Noh Tan

Noh Tan (also sometimes written as 膿痰 in Japanese using kanji) refers to purulent sputum, or phlegm containing pus. It is a clinical sign indicating a respiratory infection, typically bacterial, but potentially fungal or, less commonly, parasitic. The presence of pus gives the sputum a characteristic yellow, greenish-yellow, or even brown color, and may also be associated with a foul odor.

Noh Tan is often a symptom of conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, lung abscess, or empyema. The pus consists of dead white blood cells, cellular debris, and microorganisms that have accumulated in the airways and lungs as a result of the inflammatory response to infection.

The diagnosis of the underlying cause of Noh Tan typically involves a physical examination, review of medical history, chest X-ray or CT scan, and sputum culture to identify the causative organism. Treatment focuses on eradicating the infection with appropriate antibiotics or antifungals, as well as measures to improve airway clearance, such as chest physiotherapy, hydration, and expectorants.