Should I Be Worried I Have Slight Blood In My Phlegm And Sputum ?

Posted on Thu, 23 Jul 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 Answered on

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : i have slight blood in my phlegm and sputum sometimes like 4-5 times in last 6 months but its less than even one tea spoon usually i see my gum bleeding im 17 a

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get done chest x ray.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
By your history and description possibility of dental bleeding related blood in sputum is more likely.
But better to get done chest x ray to rule out any lung pathology like Lung infection, tuberculosis or cancer.
If chest x ray is normal then no need to worry for lung cancer.
Treat your gum bleeding and this will solve by itself.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (11 minutes later)

im physically very fit no wheezing no shirtness of breath can play for hours, but please tell me its not going to be cancer im 24/7 extra stresses over it

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry for cancer.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
No need to worry for lung cancer.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (7 minutes later)

doctor can you please clarify that like i dont see blood in phlegm too often its a very rareee case as in 2-3 times in last 5-6 months that also tinged blood however my gums bleed due to poor oral hygeine yhat ive been asked to work on but whats the difference then in cancer blood like does the person cough up blood more and regularly and i shouldnt be too much worried about it ??

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, lung cancer related blood in sputum is more in quantity and quality.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on icliniq.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, lung cancer related blood is mostly more in quantity and frequency.
So don't worry, you will be alright.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T