What Does It Mean When Children Cough up Sulfur Granules?

My granddaughter - a twin whose birth weight was less than 2 lbs. - is now a healthy four year old.  In the past few weeks, she has been coughing up (deep, hard hacking) small pieces of tissue. Analysis shows them to be sulphur granules mixed with a bacteria colony. X-rays and CT scan show nothing. Her pediatrician appears to know nothing about this. He will consult with a pulmonary specialist - so I presume he thinks it may be lung related. (Both girls have mild asthma and various allergies). The pediatrician's only comment was that he needed to find out where these things were coming from. My daughter and I would really appreciate it if you would share any knowledge you may have concerning this.

Consultation with a pulmonary specialist is a good idea. Sulphur granules are seen in association with certain microorganisms (typically Actinomyces), that can be identified with specific laboratory techniques. If identified effective treatment is available for this infection.

Occasionally sulphur granules can be mistaken for mucus changes sometimes seen in asthmatics. Your granddaughter's pediatrician appears to be following up on this problem appropriately.

Medical Author: Alan Szeftel, M.D.