What Causes Cough With Blood-tinged Sputum When Diagnosed With Strep Throat?

Posted on Mon, 2 Nov 2015

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

Mon, 2 Nov 2015 Answered on

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My cousin was diagnosed with strep throat last Thursday. He has been on antibiotics for 5 days. Today he is coughing up blood tinged sputum. It is small amounts of blood. He is a smoker. Could this just be from the irritation of his throat?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, this is just from the irritation in his throat!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this blood tinged sputum. It is normal and not unexpected as a results of the fragile throat from inflammation. There is no need to get worried and more so if he is getting better with the symptoms.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

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