Head cold and coughing up bloody mucus

Forceful or repeated coughing can irritate small blood vessels in the nose, throat or airways, leaving bright-red streaks in mucus. Blood may also run from the nose or gums and then be brought up rather than coming from the lungs. The colour, amount, recurrence and whether it is mixed with phlegm are useful details.

Pneumonia may present with cough, fever, chest pain and breathlessness. Bronchiectasis can cause recurrent phlegm and bleeding. Tuberculosis may be considered with a prolonged cough, night sweats, weight loss or relevant exposure. Lung cancer and pulmonary embolism are less common possibilities, but their warning patterns require medical assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Stop smoking or vaping, avoid strenuous exertion and keep a record of the blood's appearance and how often it occurs. Do not take leftover antibiotics or medicines that suppress coughing unless a clinician or pharmacist advises them. Arrange prompt clinical advice even if the blood appears only as streaks, particularly when you take blood thinners or have lung disease.

If possible, note whether bleeding follows a nosebleed, whether fever or chest pain is present, and any recent travel, surgery, injury or prolonged immobility. These details help the clinician judge urgency.

Call emergency services for more than a small streak, ongoing bleeding, severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or blue lips. These symptoms can signal significant airway bleeding or a serious problem affecting the lungs. Seek same-day advice for any new or repeated blood, fever, worsening cough, or unexplained weight loss.

Tell the clinician how much blood you saw, when it started, and whether it followed coughing or a nosebleed. Ask whether you need a chest examination, imaging or tests, and which medicines or activities to avoid while waiting.