What does coughing up blood feel like with lung cancer?

The blood may appear after a cough and can be mixed with mucus or appear separately. Some people notice a cough that does not settle, a change in a long-standing cough, chest discomfort, breathlessness, hoarseness, or unusual tiredness. These symptoms have several possible causes, so the way blood looks cannot confirm lung cancer.

Tell a clinician promptly about any blood you cough up, especially if it returns or occurs with a persistent cough, breathlessness, chest pain, hoarseness, or unexplained tiredness. The clinician may ask about smoking and other exposures, examine you, and arrange chest imaging or other tests. Keep track of the amount, colour, timing, and accompanying symptoms.

Get emergency help if bleeding is heavy or repeated, breathing becomes difficult, chest pain is severe, you feel faint or confused, or your lips look blue or grey. Sit upright and avoid driving if you are breathless or dizzy.

Ask which tests are appropriate, whether the blood could come from another part of the airways, how quickly results will be reviewed, and which changes should lead you to seek emergency care.