Coughing Blood

What other symptoms might occur with coughing blood?

You may experience other symptoms while coughing blood, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. These symptoms may affect body systems other than the respiratory tract, such as the circulatory system and the digestive tract.

Other symptoms that may occur along with coughing blood

Coughing blood may occur with other symptoms including:

• Chills
• General ill feeling
• Leg pain and swelling
• Unexplained weight loss

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, coughing blood may occur with other symptoms that might indicate a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, are exhibiting any of these life-threatening symptoms:

• Blood in stools
• Blood in urine
• Change in level of consciousness
• Chest pain
• Confusion and disorientation
• Dizziness
• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
  

  What causes coughing blood?

  A number of different respiratory conditions, diseases and disorders can cause coughing blood, many of which are serious, life-threatening situations. However, the source of the blood may be difficult to distinguish in some cases. Blood that is not coming from the lungs may be spit up from the throat or nose. Blood can also be swallowed and regurgitated from the stomach.
  

  Possible causes of coughing blood

  Coughing blood is most commonly due to bronchitis and bronchiectasis (inflammation of the airways). Other possible causes, some of which are potentially life threatening, include:
• Anticoagulated state (taking blood thinner medications)
• Aortic aneurysm
• Blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism)
• Cardiac disease: mitral stenosis, congestive heart failure
• Chest trauma
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Crack cocaine use
• Cystic fibrosis
• Fat embolism
• Foreign body
• Legionnaires' disease (type of bacterial pneumonia)
• Lung abscess
• Lung cancer
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary aspiration (inhaling blood into lungs)
• Tuberculosis

Conditions that can mimic coughing up blood

Some medical conditions can lead to blood coming from the mouth and mimic coughing blood. These include:

• Esophageal cancer
• Nosebleed
• Throat irritation from violent coughing

What are the potential complications of coughing blood?

The complications of an untreated or poorly controlled cough that contains blood can be serious and even life threatening. Over time, coughing blood can lead to serious complications including:

• Anemia
• Severe blood loss
• Shock