Coughing up blood — known medically as hemoptysis — can be frightening. While the cause is often treatable, it should never be ignored. Even small amounts deserve evaluation by a doctor.
Common causes
- Bronchitis and chest infections
- Tuberculosis, active or old
- Bronchiectasis
- Lung cancer
- Fungal infections
- Blood clots in the lungs or blood-thinning medicines
When is it an emergency?
Go to the emergency department immediately if you cough up more than a few tablespoons of blood, have difficulty breathing, feel dizzy or faint, or have chest pain.
How is it evaluated?
Evaluation usually includes a chest X-ray and a CT scan of the chest. Sputum tests check for infection, including TB. A flexible bronchoscopy can locate the source of bleeding and obtain samples.
Blood that comes from the nose, gums or stomach can sometimes be mistaken for hemoptysis, so a careful examination is important.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Please consult a doctor about your specific situation.
