Cough that produces blood
Overview
A cough that produces blood, also known as hemoptysis, occurs when blood is expelled from the lungs or airways during coughing. This symptom can range from small streaks of blood in sputum to larger amounts of bright red blood being coughed up.
Common Causes
A cough that brings up blood can result from minor causes like throat irritation from excessive coughing, dry air, or respiratory infections that cause small blood vessels to break. More serious underlying conditions may include lung infections, chronic bronchitis, or other respiratory disorders that cause inflammation and bleeding in the airways. Certain medications, particularly blood thinners, can also make bleeding more likely when coughing occurs.
Severity Levels
Mild: Small streaks or flecks of blood mixed with mucus that occur occasionally. You may notice pink-tinged sputum or tiny blood spots when coughing.
Moderate: More noticeable amounts of blood appearing regularly when coughing, with blood clearly visible in sputum. The blood may be bright red or darker in color and occurs multiple times.
Severe: Large amounts of bright red blood being coughed up repeatedly, or continuous bleeding from the airways. This represents a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical attention if you cough up any amount of blood, especially if it's bright red or occurs repeatedly. This symptom always warrants prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional, even if you feel otherwise well. Don't wait to see if it improves on its own, as early diagnosis and treatment are important for the best outcomes.
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