Coughing Up Blood: When Is It an Emergency?
Coughing up more than a streak or small amount of blood, or any blood with trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting or a fast heartbeat, is an emergency. Call 911.
Even small streaks of blood should be checked by a doctor, usually the same day, because the cause needs to be found. Do not wait for it to stop on its own.
Need help now? Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency, or reach our 24/7 line.
Key takeaways
- Coughing up a lot of blood, or blood with breathlessness, chest pain or fainting: call 911.
- Streaks of blood in phlegm after a bad chest infection are common, but still need a doctor to check.
- Blood from the nose, mouth or stomach can look similar, so tell the doctor what you saw.
- Smoking, vaping, lung infections, blood clots and some medicines can all play a part.
- Do not wait for repeated episodes before seeking care.
Seeing blood when you cough is frightening, and it is natural to wonder whether it is serious. In many cases the cause is an infection or irritation in the airways, but it can also be a sign of a lung problem that needs prompt attention. This guide explains how to describe what you saw, which signs need 911, and what to expect at the ER. It cannot tell you the cause. Only an examination and tests can.
Is it blood from the lungs, or from somewhere else?
Blood that comes from the nose, throat, gums or stomach can be mistaken for blood from the chest. Clues can help, but they are not reliable on their own.
- Blood from the lungs is often bright red or pink and frothy, mixed with phlegm.
- Blood from the stomach is usually vomited, may look dark like coffee grounds and may contain food. See is vomiting blood an emergency.
- Blood after a nosebleed may run down the back of the throat and be coughed up.
What can cause it?
Doctors consider several causes. Only an assessment can tell which applies to you.
- A chest infection or bronchitis after a long period of coughing.
- Pneumonia. See pneumonia symptoms.
- Smoking and vaping-related lung irritation.
- A blood clot in the lung, which also causes sudden breathlessness or chest pain.
- Blood-thinning medicine, or other lung and heart conditions.
What should I do right now?
- Sit upright and stay calm. Lying flat can make breathing harder.
- Do not eat or drink if you may need to be examined urgently.
- Note how much blood, what colour and how often, and take a photo if you can do so safely.
- Bring a list of your medicines, especially blood thinners.
- Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or short of breath.
Coughing up blood: how urgent is it?
| Situation | Typical signs | How urgent | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large amount of blood | More than a streak; keeps coming | Immediate | Call 911 |
| Blood with breathlessness or chest pain | Short of breath, sharp chest pain, fast heart rate, fainting | Immediate | Call 911 |
| Streaks in phlegm | Small streaks with a cough or chest infection | Same day | See a doctor or go to the ER |
| Blood from nose or gums | Blood seen in saliva after a nosebleed or gum bleeding | Usually less urgent | See [[nosebleed-when-to-go-to-er|nosebleed guidance]]; seek care if heavy |
When is this an emergency?
Call 911 or go to the ER now if:
- Coughing up more than a small streak of blood, or it keeps coming.
- Blood with trouble breathing or breathlessness.
- Chest pain with the cough, especially sudden or sharp.
- Fainting, dizziness, a very fast heartbeat or pale, clammy skin.
- Blood after an injury to the chest, or after choking.
- Coughing up blood while on blood-thinning medicine.
- Coughing up blood with a swollen, painful leg.
Do any of these match? For a life-threatening emergency call 911. For other urgent problems, our Dabouq emergency department is open 24/7.
See a doctor the same day if:
- Small streaks of blood in phlegm, even if you otherwise feel well.
- Blood-tinged phlegm with fever, weight loss or night sweats.
- A cough lasting weeks, with blood at any point.
- Repeated episodes, even if each one is small.
May be managed at home, with follow-up, if:
- There is no safe home option for blood from the lungs. Have it checked.
- If it was clearly from a nosebleed that has stopped and you feel well, mention it at your next review.
- Avoid smoking and vaping while you wait to be seen.
What happens when you come to Emergency Plus?
At the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, emergency doctors are on site 24/7 and you can walk in without an appointment. The team will ask about your symptoms, check you, and may use the on-site X-ray, ultrasound or laboratory where they are needed. They will explain the right next step for you, in Arabic or English.
Coughing up blood and not sure?
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and don't drive yourself. For anything urgent that is not life-threatening, the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 with no appointment, with an Arabic and English speaking team.
Call our 24/7 ER: +962 79 247 1313Sources
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 — +962 79 247 1313.