Causes of Coughing Up Blood with Sputum
Hemoptysis, defined as the expulsion of blood-stained sputum from the mouth, can occur alongside a cough or as part of spitting. This condition can arise due to various underlying issues, which can be summarized as follows:
- Chest infections.
- Severe and chronic coughing.
- Bronchiectasis.
- Bleeding from the throat, mouth, or nasal passages.
- Pulmonary edema.
- Tuberculosis.
- Pulmonary embolism.
- Use of anticoagulants such as rivaroxaban, warfarin, or dabigatran.
- Lung cancer.
- Cancer of the throat or airways.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Bronchitis.
- Narrowing of heart valves.
When to Consult a Doctor About Coughing Up Blood
Several symptoms may accompany hemoptysis and necessitate prompt medical attention. These include:
- Dizziness.
- Expelling large amounts of blood with a cough in comparison to minimal sputum.
- Experiencing fatigue.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Increased heart rate.
- Shortness of breath.
- Blood present in urine or stool.
- Chest pain.
- Excessive sweating.
Treatment for Coughing Up Blood with Sputum
To address the issue of coughing up blood mixed with sputum, it is essential to treat the underlying health condition responsible for this symptom. Available treatment options may include:
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy for lung cancer.
- Antibiotics in cases of infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.
- Steroidal medications used to address inflammatory issues.
- Surgical intervention to remove damaged or cancerous lung tissue.
- Embolization, a surgical procedure that involves closing off the main blood vessel responsible for the bleeding using catheterization.