Blood in spit with a sore throat: what to know

A dry, inflamed throat can bleed after coughing, swallowing, or repeated throat clearing. Viral illnesses such as a common cold, influenza, or COVID-19 may cause this irritation; allergic rhinitis and acid reflux can also keep the throat inflamed. Tonsillitis, strep throat, or glandular fever may cause marked throat pain and swollen tissues. The sore throat is a presentation of these conditions, not proof of any one cause. Blood may also come from the gums or nose and collect in the mouth.

Sip cool or warm fluids, choose soft foods, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and very spicy foods while swallowing is painful. Do not pick at the tonsils or scrape the throat. Rest your voice and note fever, rash, swollen neck glands, trouble swallowing, and whether the blood is streaked or more substantial. A clinician can examine the throat and decide whether a swab or other treatment is appropriate.

Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, a muffled voice, rapidly increasing neck or throat swelling, severe one-sided pain, or heavy bleeding. Arrange prompt review for recurrent blood, high fever, dehydration, a rash, or symptoms that are worsening rather than settling. Keep away from others and ask about testing if a contagious infection is possible.

Ask whether the blood seems to come from the throat, tonsils, gums, or nose; whether your symptoms fit a viral or bacterial infection; and what pain relief is suitable for you. Ask which swallowing or breathing changes require urgent help.