Blood in Phlegm.

[Ern007]

I used have bad exacerbations of copd, I gave up smoking some 45-16 years ago and my lungs stopped going worse, in fact I had FEV1 at 52% when I smoked and recovered to near 80%.

The honeymoon has not lasted I have been on a steady graph down and back at 59% and at the moment recovering from a really bad 'Exacerbation. - I have had many episodes and have rescue medicine at home the usual for me is Prednisolone and Oxytetracycline.

This time for the first time I noticed 'Blood in Phlegm' yesterday it seems merged, tonight just a slight streak, but being it was not merged - there was no doubt it was blood. I can't see it being lung Cancer i have had to many x rays for that to have gone un-noticed.

I have two questions.

Has anyone else had Blood in Phlegm during a flare up of COPD

if so, when how bad would it have to get, before reporting to doctors? It is not pouring out just small amounts as my phlegm has just loosened enough to cough it up.

[mrsmummy]

This seems to be fairly common and it is usually a small blood vessel in the throat which gives way because of heavy coughing. However I am not a doctor and if you are at all worried please do see your GP. See the 'related posts' to read more about members' experiences.

[Ern007 in reply to mrsmummy]

Rang 111 and a Dr rang me back and said probably throat tear, then he said any more and get back straight away..

[mrsmummy in reply to Ern007]

Sounds like good advice.

[Ern007 in reply to mrsmummy]

Yes well 111 is better than i though, much better than the old NHS Direct and am no worse than yesterday and no more blood. Thank you you all for your kind and caring comments. It dose help to hear from people with the same type of problems.

[stone-UK]

Hi

Any coughing up blood requires further investigation.

Although it could just be thick and sticky phlegm tearing the tiny blood vessels. Drink plenty of fluids to help thin the phlegm.

But do seek advice from your GP.

[Ern007 in reply to stone-UK]

Probably - see what tomorrow brings, thanks for reply.

[skischool]

Ern i have had that problem before and it was quite dramatic and i was a little anxious and it lasted for a couple of days without any other symptoms but eventually everything returned to normal so i did not bother to go to my gp.i did however advise my consultant on our next review and he noted that he would request a precautionary ct scan,all was found to be clear so we both concluded that i had probably had a small vein leak in the upper respiratory system which had healed itself,it could even have been the minor blood vessells in the throat.long winded reply but just wanted to put your mind at ease until you get it resolved.........regards skis and scruffy x

[Ern007 in reply to skischool]

I got some more and being we have no after hours help. I dialed 111 and a Dr phoned me a hour later. He said it could be ton throat and said keep on rescue meds - i thought good end of story. Then he said any more ring back - I said for just a bit, he said let me make it play - one drop and ring back. feel any more poorly that you have done, go A&E. I thought if it was throat it could happen again anyway. Going to have a couple of beers and see what tomorrow brings. Thank's for reply

[Hidden in reply to Ern007]

Sorry you are having such a bad night...I had it from coughing with a chest infection which wasn’t going away..At first I thought it was irritation I had coughed so much..I ruptured a small lung cyst..

I’d get it checked..after those beers..which I will not comment on despite feeling motherly..😉

take care x

[Ern007 in reply to Hidden]

Happylondon. Thank you - I did have blood for a couple of days, although not great yet, today no blood. No sign at all.. Breathing better just feel a bit yuk, but hey two things improving - getting there

[Hidden in reply to Ern007]

I am glad.. keep improving 😊

[y_not in reply to Ern007]

Ern, on the "do as I tell you not as I do" basis I just read a bit on NHS website about antibiotics & alcohol: nhs.uk/chq/Pages/871.aspx?C... - that said I have to confess I still like a tipple!

[Ern007 in reply to y_not]

y_not. Certain antibiotics I won't take alcohol with. On the basis of trying to live as normal as possible I try and suggest an antibiotic I know I am fine with to the doctor such as Oxytetracycline - Amoxicillin does not work for me anymore.. I and my Mrs like a drink with a DVD or a bit of Tomb Raiding even at our ages twice a week - I don't want COPD or Angina running my life...

[Grayjay]

Yes I have had blood in my mucus. My GP wasn't too concerned about it as it seems to be part of the condition (Emphysema).Touch wood I haven't had it for a while now. It cleared up on it's own so hope the same goes for you. I understand how concerned you must be, it's quite worrying but not as bad as it seems. See your GP about it.

All the best.