Have you been coughing and having phlegm for a few days? Maybe your doctor has told you to do a 'sputum culture'. You may be a little scared and nervous when you hear that name. What exactly is a sputum culture? Is it something to be afraid of? Let's talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.
First, let's see, what is this sputum culture test?
Simply put, a sputum test is a medical test that checks for bacteria or other germs that are causing an infection in your lungs or respiratory tract.
Doctors often use this test to identify people with less serious respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, and to follow up on their condition.
Importantly, this test is not usually done when a viral infection is suspected, but only when a bacterial or fungal infection is suspected.
So what does 'sputum' mean?
Phlegm is a thick mucus that builds up inside your lungs. We also commonly call it 'sputum'. You can have this type of mucus due to chronic illnesses and infections in your lungs or respiratory tract.
This is different from the saliva in your mouth. Mucus contains cells from our immune system. These cells fight germs that have entered the lungs. The mucus is thick, so germs stick to it and get stuck. Then, tiny hair-like structures (cilia) in our airways push this mucus up and into our mouth. We can then cough it up and expel it.
Why would a doctor recommend this sputum test?
This test has several main objectives.
1. Make a diagnosis
This test helps determine if you have an infection in your lungs and respiratory tract, and if so, what germ is causing it. Some of the main diseases that can be identified through this test are:
- Pneumonia: This is a serious infection of the lungs.
- Tuberculosis (TB): This is also an infection of the lungs caused by a specific bacteria. If not treated properly, it can spread to other parts of the body.
- Bronchiectasis: This is a condition in which the airways become narrowed and lung function decreases.
2. Plan treatment
Knowing exactly what germ is causing your infection can help your doctor choose the best treatment for you. This can help you choose the right antibiotic to kill the germ. Sometimes, this test can also help you find the right antibiotic to kill the germ (susceptibility testing).
3. Monitor disease status
This test also helps you see if your condition is getting better or worse over time. This means you can see if the medication your doctor has prescribed is working or not.
When do I need a smear test?
Your doctor may request this test if you have symptoms of a severe lung infection, such as pneumonia.
| Symptom | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Cough with mucus | It's not a normal dry cough, but when you cough, you get thick mucus. |
| Having a fever or chills | Increased body temperature or shivering. |
| Difficulty breathing (Dyspnea) | Feeling tired and short of breath. |
| Chest pain | My chest hurts when I take a deep breath or cough. |
| Excessive body fatigue | Feeling so helpless that you can't do anything. |
| Confusion | Losing a clear sense of what is happening and where you are. |
Usually, a doctor will first do a chest X-ray or CT scan. If it looks like there is an infection, such as pneumonia, they will order a sputum test to find out exactly what germ is causing it.
How do you do this test?
There are two main ways to obtain a sputum sample.
1. Deep aspiration sputum sample method
This is the most commonly used, non-invasive method.
- First, you will be asked to rinse your mouth with water.
- Then he tells me to take a few deep breaths.
- Next, the mucus that is being coughed up loudly from inside the chest should be placed in a special small cup provided for that purpose.
- You may have to do this several times to get enough mucus.
Some people have difficulty clearing mucus. In such cases, the doctor or nurse may gently tap your chest to help loosen the mucus. Or, they may have you breathe in a salty mist that helps clear mucus.
2. Bronchoscopy test
If it is not possible to obtain a sputum sample using the method mentioned above, the doctor may resort to this method.
- This involves passing a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached through your nose or mouth into your lungs, taking a sample of mucus directly from your airway.
- Before this is done, you will be given medication to relax you, and the area will be numbed so you won't feel any pain . So there's no need to be afraid.
How should I prepare before the test?
How you prepare will depend on the method used to obtain the sputum sample.
| Method | How to prepare |
|---|---|
| The method of giving Kahala sema |
|
| Bronchoscopy |
|
What do the results say?
Sputum test results can come in two main ways.
- Normal / Negative: This means that no harmful bacteria or germs were found in your sputum sample.
- Abnormal / Positive: This means that a bacteria or other germ was found in your sputum sample. The report will also state what kind of germ it is and how many are present.
But remember this well. Just because you get a positive report, it doesn't mean it's a serious illness. Your doctor will take into account all your symptoms and other test results and make a proper diagnosis. So don't panic and make decisions based on the report alone.
Since it usually takes time for germs to grow, it may take a few days for the report to arrive. When the results are in, the doctor will call you and explain it to you.
Take-Home Message
- Sputum culture is a very important and common test that looks for germs that cause lung infections.
- This is usually done by taking a deep cough and taking a sample of mucus. Only if that is not possible is a bronchoscopy performed.
- This test does not carry any major risks, so there is no reason to be afraid.
- Whatever the result of the report, talk to your doctor to clarify it exactly. Don't be unnecessarily scared by what you read on the internet.
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