Coughing up brown mucus and blood

Blood can darken as it mixes with mucus and remains in the airways before being coughed out. Brown or rust-coloured phlegm can also occur with airway inflammation or a chest infection. Pneumonia may present with fever, cough, chest discomfort, and rusty sputum. Bronchiectasis can lead to long-term phlegm production and occasional bleeding. A pulmonary embolism may cause sudden breathlessness or chest pain with blood. Persistent or recurrent blood may prompt assessment for tuberculosis or lung cancer. Colour cannot establish the cause, and a small amount can still matter when it is unexplained.

Arrange a prompt appointment and describe whether the mucus was brown, rust-coloured, or dark red. Mention cough duration, fever, night sweats, weight change, breathlessness, chest pain, smoking history, recent travel, and contact with tuberculosis. If possible, photograph the material in good light. Avoid smoking and strenuous exertion until assessed, and do not use someone else’s medicine.

Get emergency help for ongoing or heavy bleeding, sudden breathlessness, chest pain, faintness, confusion, or blue lips. Urgent review is also appropriate if you feel severely unwell with fever, or if coughing blood follows surgery, prolonged immobility, or chest trauma. Remain upright and avoid driving if dizzy or short of breath.

Ask whether the colour suggests older blood, whether you need imaging or a sputum test, and how to track further episodes. Ask when it is safe to return to exercise and which changes need immediate help.