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What It Means

What Coughing Up Blood Means

Coughing up blood, also called haemoptysis, means bringing up blood or blood-streaked mucus when you cough. It may appear as a few bright-red streaks, pink or rust-coloured mucus, or a larger amount of blood. The source can be the airways or lungs, but blood in the cough may also come from the nose, throat, or mouth.

Emergency Warning Signs

Emergency Warning Signs

Get urgent help

Coughing up blood can be an emergency

Call emergency services or go to an emergency department for more than a small streak or spot of blood, ongoing or heavy bleeding, trouble breathing, chest pain, a very fast heartbeat, faintness, severe weakness, blue lips, confusion, or coughing blood after a major injury.

  • Do not drive yourself if you are seriously unwell.
  • Note how much blood was produced and bring your medication details.

Possible Causes

Possible Causes of Coughing Up Blood

A few streaks after repeated, forceful coughing can result from irritated airways. However, unexplained, recurrent, or larger-volume bleeding needs medical evaluation because causes range from infection and inflammation to conditions affecting blood clotting or the lungs.

  • Irritation from forceful or prolonged coughing can damage small blood vessels in the airways.
  • Bronchitis or another respiratory infection can inflame the airways and cause blood in mucus.
  • Pneumonia may cause coughing up bloody mucus, often with fever or feeling unwell.
  • Bronchiectasis or another chronic lung condition can lead to repeated bleeding.
  • Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or throat may mix with saliva or mucus and appear during a cough.
  • Blood-thinning medicines or a bleeding disorder can make bleeding more likely or prolonged.
  • Tuberculosis or another significant infection can cause persistent cough and blood in phlegm.
  • A blood clot in the lung can cause coughing blood, chest pain, and breathlessness.
  • Lung cancer is a less common but important cause, especially with persistent or recurrent bleeding.

A clinician may ask about the colour and amount of blood, how long it has lasted, smoking history, medicines, fever, chest pain, breathlessness, and recent travel or infection exposure. They may examine you and arrange tests to identify the cause of the blood in mucus.

Duration Triage Table

What the Duration May Suggest

Duration or patternWhat it may suggestWhat to do
One brief episode with a small streakAirway irritation, forceful coughing, or bleeding from the nose or throat may be possible.Arrange medical advice if the cause is not obvious or the bleeding returns.
Lasts several days or keeps returningAn infection, ongoing airway inflammation, medicine effect, or another condition may need investigation.Contact a healthcare professional promptly.
Persists or recurs over weeksA chronic lung or airway condition, bleeding problem, or another significant cause must be considered.Arrange prompt clinical assessment even if the amount is small.

Duration is only one part of triage. Heavy bleeding, breathlessness, chest pain, faintness, or rapid deterioration requires emergency care immediately, regardless of how long the coughing and blood have been present.

Relief Tips

What to Do While You Wait for Advice

  • Rest and avoid strenuous activity until you have medical advice.
  • Drink fluids if you normally can do so safely.
  • Do not smoke or vape, as this can further irritate the airways.
  • Note how much blood appeared, its colour, and whether it was mixed with mucus.
  • Do not stop prescribed blood-thinning medicine unless a healthcare professional tells you to.

Cough suppressants and other over-the-counter medicines may not be suitable for every cause, especially when bleeding is present. Ask a pharmacist or clinician before using them.

When to See a Doctor

When to See a Doctor

Contact a healthcare professional promptly for any unexplained episode of blood in the cough, repeated or persistent bleeding, or blood with fever, a worsening cough, night sweats, weight loss, chest discomfort, or breathlessness. Arrange timely advice if you smoke, take blood thinners, have a chronic lung condition, or recently had surgery or prolonged immobility.

What to record before the appointment

Diseases & Conditions

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