What does coughing up blood in phlegm mean?

Coughing up blood can be a terrifying experience, especially if it happens whilst sat on the toilet, but before you go full-blown panic mode, take a breath and read-on. In this article, we will delve into what coughing up blood in phlegm could potentially mean for your health.

Introduction

So you’ve woken up with some exciting crimson sputum lodged deep within your airways? First things first: Don’t freak out! There are several reasons why an individual might cough-up blood mixed within their phlegm (which we’ll get to later), however; it’s essential to stay calm and investigate the root cause of this less-than-normal expectoration.

Overview

Coughing is one of our body’s natural defense mechanisms when dealing with any irritation that affects the respiratory system. It helps clear excess mucus or foreign substances from our lungs or throat while preventing possible infections by expelling pesky bacteria & viruses via forceful exhaling which results in sometimes traumatizing violent contractions of our air passages known as paroxysms (try saying that 5 times fast!).

Hemoptysis – Whaaat?

The full medical term used to describe coughing up blood is “Hemoptysis”… He-what-now?! That was my initial response too.

Breaking down these overwhelming syllables – “hemo” stands for anything related to bloodstream/hematology/blood-related-that-you-don’t-really-wanna-read-about-whilst-eating-your-breakfast! As mentioned above “ptysis” refers to “spitting,” not spit-firing like Rambo…more along the lines of spewing forth something from your mouth (ugh) So put both together and voila – Hemoptysis!

Now let’s address some potential causes…

Respiratory Infections

One of the most common reasons why you may present blood in your sputum is due to a respiratory infection. Respiratory infections can irritate/attack our airways, stimulating the body’s natural defense system that leads to excess mucus production as well as coughing (which we already know).

However, occasionally intense coughing caused by a severe infection like pneumonia or bronchitis could result in damaging our delicate lung tissues and capillaries, causing it to bleed which then mixes with phlegm resulting in “Hemoptysis.” But don’t be alarmed! Our bodies are pretty amazing at healing themselves – So rest up, hydrate and let your immune system do it’s thanggg….

Lung Cancer

Okay before you go into full-on panic mode reading this subheading – Hemoptysis associated with lung malignancy only accounts for 7% of cancer-related cases. Let me reiterate – ONLY 7%!

Still concerned? If prolonged episodes of such blood-streaked expectoration occur frequently, accompanied by shortness-of-breath & chest discomfort/pain whilst breathing deeply; It is always imperative that you book an appointment with your healthcare provider for further testing/screening.

Early detection is crucial!

Pulmonary Embolism aka PE

An overlooked BlOOD-y culprit as one might say- when concerning expectation filled with red fluids…potential causes is pulmonary embolism (not easy on the tongue) PE occurs when there’s a sudden blockage within any pulmonary artery found within our lungs usually pulled from elsewhere free-floating unwanted clots inside arteries originating mainly from legs’ veins!

PE decreased oxygen supply amongst other symptoms can cause visible changes such as lips appearing bluer than normal known medically as CYANOSIS being something important people notice suddenly happening around them outta nowhere – great ice-breaker if doctor visits dull parta parties you attend.

Bronchiectasis

“Bronch-what?” – I hear! Let me clarify its pronunciation; it’s [brong-kee-EK-tuh-siss].

Bronchiectasis occurs if there’s permanent damage or widening within any of the major bronchioles / tubular structures carrying air to our lungs, resulting in increased mucus production and build-up which we know eventually causes Hepoptysis.

This particular lung disease often links to frequent respiratory infections as well as inhaling cilia-damaging substances like cigarette smoke or environmental pollutants + trace amounts o’ blood mixed with phlegm upon convincing by physician that did not come from a bleeding zit on upper lip/mouth starting point of trickle goes long way & ends up throwing cough sesh- DO be taken seriously so contact medical professional immediently!

Conclusion

Coughing up blood in your phlegm is never going to be an enjoyable experience, but it could relate to something less serious such as sinus infection. Still – regardless if symptoms go away quickly, Had freak moments when bloody lung loogies are frequent pls visit your MD! Don’t wait until you’re done with Netflix comfort binges make sure they check you over for conditions such as cancer screening can save lives…and TV series!

Stay happy… Stay healthy…. And most importantly…

“Don’t take life too seriously—no one gets out alive!”

Now pardon us off while we fetch some tissues @$ £uBclim#^&#@$#.

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