What does coughing up blood mean?

Small streaks may come from irritated airways after forceful coughing, a throat infection or acute bronchitis. Other conditions that can present with blood in phlegm include bronchiectasis, asthma, bronchiolitis or a common cold. Blood from the nose or gums, or vomit from the stomach, can be mistaken for blood coughed from the chest. The colour, amount, timing and accompanying symptoms help a clinician identify the source.

Arrange prompt medical advice, even if the amount seems small. Note whether the blood is mixed with mucus, how often it appears, and whether you have fever, chest discomfort or breathlessness. Sit upright, avoid smoking and do not take someone else’s medicine. If you use blood-thinning medicine, mention it when seeking advice rather than stopping it on your own.

Call emergency services for more than a small amount of blood, bleeding that does not stop, severe breathlessness, chest pain, faintness, confusion, or blue lips. Urgent assessment is also needed if the bleeding follows a chest injury, comes with a very fast heartbeat, or occurs in a person who is seriously unwell. Recurrent blood-streaked phlegm should not be ignored even when a cough feels mild.

Ask where the blood may be coming from, whether you need chest tests, and which symptoms should prompt immediate return for care.