Coughing Up Blood (Hemoptysis)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
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.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have new or worsening chest pain or shortness of breath.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your bleeding gets worse.
- You cannot stop vomiting.
- You are so dizzy that you think you may fall or faint.
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.
Treatment
depends on how much blood you are coughing up and what is causing your symptoms. You may need any of the following:
- 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.
- A saline rinse of your nose and throat may help decrease or stop the bleeding.
- Bronchial artery embolization is a procedure to inject medicine into your damaged blood vessel. The medicine will help stop the bleeding.
- Surgery may be needed to help stop severe bleeding if other treatments do not work. Surgery may also be done to look for and correct other problems with your airway.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
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.
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