Coughing blood

Kirsten, I was a RN for 30 years and I do know that red blood is from a fresh bleeding area, maybe from coughing too much.If it's stopped, then that may be all it was. But of course you will be having CT scan so  that you will know for sure. Please keep let us know what you find out.

Best

Russ

Kirsten, I didn't realize it had all gone to that point from reading your last post. First of all I'm glad you are ok, I think. But I don't why they would tell you to go to the emergeny ward next when you having a lung function study where you started bleeding. Do they know what is causing the bleeding and has it stopped?

I hope you can have some backup to get the children if you are in this situation agian. My church is go for that, but the hospitals in the States will care for children if there is an emergency until the other parent or relative gets there.Hope you get better soon.Sorry you were so scared but most people would be I think. Glad the hospital provided you with a plan for the future. Please keep me posted.

Best

Russt

Russ

Doctors said if i start cough blood again i should taking etamsylate ( haemostatic pills). If blood won't stop in one day - go to a hospital. Ask your doctor about some haemostatic medication.

I realized today that I'm not alone in all of this.Good feeling.Great to have others who who understand. Kristen, hope you are better.

Best

Russ

Hi,

just a note to give my experience. Have coughed blood innumerable times over many,many years, it is scary! I think you have a weak bit in you're lung, in my case probably due to op, but it always stops after a few days. My husband always suggests huffing for a while as it's less damaging than coughing. I normally take transamic tablets after a bleed, which always seems to work.

Best wishes

jean

Wow only just seen this, hope you're OK Kirsten!

first thing ... don't panic. Like Russ said, blood in the sputum is fairly common, particularly if you've got / just had an infection. Effectively the overall inflammation from the infection and then the mechanical irritation of the coughing (plus the rapid pressure changes from coughs) can cause small bleeds. I almost always get a bit of blood in the sputum when I've got an infection.

really it's only a problem if there is a lot of fresh blood and it just keeps coming (haemoptysis) . 

I would also follow Jeanniemac's advice. When you're clearing the lungs don't go for coughing or hard huffing, be gentler. The physio at the Brompton was very firm at this. Instead of a huff, do a slow as possible exhalation with your mouth open as wide as possible. Try and a avoid coughing until you absolutely totally have to. Big breath in, long slow wide open exhalation - very gentle, very effective especially if you wiggle your thorax to help shift the gunk. You'll be amazed how much comes out. Keep at it until there's no more rattle. 

I've 4 small kiddies myself (3 through 11 ... Oldest doing 11+ poor boy, but he's knuckled down, done the work and got one guaranteed place already!), and the first time I got blood in the sputum I freaked out large. Happily a GP family friend calmed me down. Don't panic about the more alarming parts of Bx, just manage it carefully and you'll stay OK.

Good Luck and I hope you're feeling better

S

Hi Kirst, I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in both lungs in February 2015  after a cat scan with dye, I too cough up blood & I can cough up 30 to 50ml four to 5 times a day if I get an infection in my lungs. Just spent the last 5 days coughing up blood & my GP sent me straight to hospital on Monday, spent 5 hours there having bloods taken & a chest X-ray which showed an infection. Then had to go back to hospital on Tuesday for another ct scan with dye for a suspected blood clot in my right lung, thankfully there wasn't one just a sever infection. The doc has now referred me to the pneumonia clinic for a check up just to rule it out. I've had about 5 episodes of coughing up blood now & each time it can last for up to 10 mins then it stops, was told if it lasts for more than 15 mins then get to hospital asap. The consultant at the respatory clinic told me that this is part of bronchiectasis for some people & it's not a good side but antibiotics can help sort the infection out quickly. Sorry for waffling on lol, I know how you feel & it's not nice but don't worry or panic, when it starts see your GP asap & start the antibiotics before the infection takes hold, hope you are well & some of what I have said is of some help, take care & keep smiling :0)