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Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
Dizziness
Fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy
Fatigue
Pale skin or pallor
Weakness (loss of strength)
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 2
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
Bronchitis
Congestive heart failure (deterioration of the heart’s ability to pump blood)
Nosebleed
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Tuberculosis (serious infection affecting the lungs and other organs)
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 3
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 4
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 5
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
Dizziness
Fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy
Fatigue
Pale skin or pallor
Weakness (loss of strength)
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 6
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 7
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
Dizziness
Fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy
Fatigue
Pale skin or pallor
Weakness (loss of strength)
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 8
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 9
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
Dizziness
Fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy
Fatigue
Pale skin or pallor
Weakness (loss of strength)
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
Bronchitis
Congestive heart failure (deterioration of the heart’s ability to pump blood)
Nosebleed
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Tuberculosis (serious infection affecting the lungs and other organs)
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 10
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
Bronchitis
Congestive heart failure (deterioration of the heart’s ability to pump blood)
Nosebleed
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Tuberculosis (serious infection affecting the lungs and other organs)
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 11
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
Mouth ulcers
Peptic ulcers
Tooth extraction or dental work
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
Bronchitis
Congestive heart failure (deterioration of the heart’s ability to pump blood)
Nosebleed
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Tuberculosis (serious infection affecting the lungs and other organs)
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 12
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
Bronchitis
Congestive heart failure (deterioration of the heart’s ability to pump blood)
Nosebleed
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Tuberculosis (serious infection affecting the lungs and other organs)
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 13
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
Dizziness
Fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy
Fatigue
Pale skin or pallor
Weakness (loss of strength)
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
Mouth ulcers
Peptic ulcers
Tooth extraction or dental work
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 14
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
Dizziness
Fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy
Fatigue
Pale skin or pallor
Weakness (loss of strength)
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 15
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
Dizziness
Fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy
Fatigue
Pale skin or pallor
Weakness (loss of strength)
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 16
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
Dizziness
Fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy
Fatigue
Pale skin or pallor
Weakness (loss of strength)
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 17
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 18
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
Dizziness
Fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy
Fatigue
Pale skin or pallor
Weakness (loss of strength)
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 19
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 20
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
Dizziness
Fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy
Fatigue
Pale skin or pallor
Weakness (loss of strength)
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
Bronchitis
Congestive heart failure (deterioration of the heart’s ability to pump blood)
Nosebleed
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Tuberculosis (serious infection affecting the lungs and other organs)
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 21
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 22
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
Dizziness
Fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy
Fatigue
Pale skin or pallor
Weakness (loss of strength)
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 23
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
Bronchitis
Congestive heart failure (deterioration of the heart’s ability to pump blood)
Nosebleed
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Tuberculosis (serious infection affecting the lungs and other organs)
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 24
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 25
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
Dizziness
Fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy
Fatigue
Pale skin or pallor
Weakness (loss of strength)
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
Mouth ulcers
Peptic ulcers
Tooth extraction or dental work
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
Bronchitis
Congestive heart failure (deterioration of the heart’s ability to pump blood)
Nosebleed
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Tuberculosis (serious infection affecting the lungs and other organs)
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
Was this helpful?
Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Page 26
Spitting up blood indicates the presence of bleeding that may originate in the digestive tract or in the respiratory system. Spitting blood may be caused by many different conditions, and the severity varies among individuals. Spitting blood may accompany vomiting if it is from a gastrointestinal source, or it may occur with coughing if it is from a respiratory source. Common gastrointestinal causes of spitting up blood are inflammation and infections, such as the stomach inflammation called gastritis. Conditions of the mouth such as gum disease and tooth extraction may cause spitting blood. Spitting blood that comes up with a cough is commonly associated with lung cancer, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These may cause spitting up of bright red blood, rust-colored mucus, or mucus that contain streaks of blood. Pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, or a perforated or collapsed lung (pneumothorax) from trauma may be associated with spit-up or coughed-up blood that appears bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. The frequency of spitting blood and the amount of blood produced vary greatly, depending on the source of the bleeding. Symptoms of blood loss include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty breathing. It is rare for spitting blood to be so severe as to lead to serious complications, such as shock. However, people with significant blood loss from severe spitting blood may have serious medical conditions that require emergency hospitalization and treatment. Left untreated, severe spitting blood can result in a life-threatening loss of blood. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms, such as pale skin or pallor and difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black material, or change in level of consciousness.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
Spitting blood may accompany other symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system including:
Spitting blood may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:
In some cases, spitting blood can be a sign of a life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
Change in level of consciousness or alertness such as passing out or unresponsiveness
Dizziness
Respiratory or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
Weakness (loss of strength)
Spitting blood can be the result of any condition of the digestive or respiratory tracts. Common digestive causes of spitting blood include inflammation or infection, internal injuries caused by trauma, and underlying disease processes such as cancers. Respiratory causes of spitting blood include pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and trauma.
Spitting blood can be caused by gastrointestinal causes including:
Spitting blood can be caused by other conditions including:
Bronchitis
Congestive heart failure (deterioration of the heart’s ability to pump blood)
Nosebleed
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Tuberculosis (serious infection affecting the lungs and other organs)
In some cases, spitting blood may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your spitting blood including:
When did you first notice that you were spitting blood?
Can you see blood when you cough up something?
Is there blood in your stool?
Do you have any other symptoms?
What medications are you taking?
Because spitting blood can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
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Healthgrades Editorial Staff
Last Updated: January 8, 2021
Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 8
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.