Coughing up blood
You may be asked for a sample of yoursputum so it can bechecked for infection. Other tests, such as blood tests , may also be needed.
Your GP may decide to refer you to a specialist at your local hospital for a chest X-ray or a more detailed scan, such as a computerised tomography (CT) scan .
In some cases, further tests may be required to find out where the blood is coming from. For example, you may be referred to a specialist who may decide to arrange a test called a bronchoscopy (where the main air passages of your lungs are examined using a tube with a camera at one end).
This page can give you a better idea of whatthe cause may be, but don't use it to diagnose yourself. Always leave that to a doctor .
Coughing up blood can be alarming, but isn't usually a sign of anything serious. Find out what you should do if you cough up blood and what the cause might be.
You may be asked for a sample of yoursputum so it can bechecked for infection. Other tests, such as blood tests , may also be needed. Your GP may decide to refer you to a specialist at your local hos
The most common reasons for coughing up blood are: a prolonged, severe cough a chest infection this is more likely if your sputum is discoloured or contains pus, you have a fever, or you have a t
Less commonly, coughing up blood may be the result of: pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in thelungs) this usually causes sudden shortness of breath and chest pain pulmonary oedema (fluidin the l