Haemoptysis treatment

Haemoptysis means coughing blood or blood-stained mucus from the lower airways. It can happen with an irritated airway or chest infection, but it may also be linked with bronchiectasis, lung cancer, tuberculosis, or a pulmonary embolism. Blood from the mouth, nose, or stomach can look similar, so its source needs checking.

The clinician will ask about the colour and amount, how often it happened, chest pain, breathlessness, fever, smoking, medicines that affect clotting, and previous lung problems. The assessment may include examination and tests chosen for the suspected cause.

Contact a clinician promptly for any unexplained blood when coughing, even if it is mixed with mucus. Note when it began, how much you saw, and whether it followed a bout of coughing. Bring a list of medicines, including blood thinners, and do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.

Treatment may involve managing an infection, adjusting a medicine, treating an underlying lung condition, or controlling a bleeding area. Palliative radiotherapy can sometimes be considered when bleeding is related to a cancer and symptom relief is the goal.

Call emergency services for more than a small streak, ongoing or increasing bleeding, severe breathlessness, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, confusion, or blue or grey lips. Sit upright while waiting for help and avoid driving yourself if you feel weak or short of breath.

Ask where the blood is likely coming from, which tests are needed, and whether any medicine could be contributing. Ask what amount or symptom should send you to emergency care, and how the suspected cause will be treated.