What is the medical term for spat out?: A Guide to Expectorating, Hemoptysis, and Sialorrhea

September 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Medically, there isn't one single term for 'spat out,' as the precise terminology depends entirely on what substance is being expelled from the body. The answer to What is the medical term for spat out? therefore involves several distinct conditions, each with its own specific medical implications. This article clarifies these different terms and what they might signify for your health.

Quick Summary

The specific medical term for expelling matter from the mouth varies based on the substance. The act of spitting out material from the lungs is called expectoration, while coughing up blood is known as hemoptysis. Excessive drooling or spillage of saliva is clinically termed sialorrhea, all indicating different underlying conditions that require proper diagnosis.

Key Points

Expectorate: This is the medical term for spitting out phlegm or mucus from the lungs, often due to a cough.
Hemoptysis: Specifically refers to coughing up blood from the respiratory system, a symptom that requires immediate medical evaluation.
Sialorrhea: Clinically describes excessive drooling or hypersalivation, which can be a sign of a neurological issue or other health conditions.
Distinguishing Terms: The substance being expelled (e.g., mucus vs. blood) is the key to determining the correct medical terminology.
Seek Professional Help: Changes in sputum color, the presence of blood, or persistent hypersalivation are symptoms that warrant consultation with a doctor.
Symptom, Not a Diagnosis: Spitting or expectorating is a symptom of an underlying condition, not a diagnosis itself.

Understanding the Nuances: More Than One Term

To a layperson, the term "spat out" is broad and can describe many actions. In medicine, however, a doctor must distinguish between the expulsion of phlegm, saliva, blood, or other material, as each points toward different potential health issues. The most common term for spitting is expectoration, but it is not the only one.

Expectorate (For Phlegm and Mucus)

Expectorate refers specifically to the action of coughing or clearing the throat to expel phlegm, mucus, or other secretions from the lungs or respiratory tract. The ejected substance is called sputum. This is a common symptom of many respiratory illnesses.

Causes of Expectorating Sputum

Acute Respiratory Infections: Conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, and the common cold often cause a productive cough, leading to expectoration.
Chronic Conditions: Diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are characterized by persistent mucus production and expectoration.
Irritants: Smoking or exposure to environmental pollutants can irritate the respiratory tract, increasing mucus production.

Types of Sputum

Mucous: Clear or translucent and viscous, it suggests inflammation.
Purulent: Opaque, yellow, or green, it indicates a bacterial infection due to the presence of white blood cells.
Bloody: Streaky or red-colored, it suggests bleeding in the respiratory tract and may require further investigation.

Hemoptysis (For Blood)

When blood is coughed up from the lungs or bronchial tubes, the medical term is hemoptysis. It is crucial to differentiate hemoptysis from hematemesis, which is vomiting blood from the gastrointestinal tract.

Potential Causes of Hemoptysis

Infections: Tuberculosis, bronchitis, and pneumonia can lead to coughing up blood.
Cardiovascular Issues: Conditions like congestive heart failure can cause bloody sputum.
Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause coughing up blood, often with chest pain and shortness of breath.
Lung Cancer: Hemoptysis can be a symptom of lung cancer, especially in smokers.
Trauma: A serious chest injury can damage lung tissue and cause bleeding.

Sialorrhea (For Excessive Saliva)

Sialorrhea, also known as hypersalivation, is the excessive production of saliva, which can lead to unintentional spillage from the mouth (drooling). Unlike expectoration or hemoptysis, this is related to the salivary glands and nervous system, not the lungs.

Conditions Leading to Sialorrhea

Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, and stroke can impair the ability to swallow saliva effectively.
Medication: Certain drugs can have hypersalivation as a side effect.
Infections and Dental Problems: Infections in the oral cavity or salivary glands can cause a temporary increase in saliva.
Reflux Disease (GERD): Severe heartburn can trigger a reflex that increases saliva production.

Comparing Medical Terms for Expulsion from the Mouth


Feature	Expectorate	Hemoptysis	Sialorrhea	Hematemesis
Substance	Phlegm, mucus, sputum	Blood from the respiratory tract	Excessive saliva (drooling)	Vomited blood from the GI tract
Source	Lungs, bronchial tubes	Lungs, bronchial tubes	Salivary glands, oral cavity	Stomach, esophagus
Primary Mechanism	Coughing, throat clearing	Coughing	Excessive production or impaired swallowing	Vomiting
Associated Symptoms	Cough, congestion	Cough, chest pain, SOB	Drooling, skin irritation	Nausea, abdominal pain
Underlying Conditions	Bronchitis, COPD	TB, pneumonia, embolism	Parkinson's, stroke, GERD	Ulcers, liver disease

When to Seek Medical Attention

It's important to know when a simple expectoration becomes a cause for concern. For minor issues like a cold, self-care is usually sufficient. However, if you experience any of the following, a visit to a healthcare provider is recommended:

Coughing up blood, even in small amounts (hemoptysis).
Sputum that turns yellow, green, or becomes consistently thick.
Expectorating with fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Persistent, unexplained hypersalivation or drooling.
Any changes in the color or consistency of phlegm that last for more than a week.

For a deeper look into the respiratory tract and issues like expectoration, consult authoritative medical resources. For instance, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has a detailed overview of the topic in their books section on clinical methods: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK359/.

Conclusion

While we commonly use the phrase "spat out" in everyday conversation, the medical field requires precision. The specific term used—whether expectoration, hemoptysis, or sialorrhea—provides critical information to a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Understanding these differences empowers you to better describe your symptoms and know when to seek professional medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

The medical term for spitting out mucus or phlegm from the lungs is expectoration. The material itself is referred to as sputum.

Hemoptysis is the medical term for coughing up blood from the respiratory tract. It is different from hematemesis, which is vomiting blood from the stomach.

Not necessarily. Expectorating mucus is a natural part of clearing the airways, especially during a common cold. However, the presence of blood or excessive, unexplained saliva can indicate a more serious condition.

Sialorrhea is the medical term for hypersalivation or excessive drooling. It can be caused by neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease or cerebral palsy, certain medications, or even severe acid reflux (GERD).

Expectorating typically involves phlegm or mucus, while hemoptysis specifically means coughing up blood. The presence of blood is a critical distinction that requires prompt medical attention.

You should see a doctor if you are coughing up blood, if your sputum changes color to yellow or green and persists, or if you have unexplained, persistent excessive saliva. Accompanying symptoms like fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath also warrant a medical evaluation.

Yes, certain medications, particularly those affecting the nervous system, can have hypersalivation as a side effect. It is a known side effect for some medications, and a doctor can help manage it.