Blood in Sputum :
The sputum or phlegm is the thick mucus that is produced by the respiratory system. It is the substance that sometimes comes out when an individual coughs. Blood in the sputum is a symptom of a serious problem in the respiratory system. It can occur due to conditions like pneumonia, bronchiectasis, lung cancer, tuberculosis, COPD, pulmonary embolism and bronchitis. These conditions can irritate the lungs and the airways, causing bleeding that mixes with the sputum and comes out.
A pulmonologist can determine the cause of the blood in the sputum with tests such as sputum culture, chest X-ray and bronchoscopy. Other tests like complete blood count, blood clotting test, kidney function tests and urine analysis may also be required. The treatment of blood in sputum may involve a bronchoscopy, which is a procedure that helps remove any blood clots in the airways. Other treatments of blood in sputum include medications, intubation, ventilation and cancer surgery.










