What causes blood in sputum?

Have you ever coughed up some bloody phlegm and thought, “Well, that’s not supposed to be there!”? If so, don’t worry – many people experience this uncomfortable symptom. Though it may be disconcerting, there are plenty of reasons for blood showing up in your sputum (that’s the fancy medical word for mucus you cough up), and most of them aren’t too serious. In this article, we’ll take a look at some possible causes and what to do if you’re spitting out red-hued goop.

The Facts About Sputum

Before we dive in too deep into the gorey details, let’s get a quick rundown on what sputum is all about:

  • Sputum is produced by the respiratory tract (that means lungs & airways) as a way to trap unwanted substances like bacteria or dirt.
  • It typically appears white or clear with occasional yellowish tinges.
  • Thick or thin consistency can indicate different problems. For example:
  • Thick sputum could indicate an infection like pneumonia.
  • Thin/foamy/bubbly stuff might suggest chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • When blood shows up in your flobotomized expectorate (…it sounds better than ‘bloody spit’), something has gone awry somewhere along those pathways!

Now that we’ve got our anatomy lesson out of the way, here are some potential reasons why Mr. Nose Goldstein (The only appropriate name for someone who hawks bloody mucus) might have made an appearance.

Possible Causes of Blood-Stained Phlegm

Non-serious Issues

Some explanations fall into the category “Nothing to see here folks…”

Vigorous Coughing

I’m looking at you heavy smokers, people with sarcoidosis (an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs, but is especially fond of the lungs), or folks with chronic bronchitis.

Overworking your cough reflex can cause too much force on those delicate little blood vessels in your respiratory system. Result: bloody phlegm city.

Dry Air

When exposed to dry air for longer periods, our nasal passages and throat tend to get irritated. It’s nothing unusual since we mostly breathe indoor air during winter (#ThanksCovid).

Especially one vital group(the individuals responsible for perfecting the term “mouth breather”) are at higher risk for drying out their already sensitive respiratory tracts which increases irritation leading to development of blood-stained sputum.

More serious issues

Other causes aren’t so easily remedied, and may indicate infection or underlying health conditions.

Infections

Infections could be viral (Ahem, COVID) bacterial (sniff sniff…Streptococcus?). With either type of infection you might find yourself generating some Dracula-worthy rat-bait (just a fancy way of saying ‘bloody mucus again’).

It warrants mentioning that there should be other symptoms indicating infection like fever, bodyache and congestion beyond presence of bloody phlegm otherwise its just another morning sob story which people tell after partying all night long!

Another point worth reiterating is Coivd-19 positive patients might not produce sputum initially while others just may have it coming out as an introduction!

For A Detailed Table Reference Check This Out –

Good Stuff Bad Stuff
Sputum has no colour, clear / white Blood Streaked / Reddish Tinge
Thick consistentcy Thin/Bubbly/Foamy possibly if COPD/Pneamonia

Here we go… back again discussing the matter at hand!

Lung Cancer

Now I am in no way a medical professional (So don’t let any of this article force your conclusion!), but with lung cancer, bloody spit might appear. Don’t be panicked though (as someone eagerly trying to sound wise) it’s seen as a possible shot on goal when it comes screening/catching the bugger early.

Either way, if you may find yourself spitting out Mucus’ cousin Morticia for no other apparent reason interest should be taken by getting checked due to possibility that it is not just lungs calling for attention!

Other Rare Possibility

While finishing up here there is one instance worth throwing out there
Underlying bleeding disorder like hemophilia
Worth mentioning once again- all these cases mentioned with significant correlation and diagnostic examinations need to carried out

The Bottom Line

The sight of blood tends to send people into panic mode generally believing they have already lost half their weight through coughing skinny! But fear not (I’m still trying sound intelligent), most often than not things aren’t too serious. However if you are continuously experiencing both chronic signs – presence of pesky mucus from nose/aptly named roodolph effect along them orifices AND bloody sputum, then paying visit Susan who takes years off telling case history becomes important so as make appropriate diagnosis & hence prompt treatment (And start feeling good quickly having Gary running around after his coworker shouting impatiently saying “SUSAN WHERE ARE THE REPORTS?!!” 😂🤷‍♂️)!

In fact some lasting pointers how about:
– If cough persists over weeks then get assessed!
– In meantime improve both immunity & hygiene levels through measures such as proper diet/exercise/sleep/hand washing etc.
Oh also regular checkups from time to time wouldn’t hurt…..says Mr Nose Goldstein sitting at home watching Netflix’s subscriptions while coughing away blood just for attention (just a thought really but worth considering).

Hope that helps and now you can brag your fellow friends(you must have some I suppose!) about the knowledge of multiple excuses when asked “What is it now?”

It should be reiterated, bleeding out bits doesn’t need to be looked at as dramatic or weird due to widespread occurrence. So if all seems peculiar down under (not Australia, absolutely not) – take action and visit…and not after catching up with three seasons of Stranger Things first!

Psst: Another small heads-up- Don’t swallow sputum!! 😷😜

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