Phlegm 302927 221627386 2008-06-25T10:31:16Z Gail 7214503 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/124.217.21.138|124.217.21.138]] to last version by 89.101.27.51 (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]]) {{Unreferenced|date=December 2006}} [[Image:Phlegm.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Phlegm with a Canadian quarter for scale.]] '''Phlegm''' (pronounced {{IPA|/flɛm/}}) is sticky [[fluid]] secreted by the [[mucus membranes]] of [[humans]] and other [[animals]]. Its definition is limited to the [[mucus]] produced by the [[respiratory system]], excluding that from the [[nose|nasal]] passages, and particularly that which is expelled by [[cough]]ing ([[sputum]]). Its composition varies, depending on climate, genetics and state of the immune system, but basically is a water-based gel consisting of [[glycoproteins]], [[immunoglobulins]], [[lipids]], etc. In ancient (and now entirely discredited) [[Hippocratic]] [[medicine]] phlegm was counted as one of the four [[Four humours|bodily humour]]s, possessing the properties of coldness and wetness, and was responsible for apathetic and sluggish behaviour. This old belief is preserved in the word ''[[Four humours|phlegmatic]]''. ==Colors of phlegm== Phlegm may be of several different colors. *"Healthy" phlegm is normally clear or white; however, the initial state of the common [[flu]] when the phlegm is still clear can also be the most infectious period. *Yellow phlegm means that the [[immune system]] is responding.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} It is commonly taken to be a sign of bacterial infection and physicians often prescribe antibiotics as a results. When the cause is a viral infection such as influenza or the common cold, this treatment is thought to be incorrect. The development of antibiotic resistance may result from such overprescription.<ref>{{citation|title=Patient and physician explanatory models for acute bronchitis|author=LAURA M. SNELL, MPH; RUTH P. WILSON, PHD; KEVIN C. OEFFINGER, MD; CAROLYN SARGENT, PHD;OLIVE CHEN, PHD, KRISTEN M. COREY, MA|url=http://www.jfponline.com/pdf%2F5112%2F5112JFP_OriginalResearch2.pdf}}</ref> *Greenish or brownish phlegm is nearly always a sign of infection. Greenish or [[Rust (color)|rusty]] phlegm or phlegm with rusty spots can also be a sign of [[pneumonia]] and/or internal micro-bleedings.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} *Coughing up brown phlegm is also a common symptom of [[Tobacco smoking|smoking]]. This is due to [[resin]] sticking to the viscous texture of the phlegm and being ejected by the body.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} *Another type of phlegm often associated with smoking is brownish gray in color. This variant is encased in clear saliva. When spread out, the brown-gray "core" is shown to be grainy in composition, as opposed to holding together. This is simply dust and other foreign matter and may be caused by damage to the [[cilia]], as in [[COPD]] patients.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} ==Illnesses related to phlegm== Phlegm may be a carrier of [[larva]]e of [[intestinal parasite]]s (see [[hookworm]]). [[Blood]]y [[sputum]] can be a symptom of serious disease (such as [[tuberculosis]] and [[lung cancer]]), but can also be a relatively benign symptom of a minor disease (such as [[bronchitis]]). In the latter case, the sputum is normally lightly streaked with blood. Coughing up any significant quantity of blood is always a serious medical condition, and any person who experiences this should seek medical attention. ==Phlegm and humourism== [[Humourism]] is an ancient theory that the human body is filled with four basic substances, called the [[four humours]], which are held in balance when a person is healthy. It is closely related to the ancient theory of the [[Classical element|four elements]] and states that all diseases and disabilities result from an excess or deficit in [[Melancholia|black bile]], [[bile]], phlegm, and [[blood]]. [[Hippocrates]], an ancient Greek thinker, is credited for this theory, about 400 BC. It influenced medical thinking for more than 2,000 years, until finally discredited in the 1800s. ==Other concepts== Phlegm was thought to be associated with apathetic behaviour, this old belief is preserved in the word ''phlegmatic''. Sir [[William Osler]]’s 1889 [http://www.medicalarchives.jhmi.edu/osler/aequessay.htm Aequanimitas] discusses the imperturbability or calmness in a storm required of physicians. "''Imperturbability means coolness and presence of mind under all circumstances, calmness amid storm, clearness of judgment in moments of grave peril, immobility, impassiveness, or, to use an old and expressive word, [[phlegm]]."'' This was his farewell speech at the [[University of Pennsylvania]] in 1889 before becoming Physician-in-Chief at the recently founded [[Johns Hopkins Hospital]] in [[Baltimore, Maryland]]. This is from [http://www.medicalarchives.jhmi.edu/osler/osler150.htm ''"Celebrating the Contributions of William Osler"''] in the [http://www.medicalarchives.jhmi.edu/ Alan Mason Chesney Medical Archives] of the [http://www.jhmi.edu/ Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions]." ==References== {{reflist}} [[Category:Body_fluids]] [[Category:Respiratory system]] [[ca:Flegma]] [[fr:Glaire (anatomie)]] [[da:Slim]] [[it:Espettorato]] [[he:ליחה]] [[lt:Skrepliai]] [[ja:痰]] [[pl:Orosienie]] [[zh-yue:痰]] [[zh:痰]]