Coughing Up Blood (Hemoptysis)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Coughing up blood may be a sign of a serious medical condition. Blood vessels in your lungs or airway weaken or break and begin to bleed. You may see small amounts in your sputum (mucus you cough up), or you may cough up large amounts.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have new or worsening chest pain or shortness of breath.

Return to the emergency department if:

• Your bleeding gets worse.
• You cannot stop vomiting.
• You are so dizzy that you think you may fall or faint.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• tranexamic acid
• Cyklokapron
• Zoladex
• Hyskon
• Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose

View more treatment options

Call your doctor if:

• You have bloody mucus that is getting worse.
• You have a fever and night sweats.
• You feel more weak and tired than usual.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

• Medicines may be given to fight a bacterial infection or to control a cough. You may also need medicine to slow or stop the bleeding.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Self-care:

• Use caution with medicines. Certain medicines, such as NSAIDs, increase your risk for bleeding. Herbal supplements also increase your risk. Examples of herbal supplements are garlic, gingko, and ginseng. Ask your healthcare provider before you take any over-the-counter medicines.
• Do not smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

Follow up with your doctor in 2 days or as directed:

You may need frequent visits to monitor your condition and prevent more blood loss. You may be referred to a lung specialist or surgeon. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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