Coughing up blood mucus after vomiting

Forceful retching can irritate the throat and small blood vessels, leaving bright-red streaks mixed with saliva or mucus. Blood may also have come from the nose or gums and been swallowed before vomiting. Blood that is frothy and brought up with a cough rather than vomited may be coming from the airways. Chest infection, bronchiectasis, pneumonia, a blood clot in the lung, tuberculosis, or lung cancer are possible causes that a clinician may consider; the symptom alone does not identify the cause.

Stop smoking, avoid alcohol and strenuous activity, and sit upright while you observe the amount and colour. Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory painkillers for this symptom unless a clinician has told you to use them. Arrange prompt medical advice, especially if the blood returns, you take a blood thinner, or vomiting continues. Note whether the blood was coughed up or vomited, and keep a photo if it happens again.

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department for more than a small streak, repeated bleeding, trouble breathing, chest or upper-back pain, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, confusion, or pale clammy skin. Seek same-day assessment for fever, worsening cough, or feeling very unwell. Do not drive yourself if you are faint or short of breath.

Ask whether the blood source appears to be the throat, stomach, nose, or lungs; whether you need an examination, blood tests, or imaging; and which medicines should be avoided until the cause is clear.