You should always see a doctor if you are coughing up blood or bloody mucus as it can be a sign of a serious condition that requires urgent treatment. You might notice flecks of blood in your spit or phlegm, cough up mucus that is rusty orange or brown due to dried blood, or cough up larger amounts of frothy or bright red blood. Coughing up any amount of blood is a serious symptom that needs to be investigated by a doctor. However, while lung cancer is one of the possible causes of coughing up blood, it is not the only explanation.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Coughing up blood can be a sign of lung cancer. Lung cancer is more common in the over 40s and in people who have smoked (now or in the past), but it can affect anyone so it’s important to take these symptoms seriously and see a doctor. Other possible symptoms of lung cancer can include a cough that lasts longer than a few weeks or a change in a chronic cough. You might find that you keep getting chest infections, have a hoarse voice or that you often feel breathless. Lung cancer can also be responsible for fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or pain in your chest or shoulder. The symptoms of lung cancer can gradually get worse or become more noticeable over time. It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that you can avoid this and ensure you get any treatment you need as quickly as possible.

Other Causes of Coughing Up Blood

Lung cancer isn’t the only possible cause of coughing up blood. You could also cough up blood if you have a respiratory infection that has irritated your throat or affected your lungs. If the cause is an infection then you may also have other symptoms such as a fever or cough. Asthma can have similar effects on your airways, resulting in small amounts of blood appearing when you cough. You should consult a doctor if you see any blood when you cough due to an infection or asthma. The doctor should be able to confirm the cause and recommend treatments to ease your symptoms or prevent them from returning.

If you suddenly cough up blood or see a large amount of blood then it could be a sign of damage to your lungs. It could be the result of an injury if your chest or back has recently been hit, compressed, or hurt in any way. Inhaling small particles can also damage the lungs, for example if you failed to wear a mask while doing certain DIY tasks. Your lung could also be damaged if a blood clot has formed there or made its way into the small blood vessels in the lung. If you suddenly cough up blood, especially after an injury, or you feel sharp pain in your chest, or you’re having trouble breathing then you should seek urgent medical care.