Definitions
- Referring to the thick, sticky mucus that accumulates in the throat or lungs due to respiratory infections or allergies. - Describing a feeling of congestion or heaviness in the chest or throat due to excess mucus. - Talking about a symptom of colds, flu, or other respiratory illnesses.
- Referring to the mixture of saliva and mucus that is coughed up from the respiratory tract. - Describing a diagnostic sample collected for laboratory analysis to detect respiratory infections or diseases. - Talking about a symptom of chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, or tuberculosis.
List of Similarities
- 1Both refer to substances produced by the respiratory system.
- 2Both can be symptoms of respiratory infections or diseases.
- 3Both can be used for diagnostic purposes.
- 4Both are associated with coughing or clearing the throat.
- 5Both can be unpleasant or uncomfortable to experience.
What is the difference?
- 1Composition: Phlegm is primarily composed of mucus, while sputum is a mixture of saliva and mucus.
- 2Source: Phlegm is produced in the respiratory tract, while sputum is coughed up from the lungs.
- 3Color: Phlegm is typically clear or white, while sputum can be yellow, green, or brown.
- 4Consistency: Phlegm is thick and sticky, while sputum can be thick or thin depending on the underlying condition.
- 5Usage: Phlegm is more commonly used in everyday language, while sputum is more technical and medical.
Remember this!
Phlegm and sputum are both substances produced by the respiratory system and can be symptoms of respiratory infections or diseases. However, the difference between phlegm and sputum lies in their composition, source, color, consistency, and usage. Phlegm is primarily composed of mucus, produced in the respiratory tract, and is typically clear or white and thick and sticky. On the other hand, sputum is a mixture of saliva and mucus, coughed up from the lungs, and can be yellow, green, or brown, with varying consistency depending on the underlying condition. Phlegm is more commonly used in everyday language, while sputum is more technical and medical.
