes pus discharge expectorated from the respiratory tract, is often an indication of the type of respiratory disease that gives rise to sputum production. By examining the type of sputum and noting the color as well as the presenting signs and symptoms, a >> Read More ...
Pertussis (whooping cough) closely resembles many other upper and lower respiratory tract infections and a proper diagnosis is essential in order to commence with the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Many cases of pertussis are initially misdiagnosed for more common respiratory tract infections. It is only upon >> Read More ...
What is Whooping Cough? Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a contagious infection of the respiratory tract. While most respiratory tract infections are due to viruses (example : common cold, influenza), pertussis is caused by bacteria, namely the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. Pertussis typically affects the >> Read More ...
The bronchi (singular ~ bronchus) are the two branches (left and right) at the bottom of the trachea that lead into the lungs. These main bronchi then divide into lobar and segmental bronchi. Together the trachea and the main left and right bronchi, along with all its subdivisions, are referred to as a the >> Read More ...
Abnormal breathing sounds differs in quality from the normal hollow, rustling sound that is heard as air passes through the large airways like the pharynx, larynx and trachea (bronchial breathing) and resonates in the bronchial tree and lungs (vesicular breathing). Abnormal sounds may resemble a musical wind instrument or >> Read More ...
Normal Breath Sounds What is bronchial breathing sounds? Normal breathing is not a silent process. Air flow through the large airways is turbulent and causes a rustling or blowing type of sound. It is most prominent in the upper respiratory tract (nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx) and the upper part of the lower >> Read More ...
Coughing is a reflex mechanism by which the body rids the lower respiratory tract of any irritant that enters through the air and less frequently any fluids (drinks) and solids (food) that may spill into the respiratory tract. Coughing can be initiated voluntarily but lacks the force and pressure as when triggered by the >> Read More ...
Swallowing is a process of moving food and drink from the mouth to the stomach. It is composed of three phases that starts in the throat and extends down to the esophagus. Swallowing is partly voluntary but mainly an involuntary reflex that comprises a well coordinated sequence of events to complete its function. The >> Read More ...
A dry cough is a cough where no mucus or very little mucus is expectorated (coughed up). This is known as a non-productive cough. Most conditions that may cause a cough will present as a dry cough in the early stages. As the disease progresses, the productive nature of the cough will become evident. Coughing is a result of >> Read More ...
What is sputum? Sputum or phlegm is the discharge that is expectorated from the respiratory system. It is a combination of mucus produced by the airways combined with saliva from the mouth. It also contains other components including microorganisms, whole cells (like the immune cells), debris and dust even if there is no >> Read More ...
