coughing up blood

[Happychicken]

Hi all

Hoping you can alleviate my worry.

I’ve recently had another infection and this time there were 2 bacteria’s in the sputum. I’ve been treated but still coughing up a very small amount of blood now and then. Is this normal for people with bronchiectasis? I had a chest X-ray a couple of months ago and this was ok. I’m just worried something may have been missed. I’ve asked for a ct scan but haven’t heard whether my gp will do or not. I’m still awaiting a resp review but that was put off until November. I’ve also started running again and was so short of breath today and thought I’d have to ring an ambulance but thankfully that settled. This is so not like me as I’m really quite fit and try and cycle to work as much as possible.

Just want to see what your thoughts are?

Thank you

HC 🐓

[Ern007]

Hi, I don't have bronchiectasis but I believe small amounts of blood is normal, there are lots of others on here with " bronchiectasis" who can answer your questions better than me. I will say this, you say you are "fit" best not to run if you are ill though, take it easy until you feel better,

[Patk1]

Sounds like you've had a nasty infection.id put another sample in to check it's cleared.blood and streaks often happen especially with bronchiectasis& often with/after infection.the Airways get inflamed & sm capillaries can leak. Be careful not to push yrself, better to giving lungs time to recover x

[Biker88]

the advice given to me from my respiratory consultant, pink tinged sputum is common with chest infections as well as over exertion or violent coughing. If it’s regular contact your GP, coughing up fresh blood less than an egg cup full call 111, more than an egg cup full call 999. I have had practical experience of all these and now with a diagnosis (aspergillioma)it’s not so scary.

[Alberta56]

Well done you for keeping so fit. I've coughed up small amounts of blood in the past (and thought immediately of the Brontes- silly me.) Chest x-rays don't show everything that's going on in our lungs. Have you ever had a CT scan? I though that was needed to diagnose Bronchiectasis. Keep asking your GP for one, This cold weather takes my breath away- perhaps you are the same. You will have to take the running gently until you can work out how much you can do. It's horrible to be stuck in a public place feeling like you've absolutely no breath left. Best wishes- i hope the bugs have been knocked out, but, if they show any signs of reviving, go back to the doctor quickly.

[Happychicken]

Thank you for all your comments.

I was diagnosed around 8yrs ago with bronchiectasis which was found on ct scan. I was thinking it would be good to get another one as I’ve been unwell for the past 1.5ys on and off with chest infections/pleurisy. Awaiting resp rv as haven’t seen anyone for all that time but now things seem worse think it would be worth seeing them again to try and go on prophylactic antibiotics.

I feel less worried knowing that coughing up some blood can be normal after hearing from you all. Generally it would be once in the morning and then after that things seem ok. I’m probably pushing myself with the exercise a bit too quickly but it helps me mentally so I’m always keen to get out.

Was diagnosed in late 30s and now I’m 46.

HC 🐓

[katieoxo60]

Hi Happychicken, blood from chest is common in chest infections if you have a lung condition . Running is probably not a good idea till your infection is clear. If you are lucky enough to be able to still run I would try little and often once your infection is clear. Exercise is needed to keep lungs at maximum however most of us can't run , but settle for small amounts of other exercise on a regular basis. I class going up & down stairs many times a day as regular exercise even if it is at slow pace and with two bars to hold on to. Walking round your garden, if you have one, is fair exercise too for many of us with a lung condition. So don't be too enthusiastic just yet, get better first.

[Dottie11]

My blood was with an infection. Stopped once in recovery and medication. Have bronc. Dont try and push yourself too soon. Take care.

[blueferret]

I had similar last year, it was only 1 day but further scans showed no deterioration, think it was with all the coughing and strain getting the phlegm up