Tests That May Be Needed
You may be asked for a sample of your sputum so it can be checked for infection. Other tests, such as blood tests, may also be needed.
Your GP may decide to refer you to a specialist at your local hospital. Tests that may be carried out include a:
- more detailed scan, such as a computerised tomography scan
In some cases, further tests may be required to find out where the blood is coming from. For example, you may have a test called a bronchoscopy. This is where the main air passages of your lungs are examined using a tube with a camera at one end.
Treatments For Coughing Up Blood
Sometimes, coughing up blood only happens once, clears up on its own or stops once an infection has passed.
If an underlying condition is causing you to cough up blood, your GP or consultant will recommend treatment. The treatment your doctor recommends will depend on your diagnosis and will take into account your general health and preferences.
Yellow Or Green Phlegm
When youre feeling awful from a cold or the flu, your phlegm might be a gross color, too. If you start coughing up phlegm that looks yellow or green, its a sign your body is fighting an infection.
When youre sick, your body will produce white blood cells to attack the infection. These cells can secrete a green-colored enzyme that thickens your phlegm and makes it look yellow or green, Kalodner says. This doesnt mean your phlegm will be bright green or yellow every time youre sick. The change in color and texture depends on severity and duration of the infection.
If you do have an infection, youll most likely notice other symptoms like a fever, congestion and pressure in your face.
Recommended Reading: Low Level Of Blood Urea Nitrogen
Question: Why Does My Puppy Have Blood And Mucus In Her Stool
My new puppy Too Too has had blood and mucus in her stool, not all the time but its happened twice now. Shes still playful and has an appetite and drinks water. I thought worms might be the problem. Sometimes it sounds like her stomach is upset but I dont have a lot of money and Id really like an opinion of the seriousness of this issue before I take her to the vet and end up spending a whole lot of money. If you know what might be wrong with my puppy please help us!
Ashley
What To Consider Concerning Covid
Dr. Cosgrove explained that the severity of lung damage from viral pneumonia is likely the reason why some patients are coughing up blood. Dr. Dela Cruz agreed: “If it does happen, it can mean more severe COVID-19 infection or a patient has superimposed bacterial infections.” Again, any type of viral or bacterial pneumonia can cause hemoptysisnot only pneumonia caused by COVID-19.
Of course, coughing up blood at any time can be alarming to both a patient and their family, but it should not be ignored in COVID-19 patients. “In the current environment, it should raise concern and be appropriately evaluated, especially if the hemoptysis is associated with shortness of breath,” Dr. Dela Cruz said.
If you or a family member have tested positive for or have a suspected case of COVID-19 and begin coughing up blood, it’s best to call your healthcare provider right away. As medical professionals, they can evaluate your symptoms further and determine any additional treatment, or suggest you come in for an in-person visit, if they believe it’s necessary.
The information in this story is accurate as of press time. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it’s possible that some data have changed since publication. While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.
You May Like: Low Wbc In Blood Test
Common Causes Of Coughing Up Blood
The information below can give you a better idea of what may be the reason for coughing up of blood.
Don’t use it to diagnose yourself – always leave that to a doctor.
The most common reason for coughing up blood is a chest infection.
Where a specific cause is found, the most common causes include:
- pneumonia – a swelling of the tissue in one or both of your lungs usually caused by an infection with a germ
- bronchitis – an infection of the main airways of the lungs , causing them to become irritated and inflamed
- tuberculosis a severe lung infection associated with fever and sweating which can be treated with antibiotics
Sometimes a severe nosebleed or bleeding from the mouth or throat can cause blood to come out in your saliva when you cough.
Bright Red To Dark Red Or Dark Brown
HealthyPeriod
Depending on how recently the blood has been lost from the uterus, healthy blood fluctuates in hue from brilliant red to dark red or brown. Some individuals may describe their previous period blood as black however, this could indicate something else .
Egg Implantation Spotting
Less often, brown period blood could represent light bleeding from egg implantation, which can occur in the first stages of pregnancy.
Cysts of the ovary and Lochia
Lochia is postpartum bleeding that happens naturally. It is mild to moderate and lasts approximately 6 to 8 weeks after birth, but youll know if youve recently given birth. This shade of menstrual blood may also indicate ovarian cysts. Often, ovarian cysts go unnoticed, but if youre concerned or have additional symptoms, such as pain during and after sex or abdominal swelling, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Recommended Reading: Is Diabetes High Blood Sugar Or Low
Treatments For Coughing Up Bloody Mucus
1. Bronchial Artery Embolization
In this procedure, a catheter is passed through an artery in the leg to the lungs. The source of bleeding is found out by using artificial dye and checking on the video. Metal coils or other substance is used to block the artery. Other arteries compensate for the blocked artery.
2. Bronchoscopy
This procedure involves using tools that are attached to the end of an endoscope to stop the coughing up of blood. It can be done by using an inflated balloon that is attached at the end of the scope.
3. Surgery
If coughing up bloody mucus is serious, it could become life-threatening. Surgery may be required to remove certain parts of lung so that the underlying cause for hemoptysis is corrected.
Respiratory Infection The Most Common Reason For Coughing Up Blood
If you cough up a little blood theres usually no cause for concern. You may have blood in your mucus from having had a nosebleed and the blood from your nose washed down your throat. You may also see blood streaks in your mucus perhaps from a respiratory infection such as bronchitis, bronchiectasis or pneumonia. If, however, you are coughing up more than a couple teaspoons of blood or you are often coughing up blood, these may be signs of something more serious that needs medical attention.
Read Also: White Blood Cell Count Leukemia
Coughing Up Blood Quiz
- Exposure to someone who had TB or traveled to a country where it is common
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection of the lungs caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The condition can also affect other organs in the body.
TB causes problems in people with conditions that weaken their immune system or who have a high risk for the condition, such as:
- Being in close contact with someone with TB.
- Traveling to an endemic country.
- Working or living in a homeless shelter.
- Working or living in prison.
Most people exposed to TB are able to fight it off without issues, although the TB remains dormant in the body. They may develop symptoms later in life if their immune system becomes weaker.
The treatment for TB is several daily antibiotics for at least 6 months. It is very important to take every dose in order to get well. TB in the lungs can cause cavitary disease or other scarring that can bleed, especially if not treated properly.
TB cavitary disease can erode the lung tissue and blood vessels of the airways, causing life-threatening bleeding.
For severe or life-threatening cases, treatments may include hospitalization for monitoring, a breathing tube and ventilator, bronchoscopy, surgery, and a procedure to block a bleeding vessel.
Mucus And Blood In Stool With Abdominal Pain: 6 Causes Explained
Our content is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for medical advice by your doctor. Use for informational purposes only.
Common causes of abdominal pain, with blood and mucus in the stool are:
- Dysentery: the most common cause of acute abdominal pain with blood and mucus in stool.
- Inflammatory bowel disease .
- Diverticulitis.
- Intussusception.
Also Check: High Blood Pressure Chest Pain
What Should You Do If You Have Bloody Mucus
If you have a lot of blood in your mucus, tell your doctor. We can’t stress that enough. It’s true that the majority of nosebleeds and cases of bloody mucus are not serious, but it’s best to be on the safe side.
For instance, in rare cases, frequent nosebleeds could indicate the presence of tumors and paranasal sinus cancers, although these are usually accompanied by a host of other symptoms.
Heavy nosebleeds, on the other hand, may hint at blood clotting disorders, as well as high blood pressure.
For everything else, the following steps should help to clear the blood away and prevent similar issues in the future.
How University Of Washington Coronavirus Unit Is Keeping Patients And Staff Safe
“Try to call ahead and notify someone that youre coming in because you may not have COVID-19 but right now people with those symptoms are being assumed to have COVID-19 and the proper precautions need to be taken,” Rizzo said. “The key thing in all this is communication what is the symptom, what are the other symptoms, let the health care provider make the decision about sitting at home or seeking further care.”
Read Also: Can Stress Increase Blood Pressure
Mucus Color And Its Meaning
If youve been feeling unusually congested, noting what the tissue looks like after you blow your nose might help you make an educated guess as to why. The snot of a healthy person should be clear and relatively thin in consistency. Keep in mind that the color of your boogers should not be considered a clear indication of any root cause, but the following colors may offer some clues:
Is It Ok To Have A Little Blood In Your Mucus
Whether it’s “okay” or not is debatable, as it suggests there is a broken blood vessel somewhere and could also hint at a more serious problem. The vast majority of times, though, a little blood in your mucus is normal.
It’s especially common in people who pick their noses and blow their noses with force. It’s also more common in people suffering from hay fever, nasal congestion, and other sinus issues, as they are more likely to blow, sniff, snort, rub, and generally irritate their noses.
Also Check: What Is Blood Sugar Test Called
Hemoptysis Or Something Else
It is important to make a distinction between coughing up blood from the respiratory tract and from other parts of the body. For example:
- Pseudohemoptysis is the coughing up of blood not from the lungs.
- Hematemesis is the vomiting of blood from the digestive tract.
Each is treated differently and can be difficult to tell apart. In many cases, only an evaluation from a healthcare provider can pinpoint the source of the bleeding.
Some possible causes of hemoptysis include:
Hemoptysis is the only symptom in only 7% of people diagnosed with lung cancer, and it’s considered the symptom most specific for the diagnosis.
What Causes Blood In Stool And Mucus Discharge
Blood in the stool, constipation, or anemia from the loss of blood are common symptoms. One type of colon cancer, called mucinous adenocarcinoma, makes up about one in five colon cancers and is made primarily of mucus with cancer cells mixed in. This type of cancer can cause mucus discharge.
What does it mean when I have pink or red mucus?
When you have pink or red mucus, it means theres blood in your nose. This can be caused by: Blood in the nose is more common if you live in a dry climate or at a high elevation. Having asthma or allergies can also cause blood in your nose.
You May Like: Is 72 Low Blood Sugar
What Causes Mucus With Blood In The Nose
Nasal mucus is supposed to be clear, but it can take on a few different shades depending on what it’s exposed to.
Mucus exists to moisten your nasal passages and trap dust, dirt, and bacteria. If your mucus is green or yellow, it could indicate that you have an infection. If it’s red, it likely signifies the presence of blood.
It’s normal to feel a little alarmed by the presence of blood in your mucus, but the reality is that most causes are completely innocuous and minor nosebleeds like this are rarely serious. In fact, you likely have more to worry about if your mucus is yellow or green, as it means you could have an infection.
Nosebleeds occur when the small blood vessels in the nose become damaged. They are very delicate and it doesn’t take much for them to rupture.
Broken blood vessels can produce varying amounts of blood depending on the extent of the damage and the location. You might have a full nosebleed you might just lose a few drops that become trapped in your mucus.
The blood vessels in your nose can become damaged as a result of nose blowing, nose picking, exposure to dry air, repeated rubbing, and trauma.
If there are streaks of blood in one nostril, there’s usually nothing to worry about. Just refrain from picking your nose, don’t blow too hard, and if your nasal cavity is very dry and irritated, apply some petroleum jelly or use a saline spray.
If You Cough Up Blood Should You Immediately Go To The Er
Despite the scariness of the symptom, Rizzo and Torres both cautioned that people shouldn’t immediately go to the emergency room.
“If you have access to a doctor or telemedicine it would be better to do it that way, since it might be something minor,” Torres said. “If you do notice , you should at least talk to a doctor to see if you need an X-Ray or CT scan.”
Rizzo said that if someone is experiencing hemoptysis and other COVID-19 symptoms like a fever or dry cough, they should seek out medical care, and said that if you do decide to go to the ER or an urgent care, you should call ahead to let medical staff know you’re coming.
Also Check: Quickest Way To Raise Blood Sugar
What Does Normal Snot From Nose Look Like
Under ordinary circumstances, the mucus color is clear to white. The trouble starts when it looks yellow or green that is due to a virus, bacterial infection or an allergy.
The only problem with color detection is that you cant tell for sure whether its a virus, bacteria or allergy thats causing the change. However, it does indicate your body is fighting off an intruder.
You Have An Underlying Health Condition
Though unusual, sometimes blood-streaked boogers are the result of rare autoimmune disorders.
Some autoimmune diseases like granulomatosis with polyangiitis and Sjogrens syndrome can result in thick, dry nasal crusts, Dr. Chen says. These patients often have some streaks of blood in the crusts due to the ongoing irrigation of the mucosa, he explains.
âFix it:â While these conditions are fairly uncommon, talk to your doctor if you experience ongoing nasal problems, especially if you have a family history of autoimmune disease, Dr. Chen says. Your physician will be able to perform a proper assessment to rule out any underlying health conditions.
Read Also: Blood Test Strips For Diabetes
What Is Coughing Up Blood
Coughing up blood involves coughing or spitting up blood or bloody mucus from your lower respiratory tract . Also called hemoptysis , coughing up blood is common and can have many causes. Most causes arent serious. However, you may need to visit an ER immediately if youre coughing up large amounts of blood.
Blood that you cough up often looks bubbly or frothy and is mixed with mucus or spit. It can appear pink, red or rust-colored and is usually in small amounts.
What is the difference between coughing up blood and vomiting blood?
Coughing up blood isnt the same as vomiting blood . Blood thats coughed up usually looks like blood-stained spit mixed with mucus. The blood comes from your throat or mouth. Vomiting blood involves spewing large quantities of blood. It usually involves internal bleeding in your upper gastrointestinal tract.
See a healthcare provider immediately if youre vomiting blood.
Is coughing up blood serious?
It can be. It all depends on whats causing your blood loss and the extent of your blood loss. Most causes arent serious and are treatable. Still, coughing up blood can be a sign of serious conditions, like a severe infection or lung cancer. Losing too much blood at once can be life-threatening and require emergency medical attention.
Only a healthcare provider can determine how serious your condition is. If youre coughing up large quantities of blood, or if your condition doesnt improve, see a provider.
Normal Case Of Spotting
Spotting refers to small amounts of vaginal bleeding that occur between normal menstrual periods just enough to leave a small spot of blood on a pad or on clothing.
Sometimes spotting has serious a cause, but very often it is triggered by fluctuating hormone levels from simple causes:
- Abnormal thyroid levels.
- Early pregnancy.
- Early menopause.
These changing hormone levels can happen to any woman who has not completed menopause. Those who have, and are not taking hormone therapy, should not be having any spotting at all.
No matter what a woman’s age or situation, if spotting persists a gynecologist should be consulted to rule out any serious causes. The doctor can help manage hormone levels so that they remain at a normal level, not only preventing spotting but adding to a better quality of life for the patient.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: vaginal bleeding or bloody discharge, bloody vaginal discharge, mild unexpected vaginal bleeding, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge
Symptoms that always occur with normal case of spotting: vaginal bleeding or bloody discharge
Symptoms that never occur with normal case of spotting: severe unexpected vaginal bleeding, vaginal pain, vaginal itch or burning, bleeding after sex, severe abdominal pain
Urgency: Wait and watch
Recommended Reading: Is 126 Blood Sugar High