Coughing up blood: Causes and next steps 

Coughing up blood can be scary for most people and can make your mind conjure up all sorts of worst-case scenarios. However, it's not always a due to a serious cause, and sometimes, it's something as mundane as a nosebleed gone astray or a stubborn cough that's just been irritating your throat. 

On the other hand, it can also be a red flag for something more serious brewing beneath the surface. That's why it's absolutely crucial to get it checked out by a doctor, no matter how tempting it might be to just bury your head in the sand and hope it goes away. 

What are the causes of coughing up blood?

There's a whole host of reasons why you might find yourself coughing up blood. Think of it like your body sending you a signal that something's not quite right. Here are some of the common culprits: 

• Bronchitis: Picture your airways becoming all inflamed and irritated, leading to coughing, wheezing, and sometimes, a bit of blood mixed in with the phlegm. It's like having a really nasty cold that's progressed down deeper into your lungs. 
• Pneumonia: This is when your lungs get infected, and it can cause coughing, fever, chills, and sometimes enough damage to result in blood-tinged mucus.  
• Tuberculosis (TB): TB is a serious infection that can cause a persistent cough, weight loss, and night sweats. It can also lead to coughing up blood.  
• Lung cancer: This is the C-word that everyone dreads, but it's important to remember that coughing up blood doesn't automatically mean you have cancer. However, it can be a symptom, along with chest pain, shortness of breath, and weight loss. Lung cancer is a formidable foe, but early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes. 
• Pulmonary embolism: This is essentially a blood clot that's ended up lodged in your lungs. It's a serious condition that can cause coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and in some cases, coughing up blood. Imagine it as a sudden roadblock in your lungs, causing a major traffic jam and disrupting the flow of oxygen. 

What to look for when you cough up blood?

If you find yourself coughing up blood, don't just shrug it off. Take a moment to observe and gather some more information: 

• How much blood are we talking about? Is it a tiny speck or a more substantial amount? Think of it like comparing small streaks to a dollop of tomato sauce. 
• What colour is it? Bright red blood is different from dark red or brown blood. Bright red typically means it's fresh, while darker blood might have been hanging around in your lungs for longer. 
• Any other symptoms? Are you coughing a lot, feeling chest pain, or struggling to catch your breath? These additional symptoms can help your doctor piece together the puzzle. 

What should you do?

First and foremost: don't panic.  Once you've taken a few deep breaths and calmed your nerves, it's time to assess the situation. If you're coughing up a significant amount of blood, or if it's bright red, don't hesitate – head straight to the emergency room.  This isn't the time to wait and see if it gets better. 

If it's a smaller amount or darker in colour, you can call your doctor or consider a telehealth with an online doctor for some initial guidance. They can help you determine if you need to come in for an appointment or if it's something you can monitor at home for the time being. 

When to call the doctor?

Reach out to your doctor if you're coughing up blood and experiencing any of these: 

• Persistent cough: That nagging cough that just won't quit, especially if it's getting worse instead of better 
• Chest pain: Any kind of discomfort in your chest, whether it's sharp, dull, or feels like a heavy weight 
• Shortness of breath: Feeling like you can't quite fill your lungs, even when you're just sitting still 
• Fever or chills: These could be signs that your body is fighting off an infection. 
• Unexplained weight loss: If the pounds are dropping without any effort on your part, it's worth investigating 
• Night sweats: Waking up drenched in sweat, even if it's not a heatwave outside 

When to go to the emergency department?

Head straight to the ED if you're coughing up a lot of blood, or if it's bright red. Also, don't delay if you have: 

• Severe chest pain: Pain that's so intense it's hard to breathe or move 
• Difficulty breathing: Feeling like you're gasping for air or suffocating 
• Feeling faint or dizzy: This could be a sign that your brain isn't getting enough oxygen 
• A racing heart: Your heart might be trying to compensate for a lack of oxygen by pumping faster 

Can telehealth with an online GP help with coughing up mild amounts of blood?

For less urgent situations, telehealth can be an option. If you're coughing up a small amount of blood and don't have other alarming symptoms, an online doctor can assess your situation and offer advice from the comfort of your own home. They might even be able to prescribe medication or refer you to a specialist if needed. 

Speak to an AHPRA-registered GP online in 15 minutes. 

But remember, telehealth is not a substitute for in-person care when it's truly necessary. If you have any serious symptoms, don't hesitate to go to the hospital. 

Tests that may be needed

If you cough up blood, your doctor will likely want to do some detective work to figure out what's causing it. They might recommend some tests, such as: 

• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray helps to rule out things like pneumonia, TB, or lung cancer. It's a quick and easy way to get a basic overview of what's happening inside your chest. 
• CT scan: This gives a more detailed picture of your lungs than an X-ray. Think of it as upgrading from a standard camera to a high-resolution one – you can see so much more detail. 
• Bronchoscopy: This allows the doctor to take a look directly into your airways with a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera.  
• Blood tests: These can help identify infections or other underlying issues that might be contributing to your symptoms. 

Get a doctor’s referral in minutes with online doctor’s referral service with Hola Health. 

Is coughing up blood serious?

Coughing up blood can definitely be a serious symptom, but it's not always a sign of impending doom. The severity depends on the underlying cause. For example, a little blood in your cough due to bronchitis is usually not a major cause for concern, while blood caused by lung cancer is obviously a much more serious matter. 

Is it okay to have a little blood in your mucus?

No.  Any blood in your mucous warrants a trip to the doctor. It's always better to err on the side of caution and get it checked out. Even a small amount of blood could be a sign of something that needs attention. 

The takeaway

Coughing up blood is undeniably scary, but don't panic. Take a deep breath, assess the situation, and then reach out to a healthcare professional. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment are your best allies in managing any underlying condition and preventing complications. 

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