Which sputum characteristics are commonly associated with bacterial pneumonia?

Which sputum characteristics are commonly associated with bacterial pneumonia?

• A. Clear sputum with no fever
• B. Purulent sputum, often colored, with fever and leukocytosis
• C. Hemoptysis with no fever
• D. Mucoid sputum with no systemic signs

Answer: (B)

When bacteria cause pneumonia, the alveoli fill with inflammatory exudate rich in neutrophils, bacteria, and cellular debris. This produces sputum that is purulent and often colored (green, yellow, or rust) due to the abundant neutrophils and breakdown products. Along with this local infection, the body commonly mounts a systemic response, resulting in fever and an elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis). So, purulent, often colored sputum with fever and leukocytosis is a classic pattern for bacterial pneumonia. Clear sputum with no fever fits viral bronchitis or noninfectious processes; mucoid sputum with no systemic signs suggests nonbacterial etiologies, and hemoptysis without fever can occur in other conditions, but not the typical presentation of bacterial pneumonia.

When bacteria cause pneumonia, the alveoli fill with inflammatory exudate rich in neutrophils, bacteria, and cellular debris. This produces sputum that is purulent and often colored (green, yellow, or rust) due to the abundant neutrophils and breakdown products. Along with this local infection, the body commonly mounts a systemic response, resulting in fever and an elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis). So, purulent, often colored sputum with fever and leukocytosis is a classic pattern for bacterial pneumonia. Clear sputum with no fever fits viral bronchitis or noninfectious processes; mucoid sputum with no systemic signs suggests nonbacterial etiologies, and hemoptysis without fever can occur in other conditions, but not the typical presentation of bacterial pneumonia.