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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffCoughing up blood can be caused by a variety of lung conditions. Coughing up blood can take different forms: The blood may be bright red or pink and frothy, or it may be mixed with mucus. Also known as hemoptysis (he-MOP-tih-sis), coughing up blood, even in small amounts, can be alarming. However, producing a little blood-tinged sputum isn't uncommon and usually isn't serious.
Call 911 or seek emergency care if you're coughing up blood in large quantities or coughing up blood frequently.
References
- Weinberger S. Etiology and evaluation of hemoptysis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/ index. Accessed March 16, 2012.
- Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2012: 5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05611-3..00017-3--sc29000&isbn=978-0-323-05611-3&uniqId=323918747-3#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05611-3..00017-3--sc29000. Accessed March 16, 2012.
- Kapur S, et al. Hemoptysis and thoracic fungal infections. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2010;90:985.
- Edell ES (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 12, 2012.
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