My father in law had surgery to correct a small hernia yesterday and has been coughing up phlegm that he says looks like it has dirt in it . He isn t a smoker (was 30 years ago). Do you have any thoughts about what it may be and would it be wise for him to save a sample for his physician to see? My father in law is 76 years old. Thank you!
Welcome to Chat Doctor, As he had hernia surgery yesterday, productive cough (cough with sputum) has to be treated intensively.  Intravenous antibiotics may be started before the treatment and has to be continued.  The sputum sample will be useful for your treating physician aspiration of dust particles to the lungs will also cause cough and to expel it. Hope this explains with regards Chat Doctor.