How common is coughing up blood in tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis can affect the lungs and airways, causing inflammation and damage that may bleed during coughing. Blood may be mixed with mucus, appear as streaks, or be more obvious. A cough that continues, fever, night sweats, tiredness, weight change, chest discomfort, or close contact with someone who has tuberculosis can help a clinician decide what tests are needed. Coughing up blood does not by itself establish the reason for the bleeding.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if you cough up blood. Tell the clinician about the duration of your cough, any fever or night sweats, recent travel, household contacts, and medicines that affect bleeding. Until you have been assessed, cover coughs and sneezes, wash your hands, and avoid sharing enclosed space with others where practical if you also have a persistent cough. Testing may include a chest examination, imaging, and samples of phlegm.

Call emergency services if bleeding is more than a small streak, you struggle to breathe, have severe chest pain, faint, become confused, or feel too unwell to stay safe. Seek same-day care for any new blood in phlegm, especially with persistent cough, fever, unexplained weight change, or reduced immunity. If tuberculosis is suspected, follow the clinician’s instructions about testing and reducing the chance of passing an infection to others.

Ask which tests can identify the source of bleeding, whether you should provide a phlegm sample, and what precautions are appropriate at home or work. If tuberculosis is confirmed, ask how treatment is taken, how side effects are checked, and how close contacts may be advised.