Problem
A patient with lung abscesses can closely resemble a pneumonia patient. As the inflammation progresses and tissue necrosis occurs, the necrotic area may rupture into a bronchi and allow fluid to drain from the cavity. When this occurs, the patient may develop a productive cough. What color would each of the following sputum samples tell us about the type of infection the patient has?
• Brown or gray foul smelling sputum
• Green or yellow sputum without odor
• Is a lung abscess considered a restrictive or obstructive lung disease?