Coughing Up Blood (Hemoptysis)

By shirley

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Learn About Cough.' American Lung Association, www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/warning-signs-of-lung-disease/cough/learn-about-cough.
• 2. 'Coughing up Blood.' Mount Sinai Health System, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/coughing-up-blood.
• 3. Coughing Up Blood By Rebecca Dezube, et al. 'Coughing Up Blood - Lung and Airway Disorders. Merck Manuals Consumer Version, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/home/lung-and-airway-disorders/symptoms-of-lung-disorders/coughing-up-blood.
• 4. NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/coughing-up-blood/.
• 5. 'Coughing up Blood Causes.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 7 Apr. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/coughing-up-blood/basics/causes/sym-20050934.
• 6. Rull, Dr Gurvinder. 'Coughing Up Blood (Haemoptysis): Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment.' Patient.info, 23 Nov. 2017, patient.info/chest-lungs/cough-leaflet/coughing-up-blood-haemoptysis.
• 7. 'Coughing Up Blood (Hemoptysis): Causes, Tests & Diagnosis, Treatment.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17696-coughing-up-blood.

Medical Expert

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Coughing is a reflex that helps the body expel germs, mucus, and dust from the throat and airways. Occasional coughing is normal and protects the body from irritants and disease-causing microorganisms.¹‘Learn About Cough.’ American Lung Association, www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/warning-signs-of-lung-disease/cough/learn-about-cough.

Sometimes blood is expelled during coughing. This is known as hemoptysis, and the blood comes from the respiratory tract. It's not blood that comes from the mouth, throat, or intestinal tract. Hemoptysis can occur as a result of a number of issues. In most cases, coughing up small amounts of blood isn't serious, but sometimes immediate medical attention is necessary.²‘Coughing up Blood.’ Mount Sinai Health System, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/coughing-up-blood.^,3Coughing Up Blood By Rebecca Dezube, et al. ‘Coughing Up Blood - Lung and Airway Disorders. Merck Manuals Consumer Version, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/home/lung-and-airway-disorders/symptoms-of-lung-disorders/coughing-up-blood.

1. Symptoms of Hemoptysis

Blood expelled during coughing often has a bright red or rust color and may appear as streaks in the sputum. It may look bubbly since it's mixed with mucus and air.²‘Coughing up Blood.’ Mount Sinai Health System, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/coughing-up-blood. While hemoptysis may occur on its own, it's sometimes accompanied by other symptoms. These may include fever, chest pain, malaise, wheezing, and shortness of breath.⁶Rull, Dr Gurvinder. ‘Coughing Up Blood (Haemoptysis): Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment.’ Patient.info, 23 Nov. 2017, patient.info/chest-lungs/cough-leaflet/coughing-up-blood-haemoptysis.

Coughing up small amounts of blood may be alarming but it isn't always a medical threat. Coughed-up blood with a dark color and an appearance similar to coffee grounds may indicate a more serious problem that involves bleeding in the digestive system.⁴NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/coughing-up-blood/.