If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics. 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. You have any new symptoms, such as chest pain with difficulty breathing or a fever.
Current as of: October 19, These may include a chest X-ray, a CT scan , or a bronchoscopy, which involves a camera at the end of a tube being inserted into the airway.
Steroids may help if an inflammatory condition is causing the bleeding. Blood in sputum, particularly in small quantities, is usually not a cause for concern. However, in people with a medical history of respiratory problems or who smoke, it often requires further evaluation. Respiratory infections, other lung conditions, and less commonly problems in the digestive tract can cause the blood to appear. Some causes are mild and resolve on their own. In other cases, medical intervention is necessary.
Read the article in Spanish. 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. 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. Have you ever had a rusty, metallic taste in your mouth and then spit and seen blood in your saliva? Sputum is a mixture of saliva and mucus. Sometimes you may cough up blood-tinged sputum. Learn about causes like bronchitis , prevention, and more.
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that occurs in the lungs. It can damage part of the lung and other organs and decrease oxygen levels in the blood. An incentive spirometer is a device that can help you strengthen your lungs. Learn how it works, who it helps, and where to get one.
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