Blood coming from a cough: what should you know?

Coughing can bring up blood from irritated airways, while blood from the nose, gums, or throat may appear at the same time as a cough. A respiratory infection such as acute bronchitis can inflame the airway lining. Asthma, bronchiectasis, and chronic cough may need a more detailed review. Reflux or allergic rhinitis can irritate the upper airway and create throat clearing. These conditions differ, so the symptom should be described rather than used to label the cause.

Write down when it occurred, whether the blood was streaked through mucus or separate, and whether it was bright red or darker. Mention fever, night symptoms, weight change, chest pain, wheezing, breathlessness, recent infection, smoking, injury, and medicines that affect clotting. Seek same-day advice for unexplained bleeding or a repeated episode. Keep hydrated and avoid smoke while waiting for assessment.

Get emergency help for a large or continuing amount of blood, trouble breathing, chest pain, faintness, confusion, or blue-tinged lips. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or severely short of breath. Prompt review is also needed when bleeding follows an injury or occurs with a rapidly worsening cough.

Ask what examination can separate an upper-airway source from a lung source, whether you need imaging or other tests, and how to manage any cough while the cause is being assessed.