What Causes Blood-tinged Sputum?

Posted on Sun, 13 Nov 2016

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

Sun, 13 Nov 2016 Answered on

Mon, 5 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Over the past two weeks ive been having a lot of phlegm come up. And i went to urgent care yesterday and they said its nothing even after i said sometimes blood came up. Is that true? They didnt give me any medication. Ive just been gargling salt water. Heres theblood in my mucus and phlegm and tell me if its normal please.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

No, its not normal.

Blood in sputum or hemoptysis should be investigated further. It can be due to bronchitis, forceful coughing, tuberculosis or pneumonia. Sputum for AFB and culture sensitivity testing should be done. X ray chest should also be performed to look for evidence of a cavity or suspicious nodule. Lower respiratory tract infection if present should be treated with antibiotics promptly.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

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