Coughing up blood can be alarming, but isn't usually a sign of a serious problem if you're young and otherwise healthy. It's more a cause for concern in older people, particularly those who smoke. Show
The medical term for coughing up blood is hemoptysis. You may cough up small amounts of bright red blood, or frothy blood-streaked sputum (saliva and phlegm). The blood is usually from your lungs and is often the result of prolonged coughing or a . If the blood is dark and contains bits of food or what look like coffee grounds, it may be coming from your digestive system. This is a more serious problem and you should go to hospital straight away. Read more about . What to do if you cough up bloodSee your doctor as soon as possible if you cough up blood. It's particularly important to see your doctor if:
Your doctor will be able to assess whether you may have a serious medical condition that needs to be investigated and treated. Call your local out of hours service if you can't see your doctor. Call for an ambulance or go to your nearest Emergency Department immediately if you're coughing up significant amounts of blood or are struggling to breathe. Tests that may be neededYou may be asked for a sample of your sputum so it can be checked for infection. Other tests, such as blood tests , may also be needed. Your doctor may decide to refer you to a specialist at your local hospital for a chest X-ray or a more detailed scan, such as a computerized tomography (CT) scan. In some cases, further tests may be required to find out where the blood is coming from. For example, you may be referred to a specialist who may decide to arrange a test called a bronchoscopy (where the main air passages of your lungs are examined using a tube with a camera at one end). This page can give you a better idea of what the cause may be, but don't use it to diagnose yourself. Always leave that to a doctor. Common causes of coughing up bloodThe most common reasons for coughing up blood are:
Sometimes a severe nosebleed or bleeding from the mouth or throat can cause blood to come out in your saliva when you cough. Less common causes of coughing up bloodLess commonly, coughing up blood may be the result of:
Sometimes, no cause can be found and it never happens again. Coughing up blood can be alarming, but isn't necessarily a sign of a serious problem. It's more likely to be a cause for concern the older you are, particularly if you smoke. You should see your GP as soon as possible if you cough up blood. In up to one in five cases investigated, no cause is found for coughing up blood. If you are coughing up blood, you may cough up: The blood is usually from your lungs. It’s often the result of coughing for long periods or a chest infection. Mostly, if you cough up blood, the bleeding will stop on its own. In about five per cent
of people (who cough up blood for the first time) the bleeding will be severe. This bleeding can be life threatening - call 999 if this is happening. If the blood is dark and contains bits of food or what looks like coffee grounds, it may be coming from your digestive system. This may also be a serious problem. You should go to hospital straight away if you vomit up blood.
What to do if you cough up bloodSee your GP as soon as possible if you cough up blood. It's particularly important to see your GP if:
Your GP will be able to assess whether you may have a serious medical condition that needs to be investigated and treated. Call GP out of hours service if you can't see your GP. Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest emergency department immediately if you're coughing up significant amounts of blood or are struggling to breathe. Tests that may be neededYou may be asked for a sample of your sputum so it can be checked for infection. Other tests, such as blood tests, may also be needed. Your GP may decide to refer you to a specialist at your local hospital. Tests that may be carried out include a:
In some cases, further tests may be required to find out where the blood is coming from. For example, you may have a test called a bronchoscopy. This is where the main air passages of your lungs are examined using a tube with a camera at one end. Common causes of coughing up bloodThe information below can give you a better idea of what may be the reason for coughing up of blood. Don't use it to diagnose yourself - always leave that to a doctor. The most common reason for coughing up blood is a chest infection. Where a specific cause is found, the most common causes include:
Sometimes a severe nosebleed or bleeding from the mouth or throat can cause blood to come out in your saliva when you cough. Less common causes of coughing up bloodLess commonly, coughing up blood may be the result of:
Sometimes, in 15 to 20 per cent of cases, no cause can be found and it never happens again. More useful links
The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website. For further information see terms and conditions. Can constant throat clearing cause blood in mucus?A chronic cough can irritate the upper respiratory tract and tear the blood vessels resulting in coughing up blood or bloody mucus. A chronic cough could be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as asthma, postnasal drip, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Why is my spit red in the morning?You may cough up small amounts of bright red blood, or frothy blood-streaked sputum (saliva and phlegm). The blood is usually from your lungs and is often the result of prolonged coughing or a chest infection.
|