Coughing up blood can be alarming, but isn't usually a sign of a serious problem if you're young and otherwise healthy. It's more a cause for concern in older people, particularly those who smoke.
Coughing up blood can be alarming, but isn't usually a sign of a serious problem if you're young and otherwise healthy. It's more a cause for concern in older people, particularly those who smoke.
The medical term for coughing up blood is hemoptysis.
You may cough up small amounts of bright red blood, or frothy blood-streaked sputum (saliva and phlegm). The blood is usually from your lungs and is often the result of prolonged coughing or a chest infection.
If the blood is dark and contains bits of food or what look like coffee grounds, it may be coming from your digestive system. This is a more serious problem and you should go to hospital straight away. Read more about vomiting blood.
See your doctor as soon as possible if you cough up blood. It's particularly important to see your doctor if:
Your doctor will be able to assess whether you may have a serious medical condition that needs to be investigated and treated. Call your local out of hours service if you can't see your doctor.
Call for an ambulance or go to your nearest Emergency Department immediately if you're coughing up significant amounts of blood or are struggling to breathe.
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 doctor may decide to refer you to a specialist at your local hospital for a chest X-ray or a more detailed scan, such as a computerized tomography (CT) scan.
In some cases, further tests may be required to find out where the blood is coming from. For example, you may be referred to a specialist who may decide to arrange a test called a bronchoscopy (where the main air passages of your lungs are examined using a tube with a camera at one end).
This page can give you a better idea of what the cause may be, but don't use it to diagnose yourself. Always leave that to a doctor.
The most common reasons for coughing up blood are:
Sometimes a severe nosebleed or bleeding from the mouth or throat can cause blood to come out in your saliva when you cough.
Less commonly, coughing up blood may be the result of:
Sometimes, no cause can be found and it never happens again.
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.