Coughing up bright red blood with mucus

Mucus is produced by the airways and can become more noticeable during a cold, bronchitis, or another infection. Bright red streaks may come from irritated airway surfaces after repeated coughing. Pneumonia may present with phlegm, fever, chest pain, and blood. Bronchiectasis may cause repeated episodes of phlegm and bleeding. A pulmonary embolism can present with sudden breathlessness or sharp chest pain and coughing blood. Tuberculosis and lung cancer are other conditions clinicians may consider when symptoms persist or recur. The appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Contact a clinician promptly and describe the mucus colour, the amount of blood, how often it has happened, and whether the blood is streaked through the mucus or forms clots. Bring a medication list, including drugs that affect clotting. Rest, avoid smoking and vaping, and drink fluids if you can do so safely. Do not start leftover antibiotics; treatment depends on the cause.

Call emergency services for worsening or significant bleeding, breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, severe weakness, confusion, or blue or grey lips. Seek urgent review if the episode follows immobility, surgery, or an injury, or if you have a high fever and feel very unwell. Sit upright while waiting for help and keep any sample or photograph available.

Ask whether the pattern fits airway irritation or an infection, whether you need a chest X-ray or other tests, and which symptoms require immediate return. Ask how to manage your cough while the cause is being evaluated.