Abnormal sputum

**Definition:** This category includes the abnormalities of quantity, colour and odor in sputum which may suggest an aetiology. Patients with chronic bronchitis typically expectorate small quantities of mucoid yellow material. A foul or fetid odor should suggest infection from anaerobic organisms, usually in cases of lung abscess. Occasionally, greatly excessive amounts of sputum or "bronchorrhoea" is associated with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma.

**Exclusions:** - blood-stained sputum