Blood in sputum only in the morning when clearing your throat

A small streak may arise from a dry or irritated throat, minor gum bleeding, or mucus draining from the nose while you sleep. Forceful throat clearing can then make delicate surface vessels bleed. Blood may also come from the lower airways, particularly with a lingering cough or chest infection. Acute bronchitis and pneumonia can produce blood-streaked phlegm; bronchiectasis and COPD can also cause recurrent airway bleeding. These conditions may present with blood in sputum, but the symptom alone cannot identify its source.

Notice whether the blood is bright red or mixed through mucus, whether it follows coughing, and whether you have fever, breathlessness, chest discomfort, wheezing, weight change or night sweats. Blood from the nose or mouth can look similar to phlegm.

Arrange a medical appointment if the finding returns, lasts beyond a brief episode, or has no obvious explanation. Keep a note of the colour and amount, how often it appears, and any cough or chest symptoms. Avoid repeated forceful clearing; sip water and consider a humidified room if the throat feels dry. Do not start antibiotics without an examination, because treatment depends on the cause. A clinician may examine your nose, mouth and chest and decide whether further tests are needed.

Seek urgent medical help if you cough up more than a small streak, the bleeding does not stop, or you feel short of breath, faint, confused or unusually weak. Go promptly for chest pain, a fast heartbeat, blue lips, or a high fever with worsening illness. Do not drive yourself if breathing is difficult or you feel faint.

Could the blood be coming from my nose, gums, throat or lungs? What examination or tests fit my symptoms? Should I change any medicines that affect bleeding? What signs mean I should seek urgent help?