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What Causes Blood In Sputum?
Question: I've had two episodes today of bloody mucus - the last one was clotted. I have no other symptoms and have never smoked. I'm otherwise healthy. I do take 162 mg of ASA a day and have for years.
Brief Answer:
Not a major concern, advise to take over the counter antitussive
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM
Minimal blood in sputum without any other major symptoms in a non smoker is rarely a cause of major concern. This can occur due to traumatic rupture of tiny blood vessels during coughing. The chances of such bleeding is more since you are on aspirin.You can use an over the counter cough suppressant to help relieve coughing.
However, if you notice worsening cough, bleeding, breathing difficulty, unexplained recent weight loss ,fever, chest pain etc you will need to seek medical attention. All these symptoms raises the concern for more serious conditions like pneumonia, abscess, lung tumors etc.Furthe investigations starting with a sputum analysis and chest Xray is warranted at that point.
Hope this answers your question
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Not a major concern, advise to take over the counter antitussive
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM
Minimal blood in sputum without any other major symptoms in a non smoker is rarely a cause of major concern. This can occur due to traumatic rupture of tiny blood vessels during coughing. The chances of such bleeding is more since you are on aspirin.You can use an over the counter cough suppressant to help relieve coughing.
However, if you notice worsening cough, bleeding, breathing difficulty, unexplained recent weight loss ,fever, chest pain etc you will need to seek medical attention. All these symptoms raises the concern for more serious conditions like pneumonia, abscess, lung tumors etc.Furthe investigations starting with a sputum analysis and chest Xray is warranted at that point.
Hope this answers your question
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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