Coughing up more than a few teaspoons of blood warrants an immediate visit to the emergency room.
This article looks at the possible causes of hemoptysis as well as how the condition is diagnosed and treated.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
What Causes You to Cough Up Blood?
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
Coughing up blood in any amount should be taken seriously.
Causes in Children
Coughing up blood in children tends to have different causes than in adults.
This differs fromhematemesis, or the vomiting of blood, which arises from the digestive tract.
With hemoptysis, the blood is generally bright red or rust-colored and may be frothy and mixed with phlegm.
With hematemesis, the blood will be dark red or brown and/or look like coffee grounds.
If possible, bring a sample of what you have been coughing up to your appointment.
Wrapping the sample in plastic wrap can preserve it better than wrapping it in tissue.
The diagnosis will involve a review of your medical history and a physical exam.
The healthcare provider will examine your mouth and throat and also listen forlung soundsusing astethoscope.
Based on the findings, your healthcare provider will recommend tests to help determine the cause.
A timely diagnosis is essential when you have hemoptysis.
How Is Hemoptysis Treated?
The scope can also be equipped with specialized tools that help stem the bleeding.
Bronchoscopy procedures are most effective when the bleeding is mild to moderate.
Options include a gelatin sponge, PVC particles, or a metallic coil.
This may be performed with traditionalopen surgeryor minimally invasivevideo-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
If the bleeding is controlled without an acute respiratory event, the symptom will cease.
This doesn’t mean the underlying cause is cured; more treatment may be needed.
Even with appropriate emergency care, the risk of death is high.
There is no way to tell what is involved without an evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Massive hemoptysis (coughing up a 1/3 cup of blood or more) carries a high risk of death.
Surgery may be needed in cases of trauma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not typically.
In rare instances, people do cough up blood.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience this.
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