What Causes Blood In Sputum And Persistent Cough?

Posted on Sun, 31 Jul 2016

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

Sun, 31 Jul 2016 Answered on

Mon, 22 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : i was coughing last night in bed,which i have done for the last few month off an on, but nihgt i coughing up a bit of blood in the snot that was coming up

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
you need to get clinically examined and investigated thoroughly ..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, welcome to HCM,

I've gone through your query and understand your concern..

Yes, blood in the sputum and in the snot can definitely be a concerning factor..

Several possibilities can be there..

On-off cough for few month can itself cause blood the sputum with excessive straining and efforts and micro-tear in the capillaries and vessels..it can be even due to respiratory tract infections and several other factors..

So, it has to be thoroughly investigated(including CBC, Chest X-ray, Sputum for Gm-stain, AFB, Culture sensitivity and a few more depending on findings) as well as you need to be clinically examined by a pulmonologist/ internal medicine specialist for further course of action accordingly..there'll be a need for appropriate antibiotic therapy as per the findings..

Try to remain well hydrated..drink XXXXXXX warm water, it'll provide a soothing effect..

Please take Steam inhalation three to four times a day for the time being..

Let me know if there's any further queries, i'll be glad to clarify..

Let me know how you stay in the due course..

Take Care
Kind Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee