[28F] Persistent cough with blood in mucus

Question

What could this potentially be?

Patient Description

A 28-year-old female has been experiencing a persistent cough and hoarseness for approximately three weeks. Initially, the cough was accompanied by voice loss, which lasted nearly two weeks. Recently, the cough has worsened, and she is now coughing up mucus mixed with a significant amount of bright red blood, primarily when the mucus is expelled from the chest. The patient describes the cough as moderate, exacerbated by activities that loosen mucus, such as walking, taking hot showers, or drinking water, leading to difficulty breathing. She also experiences mild chest pain and shortness of breath while coughing, and feels lightheaded when coughing up blood. Additionally, she has noticed recent weight loss. The patient has a long-standing diagnosis of asthma but is not currently on any medications and has no known allergies. Immediate medical evaluation is recommended due to the presence of blood in the mucus.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, possible conditions include:

  • Bronchitis: This is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to your lungs. It often follows a cold or other respiratory infection. Symptoms can include a cough with mucus, chest discomfort or soreness, fatigue, and mild headache.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication to manage symptoms. If the bronchitis is bacterial, antibiotics may be prescribed.
  • Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid. Symptoms can include a cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics, fever reducers, and cough medicine. It's important to get plenty of rest and hydration.
  • Tuberculosis: This is a serious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes. Symptoms can include a cough that lasts more than three weeks, chest pain, and coughing up blood.

    • Treatment typically involves a long course of antibiotics.
  • Lung cancer: Although less likely given your age and assuming you don't have a history of smoking, lung cancer can cause a persistent cough, coughing up blood, and other symptoms.

    • Treatment typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms, particularly the presence of blood in your mucus, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. A healthcare professional will be able to provide a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What you should look out for

Watch for any changes in your symptoms, particularly:

  • Increased difficulty breathing
  • Increased amount of blood in your mucus
  • Development of a fever or chills
  • Increased chest pain

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care.

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6 mo ago


People Also Ask


What could cause a persistent cough with blood in the mucus?

A persistent cough with blood in the mucus can be caused by several conditions, including bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, or, less commonly, lung cancer. It's important to seek medical evaluation to determine the exact cause.


How is bronchitis different from pneumonia?

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes and often follows a cold or respiratory infection, characterized by a cough with mucus and chest discomfort. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs, which may fill with fluid, and is often more severe, with symptoms like fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.


What are the symptoms of tuberculosis and how is it treated?

Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. Symptoms include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, chest pain, and coughing up blood. Treatment involves a long course of antibiotics.


Can young adults get lung cancer and what are the symptoms?

While lung cancer is less common in young adults, it can occur, especially if there is a history of smoking or other risk factors. Symptoms include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss. Early detection and treatment are crucial.

1 Comments


Billy#3955

6 mo ago

If there is bright red blood in your mucous, I think you really should get a proper diagnosis from an emergency room. The most common reason for coughing up blood is a chest infection, which given the severity probably needs antibiotics asap

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