Coughing up blood can be caused by a variety of lung conditions. The blood may be bright red or pink and frothy, or it may be mixed with mucus.
Also known as hemoptysis (he-MOP-tih-sis), coughing up blood, even in small amounts, can be alarming. However, producing a little blood-tinged sputum isn't uncommon and usually isn't serious.
Call 911 or seek emergency care if you're coughing up blood in large quantities or at frequent intervals.
Call your doctor if you're coughing up blood. He or she can determine whether the cause is minor or potentially more serious. Call 911 or emergency medical help if you're coughing up a lot of blood or if the bleeding won't stop.
Show References
- Weinberger SE. Etiology and evaluation of hemoptysis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/ home. Accessed March 6, 2015.
- Ferri FF. Hemoptysis. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2015: 5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2015:543. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 6, 2015.
- Kapur S, et al. Hemoptysis and thoracic fungal infections. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2010;90:985.
- AskMayoExpert. Hemoptysis. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2015.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/coughing-up-blood/basics/causes/sym-20050934