Cough with phlegm and a little blood

Hard coughing may scratch delicate airway surfaces and leave fine red streaks in phlegm. Acute bronchitis or a common cold can increase mucus and make this irritation more likely. Reflux, asthma and allergies may keep a cough going, which can also contribute to streaking. Bronchiectasis is another condition that can cause repeated mucus and blood.

The amount may be small because blood is mixed through mucus, but appearance alone cannot show where it came from. A healthcare professional may ask about fever, breathlessness, chest discomfort, smoking, recent illness and medicines that affect clotting.

Rest your voice and avoid smoke, vaping and vigorous exertion while you arrange advice. Keep a note of how often it happens and whether the mucus is clear, yellow, green, brown or pink. Stay hydrated unless a clinician has told you to restrict fluids.

Contact a clinician promptly if the blood returns, the cough is not settling, or you have a known lung condition. Take your medicine list with you, including non-prescription products.

Get emergency help if bleeding continues or increases, or if it comes with shortness of breath, chest pain, faintness, confusion, blue lips or a racing heartbeat. Do not drive yourself if you feel weak or breathless.

Could the blood be from coughing irritation or another source? Does my mucus pattern suggest infection or airway disease? Should my medicines be reviewed? What should I do if it happens again?