Coughing up blood (blood in phlegm)
Coughing up blood can have lots of possible causes. It could be something serious so it's important to get it checked.
If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.
Coughing up blood can have lots of possible causes. It could be something serious so it's important to get it checked.
Causes of coughing up blood
Common causes of coughing up blood include:
- a long-lasting or severe cough
- a lung or airway infection like a chest infection, pneumonia, tuberculosis or bronchitis
- a problem with your airways that causes them to widen and produce more mucus (bronchiectasis)
Sometimes coughing up blood can be a sign of something more serious like a blood clot or lung cancer.
It's important to get it checked out as soon as possible.
Call 112 or go to A&E immediately if:
- you're coughing up more than just a few spots or streaks of blood
- you're coughing up blood and finding it hard to breathe, have a very fast heartbeat or have pain in your chest or upper back
These symptoms could be a sign of a more serious problem like a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
