What happens if cough blood

Depending on the cause, coughing up blood can be treated in several ways. If the culprit is simple throat irritation due to excessive coughing , over-the-counter throat lozenges and cough suppressants may be enough. The goals for treatment is to first stop the bleeding, especially large amounts, and then treat the underlying cause. If an infection is the cause, your doctor may prescribe medication. A doctor may recommend a procedure known as endovascular embolization that stops bleeding.

Other procedures or surgeries may be necessary depending on the cause. Coughing up blood is often a symptom of a disease, condition, or illness. Ignoring the symptom may allow the underlying cause to worsen. Prevention involves addressing the problem and getting proper treatment. Some lifestyle changes can be beneficial, like quitting smoking or not starting or avoiding the outdoors when pollution and smog are high.

Treating this can help prevent you from coughing up blood. Coughing up blood can be a sign of a serious condition. Even if a doctor might diagnose the cause as something minor, you should always seek medical attention.

Be prepared to describe the appearance of the blood you cough up, including its color and texture. Do not take cough medicine without your doctor's guidance. They can cause problems if you have other health problems. They can also interact with other medicine. Do not smoke or use other forms of tobacco, especially while you have a cough. Smoking can make coughing worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines.

These can increase your chances of quitting for good. Avoid exposure to smoke, dust, or other pollutants. For example, call if: You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath.

You have severe trouble breathing. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if: You have wheezing and difficulty breathing. You are dizzy or light-headed, or you feel like you may faint.

You cough up clots of blood. Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if: You do not get better as expected. Nebulizer machines may be useful for people with respiratory conditions. Learn about the uses for nebulizer machines and some options here. According to a recent review and meta-analysis, zinc supplementation may reduce the symptoms and duration of viral respiratory tract infections. Air purifiers for dust can help filter particles and improve indoor air quality.

A range of air purifiers for dust is available online. Learn more…. Vicks sells two steam inhalers that aim to lessen nasal congestion symptoms. Learn more about these devices and alternative products and treatments. Steam inhalers may provide some relief from symptoms of cold, sore throat, and cough.

Read on to learn more about their effectiveness, risks, and…. What causes blood in sputum? Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.

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