Phlegm Color as a Prognostic Indicator for Lung Disease: Study
The color of phlegm, also known as sputum, from patients with bronchiectasis, a long-term lung condition, may indicate the degree of inflammation in their lungs and predict their future outcomes, according to a study presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. The study, which included nearly 20,000 patients from 31 countries, found that sputum color can serve as a biomarker for inflammation and is associated with exacerbations, hospitalizations, and mortality. The findings suggest that monitoring sputum color could improve treatment and monitoring of bronchiectasis patients, empowering them to self-manage their condition.