How is coughing up blood treated?

Blood brought up with a cough may follow irritation or infection, but it can also occur with bronchiectasis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, a pulmonary embolism, or lung cancer. Blood from the nose, mouth, or stomach can look similar, so a clinician will ask where it came from and whether it was mixed with mucus. They may ask about colour, amount, recurrence, fever, chest pain, breathlessness, smoking, medicines, and previous lung problems.

Arrange medical advice even if the streaks are small and stop, particularly if the symptom is new or repeated. Note the colour and approximate amount, and bring a list of medicines, including blood thinners. Do not take cough suppressants or stop prescribed medicines without advice. Treatment may involve antibiotics for an infection, treatment for an underlying airway condition, or a procedure chosen by a specialist. Palliative radiotherapy may be discussed when bleeding is related to advanced disease and symptom relief is the goal.

Call emergency services for more than a small streak, ongoing or increasing bleeding, clots, severe breathlessness, chest pain, faintness, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or blue lips. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or cannot breathe comfortably. Sit upright and keep any tissue or sample available for clinicians if safe to do so.

Where is the blood likely coming from? Do I need imaging or a specialist review? Could my medicines be contributing, and what should I do if bleeding returns?