What type of sputum may indicate the presence of chronic bronchitis?

Thick and mucoid sputum is characteristic of chronic bronchitis. This condition involves long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often resulting from long-term exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke or air pollution. The inflammation leads to an increased production of mucus, which is typically thick and can present as mucoid sputum. This is essential for diagnosing chronic bronchitis, as the presence of such sputum is a hallmark symptom due to the accumulation of mucus in the airways, which can obstruct airflow and contribute to respiratory issues.

The other types of sputum mentioned do not typically correlate with chronic bronchitis. Clear sputum might suggest a less severe or non-infectious condition, frothy sputum is commonly associated with pulmonary edema, and purulent sputum usually indicates an infection, such as pneumonia or bronchiectasis. Each of these options reflects different underlying respiratory issues, making thick and mucoid sputum the most indicative of chronic bronchitis.