I Keep Coughing Up Blood

Small streaks may come from irritated airways after forceful or prolonged coughing. Pneumonia can cause blood-stained mucus with fever, chest pain, breathlessness, or feeling unwell. Bronchiectasis may produce repeated chest infections and larger amounts of blood. Tuberculosis can cause a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss. Lung cancer is another possible cause, particularly with a new or lasting cough, but coughing up blood does not establish that diagnosis. A pulmonary embolism can cause sudden breathlessness, chest pain, a fast heartbeat, or coughing blood.

The appearance may be bright red or mixed with mucus; vomited blood or bleeding from the nose or gums can look different. A clinician needs to identify the source.

Arrange prompt medical assessment, even if the amount seems small or the episode stops. Note when it happened, how often, its appearance, and whether you have fever, chest pain, breathlessness, or recent infection. Do not smoke, and do not take extra medicines that affect clotting unless a clinician has instructed you. If you are already receiving care for a lung condition, contact that team promptly.

Call emergency services for more than a trace of blood, repeated bleeding, severe or sudden breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, confusion, blue lips, or a very fast heartbeat. Urgent assessment is also needed if you feel rapidly worse or cannot keep fluids down.

Could the blood be coming from my lungs, throat, nose, or stomach? Do I need imaging or other tests? Could an infection, clot, or medicine explain it? What should I do if it happens again?