What Causes Blood In Sputum?

Posted on Wed, 9 Dec 2015

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

Wed, 9 Dec 2015 Answered on

Mon, 4 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been experiencing blood in sputem periodically since May. I have had many test from ENTs to pulmonoligist to G I doctors. I also visited fsmily dentist and he used a cancer kit and found nothing. He also sent me out to an oral surgeon just to be cure. It is still occuring and I visited a G P doctor on monday past. It is a small amount of blood that comes and goes but has occurred for the last three days. I am a retired firefighter and am very concerned about something unusual. My throat experiences discomfort but not real soreness or pain. I notice that I will get a little horse and have asked many of the doctors to take a real hard look at my vocal chords. I am at a lost and feel my next step is to a throat clinic in New York city. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
I have been diagnosed with barretts esophagus and take nexium and pepcid. This was discovered by G I doctor recently. I have never experienced acid reflux and when this all began back in May I was coughing badly. There was a very high pollen count (unusual) and that is when it all started. It must also be noted that I exercise daily ,weight lifting and biking, because of Iga nepropathy which is completely under control. Kidney doctor could offer no answer as to blood in sputum. I am convinced that there is some issue in my throat as I have done all tests (pet scan, CT, chest x ray) and have all negative results. Could I have broken bllod vessels or something more sinister? Bottom line is this, medical professionals keep telling me what it is not, but no one seems to be able to tell me what it is. I have also begun to take pictures of sputum with I phone to show whoever might be next on the list.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Further investigations are necessary.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Blood in the saliva, bleeding from the throat which is minimal is very common. This can result from lymphoid hypertrophy (delicate tonsil like tissue), bleeding from the nose or gingivitis (which is usually a sign of Vitamin C deficiency, commonly seen in people who smoke) and sometimes mild infection, lung problems and acid reflux.

2. Hence in addition to a Videolaryngoscopy (VL'Scopy) or preferably a Stroboscopy, it is advisable to get a Chest Physician's opinion. A Chest X-ray, Sputum culture for 3 consecutive days (including AFB - Acid Fast Bacteria), fungus infections, occult blood should be done. A hemogram and a coagulogram are basic investigations that should be done.

3. Upload these images and test results for discussing further evaluation and treatment options.

I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (13 minutes later)

I have had three laryngoscopies done by Ent in office. Also multiple chest x rays which all came back negative. I will request a sputum culture as well as blood tests. The doctors keep telling me it is nothing but I am not so sure.

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If all these tests come back normal, there is no cause for worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. These symptoms are common and most of the time there is no major cause found.

2. You can follow up with the reports here or directly at bit.ly/Dr-Sumit-Bhatti

I hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar