I just coughed up blood

Blood may come from irritated gums, the nose, throat, or airways after forceful coughing. Chest infections such as Pneumonia can inflame lung tissue. Bronchiectasis may cause repeated bleeding with long-term mucus and cough. Less common but serious causes include Pulmonary Embolism, Tuberculosis, or Lung Cancer. The appearance, amount, repetition, chest pain, fever, breathlessness, and smoking history help guide assessment.

Arrange same-day medical advice and note the colour and approximate amount, whether it was mixed with mucus, and any medicines that affect clotting. Do not ignore a recurrence. Avoid smoking and strenuous activity until assessed. A clinician may examine your mouth and chest, review medicines, and arrange imaging or blood tests according to the symptoms. Do not begin or stop a blood-thinning medicine without medical instruction.

Call emergency services immediately if you cough up a large or ongoing amount of blood, have severe breathlessness, sharp chest pain, faintness, a very fast heartbeat, confusion, or blue lips. These symptoms can occur with serious bleeding or a Pulmonary Embolism and need urgent treatment. If you feel faint, sit or lie safely while help is arranged.

Where might the blood be coming from? Do my medicines or medical history increase bleeding risk? Do I need chest imaging, infection tests, or specialist review?