What is the medical name for coughing up blood?

Haemoptysis means blood is expelled by coughing from the throat, windpipe, or lungs. It may appear as pink, red, or rust-coloured streaks in mucus, or as blood without much mucus. This differs from vomiting blood, which comes from the digestive tract, and from a nosebleed that drains into the throat. Irritation after a hard cough can cause it, while infection, bronchiectasis, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, tuberculosis, or lung cancer may also be assessed. The name describes the symptom, not its cause.

Write down when it happened, how much you saw, its colour, and whether coughing or vomiting came first. Rest upright, avoid smoking and strenuous exertion, and seek prompt clinical advice. Mention blood-thinning medicine, recent travel or surgery, fever, weight change, and any history of lung disease. Do not assume a single episode is harmless simply because it stops.

Emergency care is needed for a large amount of blood, repeated episodes, difficulty breathing, chest pain, faintness, confusion, or a racing heartbeat. Get same-day medical assessment if you have fever, worsening breathlessness, or feel markedly unwell. If bleeding is continuing, stay upright and ask someone else to take you for care.

Ask whether your symptom fits haemoptysis or another source of bleeding, what examination is needed, and whether medication, chest imaging, or follow-up is appropriate.