Cough with pink phlegm

When a cough is forceful or frequent, tiny irritated areas in the throat or airways can bleed slightly. A cold or acute bronchitis may increase phlegm and coughing. Asthma, reflux and allergic irritation can maintain the cough without being the direct source of blood. Bronchiectasis may produce recurring phlegm and blood.

Pink phlegm is a description, not a diagnosis. Tell the clinician whether it is thin or frothy, whether the colour is spreading through the phlegm, and whether you also have fever, wheeze, chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Keep still and upright if coughing produces pink phlegm. Avoid smoke and strenuous activity, and drink normally unless fluid restriction has been prescribed. Photographing the colour for your clinician may help if it changes before review, but do not delay care to do this.

Seek prompt advice if the symptom is new, repeats, or occurs alongside a long-standing cough. Mention medicines such as anticoagulants and any recent infection or nosebleed.

Use emergency services for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, confusion, blue lips, rapidly increasing pink phlegm or ongoing bleeding. A sudden change in breathing is urgent even if the amount of blood seems small.

Could the colour come from my throat, nose or lower airways? Do I need an examination or chest test? Could reflux, asthma or an infection be sustaining the cough? What should I monitor at home?