Learn about Sputum Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Sputum and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Sputum

Sputum analysis is a crucial diagnostic procedure performed by a pulmonologist to examine mucus coughed up from the lower respiratory tract (lungs and bronchi). It is a non-invasive, simple, and cost-effective test that helps identify the underlying cause of persistent cough, chest infections, or other respiratory symptoms. The collected sample is analyzed in a laboratory for the presence of bacteria, fungi, abnormal cells (like in lung cancer), or other pathogens. This procedure is essential for diagnosing conditions such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, and lung abscesses, guiding the pulmonologist in prescribing the most effective targeted treatment.

Key Highlights

    Non-invasive and generally painless procedure.Provides critical information for diagnosing respiratory infections and diseases.Helps identify specific bacteria or fungi to guide targeted antibiotic or antifungal therapy.Can aid in the early detection of abnormal cells, potentially indicating lung cancer.Essential for confirming diagnoses like tuberculosis (TB).Simple, quick to perform, and cost-effective./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Persistent cough lasting more than three weeks.
  • Production of colored (yellow, green, rust-colored) or foul-smelling sputum.
  • Suspected lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia or bronchitis.
  • To confirm or rule out active tuberculosis (TB).
  • Unexplained fever with respiratory symptoms.
  • Suspicion of a lung abscess or fungal infection.
  • Monitoring of known chronic lung conditions like bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis.
  • Investigation for possible lung cancer, especially if coughing up blood (hemoptysis).

How to prepare

  • Drink plenty of water the night before and morning of the test to help loosen secretions.
  • Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water (not antiseptic mouthwash) before sample collection to reduce oral contamination.
  • Avoid eating or drinking (except water) for 1-2 hours before the procedure to prevent sample dilution.
  • Your pulmonologist may ask you to take a few deep breaths and cough deeply from your chest to produce a good sample.
  • A sterile container will be provided for collection.

Risks & possible complications

  • There are minimal physical risks as it is a non-invasive collection of expelled mucus.
  • Potential for an inadequate sample if the cough is not deep enough, requiring a repeat procedure.
  • Minor throat irritation from repeated coughing.
  • Rarely, a more invasive procedure like bronchoscopy may be needed if an adequate sputum sample cannot be obtained.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • There is typically no recovery time needed; you can resume normal activities immediately.
  • Drink warm fluids to soothe the throat if coughing caused irritation.
  • Results are usually available within 24-72 hours for routine culture, though TB cultures can take several weeks.
  • Follow up with your pulmonologist to discuss the results and any necessary treatment plan.
  • Complete the full course of any prescribed medications based on the test findings.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 0 days

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering sputum in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for sputum compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 300 – 1.5 Thousand 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 0 days Know More
Turkey TRY 1.05 Thousand – 5.25 Thousand 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 0 days Know More

Top hospitals for Sputum in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pulmonology teams and experience managing patients undergoing sputum.

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3363+ Rating

Kamineni Hospital, King Koti

  • IconHyderabad, India
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1610+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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1161+ Rating

Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Anjali Joshi, a 58-year-old retired school...

Anjali Joshi, a 58-year-old retired school teacher and avid gardener, had been battling a persistent, wet cough for over six weeks. The cough was accompanied by fatigue and occasional low-grade fevers. As a former smoker who quit 15 years ago, she was worried about lung cancer. Her primary care physician, noting the prolonged symptoms and her history, referred her to a pulmonologist, Dr. Sharma. Dr. Sharma, concerned about a possible chronic infection or other pulmonary issue, recommended a sputum test to analyze the mucus from her lungs for bacteria, fungi, or abnormal cells. Anjali found the procedure undignified and frustrating, struggling to produce a deep enough cough sample in the clinic. She felt anxious and vulnerable. The lab results identified a nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection, not cancer. Relieved by the diagnosis but daunted by the long-term treatment, Anjali started a tailored antibiotic regimen. Over the following months, her cough gradually subsided and her energy returned. Emotionally, she moved from a state of high anxiety about a terminal illness to relief, followed by determined resilience as she managed her chronic condition, allowing her to return to her beloved garden with renewed appreciation.

Pulmonologists for Sputum

Explore experienced pulmonologists who regularly perform sputum and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Arun Sampath
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Manimaran
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Sathyanarayana Mysore
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Sarat Kumar Behera
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

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Dr. Shweta Bansal
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

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Dr. RAVINDRANATH
  • 35 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. Danish Jamal
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

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Dr. SUBHAKAR KANDI
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. RAKESH GATTU
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad

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Dr. Deepak Talwar
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

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Dr. Loveleen Mangla
  • 29 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

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Dr. Guruprasad S Bhat
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. D S SOWJANYA
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. VINATHI PARITALA
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada

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Dr. Deepak Prajapat
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 12, Noida

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Dr. BHARATH JANAPATI
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. Priyadarsini Parida
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

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Dr. Kanishka Kumar
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 12, Noida

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Dr. E. RAVINDRA REDDY
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. S KIRAN KUMAR
  • 4 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada

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