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Published on: 4/7/2025

Why Am I Having Blood in Mucus From Throat and Nose?

Bloody mucus can be caused by infection or irritation, but sometimes it may signal a more serious condition. It’s important to monitor the situation and get medical help if the bleeding continues or worsens.

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Explanation

Bloody mucus from the nose and throat can be unsettling. There are many reasons why this might happen, ranging from mild conditions to more serious ones. Common causes of bloody mucus include: • Upper respiratory infections like the flu or the common cold • Dry nasal passages and harsh nose blowing • Chronic sinusitis • Allergies or environmental irritants • Physical trauma to the nose or throat • Prolonged or forceful coughing These most common causes usually don't require immediate medical attention, but it's important to be aware of warning signs that could indicate something more serious like pneumonia or, in rare cases, lung cancer. For instance, if the bloody mucus is accompanied by difficulty breathing, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss, you should seek medical evaluation right away.

(References)

  • Ittrich H, Bockhorn M, Klose H, Simon M. The Diagnosis and Treatment of Hemoptysis. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2017 Jun 5;114(21):371-381. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2017.0371. PMID: 28625277; PMCID: PMC5478790.

  • Cordovilla R, Bollo de Miguel E, Nuñez Ares A, Cosano Povedano FJ, Herráez Ortega I, Jiménez Merchán R. Diagnosis and Treatment of Hemoptysis. Arch Bronconeumol. 2016 Jul;52(7):368-77. English, Spanish. doi: 10.1016/j.arbres.2015.12.002. Epub 2016 Feb 9. PMID: 26873518.

  • O'Gurek D, Choi HYJ. Hemoptysis: Evaluation and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2022 Feb 1;105(2):144-151. PMID: 35166503.

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