What Causes Blood In Phlegm Upon Coughing?

Posted on Sun, 15 Apr 2018

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

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 Answered on

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife has traces of blood when she coughs. She has been checked out at the ER, twice. Is is most likely her throat or her lungs? She has had her cough for several weeks but is less violent now and she is taking meds for it.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do a bronchoscopy

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

As you explain the history if she were my patient I would recommend her to do a fibrobronchoscopy. It is an examination that evaluates better the airways to find the cause of the bleeding. According to the result than it will be the right treatment and follow up.

Usually, the chest x-ray is not enough in determining the cause of cough bleeding.

Please discuss with your doctor for the above.

I hope to have been helpful.

Regards,
Dr. Jnikolla, Pulmonologist

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