Why Are You Coughing Up Blood?

A forceful cough may break tiny surface vessels and leave streaks in sputum. Pneumonia can cause inflamed air sacs and blood-tinged mucus, while bronchiectasis can make damaged airways produce frequent phlegm and bleeding. Tuberculosis, pulmonary embolism, and lung cancer also need consideration in the right clinical setting; seeing blood does not diagnose any one of them.

Blood from the nose, mouth, or throat can be mistaken for blood from the lungs. Vomiting blood is different and may look darker or mixed with food. A clinician will ask about the cough, fever, chest discomfort, breathing, smoking, recent travel, and medicines such as anticoagulants.

Contact a healthcare professional for advice rather than trying to determine the cause at home. Record the time, appearance, and approximate amount of blood, and keep a photo if that is safe and appropriate. Rest, drink fluids if you can, and avoid smoking. Do not stop prescribed blood-thinning medicine without medical guidance; mention it urgently when seeking advice.

Call emergency services for heavy or continuing bleeding, difficulty breathing, chest pain, a racing heartbeat with weakness, fainting, confusion, or blue lips. Sudden breathlessness with coughing blood is especially urgent. A small isolated streak still deserves prompt advice if you take anticoagulants, have a known lung condition, or the symptom returns.

Ask what source of bleeding is most likely, whether you need tests such as chest imaging, and what changes should bring you back urgently. Share any fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, leg swelling, recent procedures, or exposure to tuberculosis.