What should you know about blood spots in cough?

Coughing can scrape inflamed airway lining and leave a red streak. A common cold, allergic rhinitis, acid reflux, or acute bronchitis may trigger a cough that irritates the throat. Asthma, bronchiectasis, and bronchiolitis can also involve cough, mucus, or airway inflammation. A cough lasting a long time needs a separate assessment because its cause may differ from a short-lived infection. Blood spots alone do not establish which condition is present.

Notice whether the blood is coughed up with mucus, comes from the mouth after throat clearing, or follows a nosebleed. Keep a record of colour, amount, frequency, and triggers. Drink fluids if suitable for you, avoid smoke and other airway irritants, and use any prescribed respiratory treatment according to instructions. Book a review if the cough persists, blood recurs, or you develop fever, wheezing, pain, or reduced stamina.

Call emergency services for heavy or continuous bleeding, severe shortness of breath, blue lips, fainting, confusion, or sudden chest pain. Seek same-day medical advice for recurring blood, worsening breathlessness, high fever with marked illness, or bleeding while taking a blood thinner. Do not drive yourself if you are struggling to breathe or feel faint.

Could the blood be from my upper airway rather than my lungs? How long should I monitor this cough? Do I need an examination, chest imaging, or a sputum test? Which changes should prompt emergency help?