What should you know about getting blood in your cough?

Small streaks may come from irritation in the nose, throat, or airways after forceful coughing. Coughing blood can also occur with respiratory infections such as Acute Bronchitis or Common Cold. Ongoing cough-related bleeding needs a clinician to check the lungs and review other possibilities, including Bronchiectasis, Asthma, or Chronic Cough.

Blood from the mouth or stomach can be mistaken for blood from the lungs. Note whether it was mixed with mucus, whether it looked bright red or dark, and whether vomiting, nosebleed, fever, chest pain, or breathlessness occurred.

Arrange medical assessment for any unexplained blood in sputum. Until reviewed, rest, avoid smoking and strenuous exertion, and record when it happened and roughly how much appeared. Bring a medicine list, particularly if you take a blood thinner.

A clinician may examine your nose, throat and chest and decide whether testing is needed. Mention heartburn or a sour taste because Acid Reflux can contribute to persistent cough, and mention nasal allergy symptoms because Allergic Rhinitis can irritate the upper airway.

Seek emergency help for more than a small streak, bleeding that does not stop, severe breathlessness, chest pain, faintness, blue or grey lips, confusion, or a fast worsening illness. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or cannot breathe comfortably.

Ask what may be causing the bleeding, whether your medicines affect it, which warning signs matter for you, and what follow-up is needed if the cough continues.