Coughing up red mucus: what to know

A small streak can follow forceful coughing, a sore throat, a nosebleed draining backwards or inflammation from a respiratory infection such as Acute Bronchitis. Blood can also arise deeper in the airways; Bronchiectasis is one condition that may present with recurrent mucus and blood. The colour, amount, frequency and associated symptoms matter. A red streak does not establish a diagnosis, and a cough does not mean a serious disease is present.

Note whether the mucus is pink, red or brown, how often it appears, and whether it follows a coughing bout. Photographing the tissue or container can help describe it. Avoid smoking and vaping, stay hydrated, and do not take cough suppressants or blood-thinning medicines differently from the prescribed directions without medical advice. Arrange a prompt clinical review for unexplained blood, even if the amount is small or the cough began with a cold.

Seek emergency care if you cough up a large amount of blood, bleeding keeps returning, or you have trouble breathing, chest pain, faintness, confusion, blue lips or a very fast heartbeat. Prompt assessment is also needed with fever and feeling very unwell, or if you take anticoagulant medicine. Do not drive yourself if you are breathless or dizzy.

Could the blood be from my nose, throat or lungs? Does the mucus pattern suggest infection or another airway problem? Should my medicines be reviewed? Which symptoms require emergency care?