Expectorated, in medical and common parlance, describes the act of ejecting saliva, mucus, or other fluids from the lungs or throat, typically by coughing or spitting. It's a physical action, often involuntary, aimed at clearing the respiratory passages. The material expelled is commonly referred to as sputum. The process frequently signifies an underlying respiratory condition or irritant that the body is attempting to remove. The nature of what is expectorated can provide critical diagnostic clues about the patient's health. It is a sign of the body's natural defense mechanism.
Expectorated meaning with examples
- The smoker, plagued by a persistent cough, routinely expectorated thick phlegm, a sign of chronic bronchitis. The doctor immediately noted the color and consistency to help diagnose his condition. This indicated the severity of his respiratory condition, and how his lungs were trying to clear the airways.
- After the irritating dust storm, the travelers began to **expectorate** as their throats and lungs reacted. The coughing fit resulted in mucus discharge. This resulted from the particles inhaled during the storm, causing irritation and the body’s natural cleansing response, hopefully removing the irritants from the airways.
- The doctor, during a lung examination, asked the patient to **expectorate** into a sterile container. They were looking for signs of infection. Analysis of the sample provided valuable information about the type and severity of the patient's illness. This ensured that the doctor had the right materials to start.
- Feeling the onset of a cold, she began to **expectorate** to clear the congestion. She understood that her lungs and body needed assistance. This was a clear attempt by her body to remove the excess mucus buildup. She hoped to minimize the cold symptoms by taking the medicine she was given.
Expectorated Crossword Answers
4 Letters
SPAT