Coughing Up Blood? Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor

Coughing up blood, also known as hemoptysis, can be a symptom of a variety of conditions, some of which are serious. While it's not always a sign of a life-threatening condition, it's important to see a doctor right away if you're coughing up blood. This is especially true if you're experiencing other symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or wheezing.

Some of the possible causes of coughing up blood include

- Recent respiratory infection, such as a cold or flu

- Bronchitis

- Pneumonia

- Tuberculosis

- Asthma

- Allergies

- Nasal congestion

- Sinus infection

- Laryngitis

- Pharyngitis

- Tracheitis

- Lung cancer

- Other respiratory cancers

- Cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure or pulmonary embolism

- Other medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or autoimmune disorders

In some cases, coughing up blood can be a sign of a serious or life-threatening condition. It's important to see a doctor right away if you're coughing up blood if:

- The blood is bright red and frothy

- You're coughing up a large amount of blood

- You're experiencing other symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or wheezing

If you're coughing up blood, your doctor will order tests to determine the cause. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause.