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What Does It Mean When Your Sputum Culture Says That Normal Respiratory Flora Is Very Reduced?
Question: What does it mean when your sputum culture says "Normal respiratory Flora very reduced? Is this an infection?
Brief Answer:
Possible causes explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
First of all, please note that normal respiratory flora is called so because they're a group of micro-organisms harboring in our respiratory tract harmlessly, in fact, protects us from other infections to some extent.
"Normal respiratory Flora very reduced" in sputum culture can be seen after antibiotic treatment (generally immediately after the treatment or in case of prolonged antibiotic course) which can also kill those normal florae along with the harmful ones.
Another possibility would be a diluted sample in which the normal flora would get washed off/diluted to that extent.
So, it does not mean an infection as such, but a state or phase that the body is going through rather. In that case, well-balanced diet, avoidance of dusty atmosphere, regular exercise, immune boosting foods (soups, porridge, broths etc.) along with multivitamin and antioxidants would be sufficient to regain normalcy within a couple of days only.
Let me know if I can assist you further. Take Care.
Regards
Possible causes explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
First of all, please note that normal respiratory flora is called so because they're a group of micro-organisms harboring in our respiratory tract harmlessly, in fact, protects us from other infections to some extent.
"Normal respiratory Flora very reduced" in sputum culture can be seen after antibiotic treatment (generally immediately after the treatment or in case of prolonged antibiotic course) which can also kill those normal florae along with the harmful ones.
Another possibility would be a diluted sample in which the normal flora would get washed off/diluted to that extent.
So, it does not mean an infection as such, but a state or phase that the body is going through rather. In that case, well-balanced diet, avoidance of dusty atmosphere, regular exercise, immune boosting foods (soups, porridge, broths etc.) along with multivitamin and antioxidants would be sufficient to regain normalcy within a couple of days only.
Let me know if I can assist you further. Take Care.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you. What does it mean if a sputum culture has little growth of aspergilus (mold). What should be done?
Brief Answer:
Further evaluation needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
First of all, please note Aspergillus is a type of fungus present in our atmospheric surroundings only, to some extent we all inhale its spores at some point.
However, only in individuals with weakened immunity, chronic lung conditions (eg. COPD, Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis etc.) they can cause infections and should be treated accordingly.
Even if it's a little growth, still, in case the affected individual is symptomatic (symptoms can be similar to that of any allergic, recurrent respiratory tract infections, cough, cold, breathlessness etc.) it needs to be investigated further.
A thorough checkup by a Pulmonologist/Chest-physician should be done along with some specific investigations (Fungal culture and sensitivity of the sputum/Respiratory secretions, HRCT-scan of the thorax) to look into it further
Meanwhile, avoid going to dusty places, construction sites, refrain from mowing the lawn, always use face mask (N95 face mask to be specific) while going outside in crowded places should be followed for further prevention.
Hope this answers your query. Take Care.
Regards
Further evaluation needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
First of all, please note Aspergillus is a type of fungus present in our atmospheric surroundings only, to some extent we all inhale its spores at some point.
However, only in individuals with weakened immunity, chronic lung conditions (eg. COPD, Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis etc.) they can cause infections and should be treated accordingly.
Even if it's a little growth, still, in case the affected individual is symptomatic (symptoms can be similar to that of any allergic, recurrent respiratory tract infections, cough, cold, breathlessness etc.) it needs to be investigated further.
A thorough checkup by a Pulmonologist/Chest-physician should be done along with some specific investigations (Fungal culture and sensitivity of the sputum/Respiratory secretions, HRCT-scan of the thorax) to look into it further
Meanwhile, avoid going to dusty places, construction sites, refrain from mowing the lawn, always use face mask (N95 face mask to be specific) while going outside in crowded places should be followed for further prevention.
Hope this answers your query. Take Care.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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