The medical term for blood in sputum

Haemoptysis refers to blood or blood-stained mucus coming from the breathing passages, often after coughing. Blood from a nosebleed, gums or the back of the throat can look similar but has a different source. Airway irritation, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis and COPD are possible explanations. A term describes the symptom; it does not explain its cause or severity.

Tell the clinician whether the material was coughed up or simply cleared from the throat, and describe its colour, amount and frequency. Mention fever, breathlessness, chest discomfort, nasal bleeding, smoking and medicines that affect clotting. Do not deliberately provoke coughing to produce a sample. The examination and any tests chosen will depend on the full pattern.

Seek emergency care if blood is more than a small streak, continues, or occurs with breathing difficulty, chest pain, faintness, blue lips or marked weakness. Contact a healthcare professional promptly when haemoptysis is new and unexplained or keeps recurring.

Does this appear to be haemoptysis or bleeding from higher up? What could be irritating the tissue? Do I need tests? Which changes should make me seek emergency help?