Blood from the mouth while coughing

Coughing can strain tiny vessels in an irritated throat, especially during a Common Cold or Acute Bronchitis. Dry air, frequent throat clearing, a gum problem, or blood draining from the nose can produce a similar sight. Wheezing and repeated cough may occur with Asthma, while Bronchiectasis can cause recurrent mucus with blood. The symptom itself does not identify one diagnosis. Pay attention to whether the material is sputum, saliva, or vomit; whether it is bright or dark; and whether the episode is isolated or repeated.

Sit upright, spit out blood rather than swallowing it, and record what you see. Sip water if swallowing is comfortable, and avoid smoking, vigorous exercise, and forceful throat clearing. Arrange a clinical review if there is another episode, a cough that does not settle, fever, night sweating, weight change, chest discomfort, or breathlessness. Take your medicine list and mention recent dental work, nose symptoms, infection, or injury.

Call emergency services for heavy or persistent bleeding, difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening weakness. Prompt care is also appropriate if you cannot keep fluids down or the blood follows a serious blow to the chest. Keep someone with you if you feel faint.

Ask how the source can be distinguished and whether your chest, throat, nose, or mouth needs checking. Ask whether any current medicine changes bleeding risk and what amount or symptom should prompt emergency care.