Hemoptysis (Coughing Up Blood): Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

Coughing is a common symptom that accompanies various respiratory conditions. While most coughs are harmless and resolve on their own, coughing up blood can be a cause for concern. This condition, known as hemoptysis, can be alarming and may indicate an underlying health issue.

What is Coughing up Blood?

Blood in a cough is called hemoptysis, which refers to the expectoration of blood from the respiratory tract. The blood may come from the lungs, bronchi, trachea, or throat. It can range from a small amount of blood in the mucus to larger amounts that appear bright red or dark and clotted. Coughing up blood can be a distressing experience, both physically and emotionally, and should not be ignored.

Is Blood during Coughing Serious?

Coughing up blood can be a concerning symptom of a severe underlying condition. While it doesn't always indicate a life-threatening condition, it is crucial to determine the underlying health issues to ensure appropriate treatment. The severity of the situation depends on the amount of blood coughed up, the frequency of occurrence, and the presence of other symptoms. If you are experiencing blood in phlegm without a cough, it is essential to consult a doctor for professional evaluation and treatment.

What are the Causes of Blood in Cough?

There are several potential causes for coughing up phlegm with blood, ranging from mild to severe. The following are some possible reasons for coughing up blood:

• Respiratory Infections: Infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or tuberculosis can irritate the airways and cause blood to mix with the coughed-up phlegm.
• Lung Conditions: Chronic conditions, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or lung cancer, can lead to hemoptysis. Lung cancer, in particular, may cause bleeding due to tumors or blood vessel erosion.
• Trauma: Chest or respiratory tract injuries can result in coughing up blood. These can include fractured ribs, punctured lungs, or damage to blood vessels.
• Blood Clotting Disorders: Certain conditions that affect blood clotting, such as pulmonary embolism or clotting disorders, can cause blood to appear in the coughed-up mucus.
• Medications: Some medications, such as anticoagulants or blood thinners, can elevate the risk of bleeding and, in turn, lead to coughing up blood.

How can we diagnose Hemoptysis?

When you present with symptoms of coughing up blood, your healthcare provider will perform a comprehensive evaluation to identify the underlying cause. This process may involve:

• Medical History: Your doctor will ask various questions about your medical history, including any respiratory conditions, previous lung infections, or exposure to risk factors such as smoking or environmental pollutants.
• Physical Examination: A healthcare professional will perform a thorough physical assessment focusing mainly on your respiratory system. It may include listening to your lungs with a stethoscope and checking for abnormalities.

Hemoptysis is classified depending on the quantification of blood in sputum as:

• Mild < 50ml 
• Moderate 50ml-100ml
• Severe > 100ml-500ml

Diagnostic Tests: Your doctor may order various tests to determine the cause of your hemoptysis, including:

• Chest X-ray: This imaging test can help identify any lung or airway abnormalities.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan provides detailed images of your lungs, allowing for a more precise evaluation.
• Bronchoscopy: This procedure visualizes any abnormalities or bleeding.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests may assess your overall health and identify any underlying conditions or blood clotting disorders.
• Sputum Culture: This test helps identify potential infections or other underlying issues.
• Biopsy: Doctors may prescribe a biopsy in case of cancer or other pathologies.

What are the Different Treatment Modalities for Hemoptysis?

The treatment mainly depends on the reasons for coughing up blood. Once the specific cause is identified, your doctor will develop an individualized treatment plan. Some treatment options may include:

• Medications: If the cause of blood in the cough is an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If a lung condition like chronic bronchitis is present, bronchodilators or corticosteroids may be used to manage symptoms.
• Surgical Intervention: Doctors can perform surgery in cases where a tumor or an abnormality is the reason for coughing up blood in phlegm.
• Supportive Care: Regardless of the cause, supportive care is crucial to manage symptoms and promote healing. It may include some measures like rest, hydration, and avoiding irritants like smoke or pollutants.

When to Contact a Doctor?

While coughing up blood can be alarming, not every instance requires immediate medical attention. However, it is essential to contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Large amounts of blood in your cough
• Frequent episodes of coughing up blood
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent cough lasting longer than three weeks

If you are unsure whether your symptoms necessitate immediate medical attention or not, it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

What are the Different Home Remedies for Blood in Cough?

While seeking medical advice for coughing up blood is essential, some home remedies can help diminish symptoms and promote healing. Some common blood-in-cough home remedies include:

• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly warm liquids, such as warm water mixed with honey or herbal teas, can soothe the throat and thin the mucus.
• Steam Inhalation: Using a humidifier or inhaling steam from hot water can help moisten the airways and relieve irritation.

It is essential to remember that these remedies are not a substitute for medical therapy but can be used as a supportive measure. If you are coughing up blood, it is crucial to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause and to take appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

Coughing up blood, or hemoptysis, can be a distressing symptom that warrants medical attention. While it may not always indicate a life-threatening condition, it is essential to determine the underlying cause to ensure appropriate treatment. If you experience coughing up blood, seeking consultation from a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan is crucial. Remember, early detection and prompt medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes and promote optimal respiratory health.

FAQs

1. What does hemoptysis mean?

Blood in a cough is called hemoptysis. It can be with mucus or phlegm.

2. I'm experiencing blood in the cough in the morning for the first time; what should be the treatment? 

Experiencing blood after the cough in the morning for the first time can be a concerning symptom that needs immediate medical attention. Do not ignore any symptoms accompanying blood in a cough, such as chest pain, breathlessness, or persistent cough, and promptly inform your doctor.

3. What are the causes of blood in cough?

Various causes, such as upper respiratory infections, chronic lung conditions (chronic asthma, COPD), conditions affecting blood vessels in the lungs, chest injury, or lung cancer, may cause hemoptysis.