Coughing up bright red blood with mucus

Coughing up blood from the lower respiratory tract, which is known as hemoptysis, can be a distressing symptom.

Blood in mucus from throat

But it’s important to understand that there are many reasons for this symptom besides serious illnesses like cancer.

Hemoptysis should be discussed with a healthcare provider if experienced. It can be life-threatening if large amounts of blood are being coughed up.

This article focuses on the symptom of coughing up blood, its potential causes, and when to seek tests and treatment.

Symptoms of Hemoptysis

The amount of blood that is coughed up can vary from blood-tinged sputum (saliva and mucus) to large amounts of blood.

Although blood volumes vary within categories, there are three general ways to classify the amount of blood, as follows:

• Scant hemoptysis: A small amount of blood is seen in the sputum, which appears as pink or with small streaks.
• Mild to moderate hemoptysis: Blood volume averages less than 100 milliliters (a little less than one-half cup) of blood but is more than a streak.
• Massive hemoptysis: A
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