Green Sputum: Causes from Bronchitis to Cystic Fibrosis
Green sputum indicates neutrophil influx (myeloperoxidase) and suggests active airway inflammation or infection.
Common Causes
- Acute/bacterial bronchitis: Purulent cough; often post-viral.
- Chronic bronchitis (COPD): Daily sputum; green = exacerbation.
- Sinusitis: Postnasal drip of purulent mucus.
- Pneumonia: Fever, focal findings; rusty or green sputum.
- Bronchiectasis: Chronic copious purulent sputum.
- Cystic fibrosis: Thick, green, tenacious; genetic diagnosis.
- Allergic fungal sinusitis/bronchitis: Eosinophilic + fungal elements.
When to See a Clinician
- Persistent >2–3 weeks
- Fever, weight loss, hemoptysis, dyspnea
- Immunocompromised
Sputum culture, CBC, imaging, and sometimes bronchoscopy guide targeted therapy (antibiotics, airway clearance, CFTR modulators).
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