Bloody sputum with a cough

You may cough up a few thin streaks of bright red blood or see it on tissues when you blow your nose. This is probably caused by tiny blood vessels breaking in the nose or throat from coughing or blowing the nose. This is not a cause for concern unless it increases or persists.

Coughing up bright red blood or rust-colored sputum (hemoptysis) that is clearly coming from your lungs may be a sign of bacterial infection, irritation of the bronchial or lung tissue, an acute lung problem (such as a pulmonary embolus), or other chronic lung problems. This requires a visit to a health professional.