Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)

Overview

Blood from the nose or gums can look like it's coming from the lungs.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Coughing up blood

Less common

• Cough
• Fever

Look up a symptom: Cough

When to get medical care

Causes

Bronchitis, pneumonia, TB, clots, cancer.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Smoking

Possible complications

• Pneumonia
• Lung cancer

Diagnosis

Tests find the cause.

Questions you may be asked

• Smoking, travel, blood thinners

The exam

Lung exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Chest X-ray or CT:

Treatment

Get checked.

Self-care

• Note how much and how often
• Note how much blood and what it looks like

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Don't smoke

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Smokers over 40: Need a full check.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Depends on cause.

Most small amounts are from infection and clear up.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Do I need a CT scan?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)