Cough Reflex Test (CRT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CRT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Yellow to green, thick sputum is typically indicative of a bacterial infection or inflammation within the respiratory tract. This type of sputum is often observed in conditions where the body is responding to an infection, leading to the production of pus, cells, and other substances that give it a yellow or green color.

In the context of aspiration pneumonia and bronchiectasis, both conditions are characterized by significant pulmonary issues. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when foreign material, such as food or fluids, is inhaled into the lungs, leading to infection and inflammation. This typically causes the production of thick, purulent sputum, which may appear yellow or green due to the presence of white blood cells and bacteria.

Bronchiectasis involves chronic inflammation and dilation of the bronchi, often as a result of repeated infections. The thick mucus associated with bronchiectasis can also be yellow or green, reflecting ongoing infection and inflammation in the airways.

In contrast, conditions like viral bronchitis, asthma, and the common cold tend to have different sputum characteristics. Viral bronchitis may produce clear or white sputum, while asthma is primarily characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways without significant sputum production. The common cold typically features clear mucus early on, which