Recognition, prevention and management of sputum retention

Tracheobronchial secretions are an important part of the respiratory system's defence. The excess secretions that are cleared from the airways by coughing or huffing (Pryor and Webber, 1998) are known as sputum, the production of which is always abnormal. The colour, consistency, smell and volume of sputum provides information to support both the diagnosis and management of the patient's clinical condition. Sputum retention occurs when patients are unable to clear secretions from their respiratory tract by themselves or with assistance.