When an irritant such as dust is inhaled... the respiratory tract which has a mucous membrane lining will secrete substances which the dust will settle into and stick to...

Mucous is the common term for this substance when it is in the Upper respiratory tract. The Mucous will eventually be swept away as post nasal dripping, into the oropharynx (back of the throat) and will be swallowed throughout the day along with saliva, food, and drinks that we consume. Our GI tract will then expell it with our waste in the bowel movements.

Sputum is the common term for the substance whe it is in the lower bronchial tree and lungs. Our bronchial tree has fine hairs the help sweep things along. We are also equiped with a cough reflex. So as we cough, this sputum from the deeper portion of our respiratory tract will be brought forth to the oropharynx (back of throat) where it will be swallowed involuntarily. We do this without even thinking about it. We never taste it because it does not reach the tongue.

Good Luck

Nurse Angie