Discussions
Discussions
Hemoptysis
Hemoptysis: What You Should Know
Seeing blood when you cough (called hemoptysis) can be frightening, but it’s something many people living with respiratory issues may experience.
Hemoptysis can range from:
🩸 A few streaks of blood mixed with mucus
🩸 Small amounts of bright red blood
🩸 Larger amounts that require immediate medical attention
Common causes include:
• Inflamed or damaged airways
• Respiratory infections
• Persistent, forceful coughing
• Less commonly, other underlying lung conditions
💙 What should you do?
✔ Stay as calm as possible.
✔ Note the color and approximate amount of blood.
✔ Contact your healthcare provider promptly—even if it’s only a small amount, especially if it’s your first episode or different from previous ones.
🚨 Seek emergency medical care immediately if you are coughing up a large amount of blood, the bleeding continues, you have severe shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or feel faint.
✨ Knowledge is empowering. Understanding hemoptysis helps you respond with confidence—not panic.
Have you discussed an action plan with your healthcare provider in case hemoptysis occurs? It can provide peace of mind before an emergency ever happens.
Please see our Events Calendar page below to register for the upcoming presentation on Hemoptysis on August 4th, World NTM Day. https://social.bronchandntm.org/events/community
Replies
I've had this happen a few times over the last 7-8 years. Always after forceful coughing. Stopped after a couple of days each time. The first time it scared me--called my doctor. He said call him back if it continues--It didn't👍
It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We make every effort to support our members, our medical professionals cannot and will not provide a diagnosis or suggest a specific medication; those decisions should be left to your personal medical team. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.
Community posts are monitored by the 360social Community Manager, as well as staff respiratory therapists, educators, and other medical professionals.