When coughing up blood (medical name hemoptysis), the color is often a bright red, and is mixed with mucus. Below are listed the possible reasons.

Potential Causes

These include blood clot in the lung, cystic fibrosis, and some types of cancer. Bronchitis, bronchiectasis and Goodpasture’s syndrome may also cause hemoptysis.

Vasculitis is the inflammation of the lung blood vessels; this may also cause hemoptysis. The blood could also be a sign of pulmonary aspiration, pneumonia, laryngitis, pulmonary edema, systemic lupus erythematosus or tuberculosis.

Throat that gets irritated by cough is another possible cause. If the blood is due to cough, you should see a doctor. Persistent and violent coughing may cause blood vessels to rupture.

It is also possible that the blood is due to nosebleed. A nosebleed may result in a post nasal drip which comes out in the cough. Some types of viral infection may cause this too. A bad case of the cold may also cause some blood to appear with the mucus.

The most common sources are usually in the respiratory tract. However, it is also possible that the problem is in the stomach area. From there it is being coughed up. In mild cases, the blood can be seen as dots in the mucus. In the more serious ones, the blood will appear in the form of clots.

Getting Medical Help

Call the doctor the instance you see cough with blood mixed in it. See your health provider if the coughing is accompanied by feelings of dizziness, light-headedness, fever or chest pain. Get medical help if you are experiencing shortness of breath or there is blood in the urine.

Take note of the color also. If the color is still bright red, you are still bleeding. A rusty or brown color suggests dried or clotted blood. Tell your doctor about the color and if it has been changing in any way.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The doctor will ask you questions. This may include how much and often hemoptysis has been occurring. They will also ask if there is blood in the phlegm, if it began suddenly and how long you have had the cough. Other questions that may be asked include if you have other symptoms besides coughing up blood.

The doctor will conduct numerous tests. This may include a chest x-ray, bronchoscopy, coagulation studies and chest CT scans. A complete blood count will be performed.

Other diagnostic tests include lung scans, pulmonary arteriography, lung biopsy, and sputum culture and smear. Depending on the results of other tests, other diagnostic examinations may be done, such as laryngoscopy, spirometry, upper airway biopsy, mediastinoscopy and tonsillectomy.

About Cough Suppressants

Cough suppressants may be helpful if the ailment is due to violent coughing. However, there are cases wherein the suppressant causes obstruction. Speak with your doctor before taking any of them.

Because there are so many possible reasons why you are coughing up blood, it is essential you are well informed. Being aware of the symptoms and causes will enable you to get the appropriate treatment.