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Coughing up blood
Alternative Names: Hemoptysis; Spitting up blood; Bloody sputum Home Care: Cough suppressants may help if this condition is due to throat irritation from violent coughing. However, cough suppressants may lead airway obstruction in some cases. Always check with your doctor first. Text Continues Below It is very important to note how long you cough up blood. You should also keep track of the following: How much blood is mixed with the mucus Symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, or thirst, which might indicate a severe amount of blood loss Other symptoms such as fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, and blood in the urine Call your health care provider if: If there is any unexplained coughing up of blood, call an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department. This is very important if your cough produces large volumes of blood (more than a few teaspoons), or if it is accompanied by severe shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or dizziness. What to expect at your health care provider's office: In emergency cases, your doctor will give you treatments to control your condition. You will then be asked questions about your cough such as: Type Can you see blood when you cough up something?  Is there blood-streaked mucus (phlegm)? Are large amounts of blood (massive hemoptysis) coughed up? How many times have you coughed up blood? Time pattern Is the cough worse at night? Did it begin suddenly? Has it increased recently? How many weeks has the cough lasted? What other symptoms do you have? Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>