Blood-Tinged Sputum Overview
Blood-tinged sputum is expectorated
mucous matter from the airways that is tinged or streaked with blood. The blood
can be either bright red or dark red in color. Itâs also referred to as blood-streaked
sputum, or sputum contains blood.
Blood-tinged sputum is different from
coughing up blood with or without very little sputum (hemoptysis). Hemoptysis can
be a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical
attention. Sputum that is streaked with blood may be due to something as benign
as irritation of upper-airway passages due to dry, ambient air. It may be a
sign of a more serious medical condition, like pneumonia or a blood clot in the
lung, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
Associated Diagnoses
Associated diagnoses include:
bronchitis
nosebleed
laryngitis
cystic fibrosis
acute mountain sickness
aspiration pneumonia
bronchiectasis
congestive heart failure (CHF)
goodpasture syndrome
hookworm infections
legionnaireâs disease
lung cancer
non-small cell carcinoma
parrot fever
tuberculosis
pneumonia
pulmonary edema
pulmonary embolism
mitral stenosis
trauma
dehydration or dry environmental conditions
Diagnosis and Treatment
It will be important for your doctor to
determine that blood is indeed originating from the respiratory tract. A
complete history and physical examination will be required, along with
diagnostic studies such as a chest x-ray and sputum culture and sensitivity.
Treatment will depend on the diagnosis.
When To Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if blood-tinged sputum
is accompanied by:
unexplained weight loss
persistent cough
fever
chills
night sweats
blood in the urine
When To Call 911
Call 911 and seek immediate medical
attention if blood-tinged sputum becomes:
air hunger or gasping for breath
shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
chest pain
sweating profusely
pain or numbness in the arm, hands, or fingers
pallor or blanching of the arm, hands, or
fingers
dizziness or fainting
frank bleeding or coughing up copious blood or
blood clots
Source: http://www.healthline.com