coughing up blood

[sarabeth87]

This morning I got up to go to the bathroom to spit in the sink and I noticed that there was streaks of blood in the mucus. So I fixed my HS and did my Vest and the whole time I was doing it I was coughing up bloody mucus. It wasn't a lot, it was just blood tinged. I'm not coughing up blood in it now, but I was just wondering if I should be worried. This has only happened to me one time before about 4 months ago and I only coughed up blood 2 times in one day and that was it.

 

[sarabeth87]

This morning I got up to go to the bathroom to spit in the sink and I noticed that there was streaks of blood in the mucus. So I fixed my HS and did my Vest and the whole time I was doing it I was coughing up bloody mucus. It wasn't a lot, it was just blood tinged. I'm not coughing up blood in it now, but I was just wondering if I should be worried. This has only happened to me one time before about 4 months ago and I only coughed up blood 2 times in one day and that was it.

 

[sarabeth87]

This morning I got up to go to the bathroom to spit in the sink and I noticed that there was streaks of blood in the mucus. So I fixed my HS and did my Vest and the whole time I was doing it I was coughing up bloody mucus. It wasn't a lot, it was just blood tinged. I'm not coughing up blood in it now, but I was just wondering if I should be worried. This has only happened to me one time before about 4 months ago and I only coughed up blood 2 times in one day and that was it.

 

[LouLou]

welcome to the club...
Hemoptysis can vary with severity so no one can tell you what it means for your health.
For example, the first time Liz had it she had a severe bleed requiring embolization. I don't think she deals with it since then.
I have been experiencing hemoptysis since I was 13 and have never required an embolization. Although sometimes I have small bleeds on a daily basis for months at a time!
Some pointers: try to figure out what triggers it. For me I can't lay on my back flat also I can't do sit ups in the traditional position.
It could be a sign of an acute infection so I would notify your doctor but don't be surprised if they don't want to do a thing.
Consider keeping a log, a calendar of sorts and keeping track of your episodes. It's as simple as writing an 'H' on the days you have it. Maybe you'll see some correlation with a certain time of your menstrual cycle as many women have. Also, some women have found help with amino acid L-Lysine. Search it on here to learn more.
I will say that once you feel the bleeding has stopped (only dark old blood coming up) you need to do extra lung clearance to get the blood out. Blood is very nutritous and you don't want to feed the germs present in your lungs with anything!! Get it out ~ ~ but not before the bleeding is stopped. Oh also you may want to consider taking a vitamin K supplement. Your doctor can prescribe mephyton. Also you need to have an emergency plan in place with your doctor of what to do if the bleeding just won't stop - ask what number to call and where to go. Just in case. After all in an emergency state is not when you want to be calling around or going to the ER.

 

[LouLou]

welcome to the club...
Hemoptysis can vary with severity so no one can tell you what it means for your health.
For example, the first time Liz had it she had a severe bleed requiring embolization. I don't think she deals with it since then.
I have been experiencing hemoptysis since I was 13 and have never required an embolization. Although sometimes I have small bleeds on a daily basis for months at a time!
Some pointers: try to figure out what triggers it. For me I can't lay on my back flat also I can't do sit ups in the traditional position.
It could be a sign of an acute infection so I would notify your doctor but don't be surprised if they don't want to do a thing.
Consider keeping a log, a calendar of sorts and keeping track of your episodes. It's as simple as writing an 'H' on the days you have it. Maybe you'll see some correlation with a certain time of your menstrual cycle as many women have. Also, some women have found help with amino acid L-Lysine. Search it on here to learn more.
I will say that once you feel the bleeding has stopped (only dark old blood coming up) you need to do extra lung clearance to get the blood out. Blood is very nutritous and you don't want to feed the germs present in your lungs with anything!! Get it out ~ ~ but not before the bleeding is stopped. Oh also you may want to consider taking a vitamin K supplement. Your doctor can prescribe mephyton. Also you need to have an emergency plan in place with your doctor of what to do if the bleeding just won't stop - ask what number to call and where to go. Just in case. After all in an emergency state is not when you want to be calling around or going to the ER.

 

[LouLou]

welcome to the club...
Hemoptysis can vary with severity so no one can tell you what it means for your health.
For example, the first time Liz had it she had a severe bleed requiring embolization. I don't think she deals with it since then.
I have been experiencing hemoptysis since I was 13 and have never required an embolization. Although sometimes I have small bleeds on a daily basis for months at a time!
Some pointers: try to figure out what triggers it. For me I can't lay on my back flat also I can't do sit ups in the traditional position.
It could be a sign of an acute infection so I would notify your doctor but don't be surprised if they don't want to do a thing.
Consider keeping a log, a calendar of sorts and keeping track of your episodes. It's as simple as writing an 'H' on the days you have it. Maybe you'll see some correlation with a certain time of your menstrual cycle as many women have. Also, some women have found help with amino acid L-Lysine. Search it on here to learn more.
I will say that once you feel the bleeding has stopped (only dark old blood coming up) you need to do extra lung clearance to get the blood out. Blood is very nutritous and you don't want to feed the germs present in your lungs with anything!! Get it out ~ ~ but not before the bleeding is stopped. Oh also you may want to consider taking a vitamin K supplement. Your doctor can prescribe mephyton. Also you need to have an emergency plan in place with your doctor of what to do if the bleeding just won't stop - ask what number to call and where to go. Just in case. After all in an emergency state is not when you want to be calling around or going to the ER.

 

[JazzysMom]

Ahh the joys of hemoptysis. As Lauren has said the causes can vary. Initially my doctor swore my hemoptysis was from an active infection until it happened while in the hospital & at the end of my iv treatment. For me as with many woman it is triggered by many things in addition to or instead of an infection. It can be connected to my period, too much caffein, physical exertion & believe it or not just sitting too long without support against my back like on a stool (I believe this falls into a type of physical exertion) or dry air (like from heat in the house). My doctor doesnt panic with a bit of blood. Of course I have years of hemoptysis under my belt so I can regulate pretty good by how much I bring up, how fresh it is versus old stuff etc. I do take extra vitamin K PLUS ABDEK vitamin & drink ice water if its bad enough. If in doubt speak with your doctor & keep an eye on it. I hate to say this because it sounds so easy going, BUT even tho its not normal...its common so dont panic. ANYONE I have told outside of the CF world says ITS NOT NORMAL OR COMMON. Needless to say I get aggitated trying to explain something that you have to live LOL! Keep an eye on things & good luck!

 

[JazzysMom]

Ahh the joys of hemoptysis. As Lauren has said the causes can vary. Initially my doctor swore my hemoptysis was from an active infection until it happened while in the hospital & at the end of my iv treatment. For me as with many woman it is triggered by many things in addition to or instead of an infection. It can be connected to my period, too much caffein, physical exertion & believe it or not just sitting too long without support against my back like on a stool (I believe this falls into a type of physical exertion) or dry air (like from heat in the house). My doctor doesnt panic with a bit of blood. Of course I have years of hemoptysis under my belt so I can regulate pretty good by how much I bring up, how fresh it is versus old stuff etc. I do take extra vitamin K PLUS ABDEK vitamin & drink ice water if its bad enough. If in doubt speak with your doctor & keep an eye on it. I hate to say this because it sounds so easy going, BUT even tho its not normal...its common so dont panic. ANYONE I have told outside of the CF world says ITS NOT NORMAL OR COMMON. Needless to say I get aggitated trying to explain something that you have to live LOL! Keep an eye on things & good luck!

 

[JazzysMom]

Ahh the joys of hemoptysis. As Lauren has said the causes can vary. Initially my doctor swore my hemoptysis was from an active infection until it happened while in the hospital & at the end of my iv treatment. For me as with many woman it is triggered by many things in addition to or instead of an infection. It can be connected to my period, too much caffein, physical exertion & believe it or not just sitting too long without support against my back like on a stool (I believe this falls into a type of physical exertion) or dry air (like from heat in the house). My doctor doesnt panic with a bit of blood. Of course I have years of hemoptysis under my belt so I can regulate pretty good by how much I bring up, how fresh it is versus old stuff etc. I do take extra vitamin K PLUS ABDEK vitamin & drink ice water if its bad enough. If in doubt speak with your doctor & keep an eye on it. I hate to say this because it sounds so easy going, BUT even tho its not normal...its common so dont panic. ANYONE I have told outside of the CF world says ITS NOT NORMAL OR COMMON. Needless to say I get aggitated trying to explain something that you have to live LOL! Keep an eye on things & good luck!

 

[sarabeth87]

Thanks for all the info. At first I was freaking out. But I did call my doc anyways just to let her know what was going on and she went ahead and put me on Bactrium and told me to start back on my Tobi. I'm almost sure it's an infection because now I'm not coughing up blood, but the sputum is really really green.

 

[sarabeth87]

Thanks for all the info. At first I was freaking out. But I did call my doc anyways just to let her know what was going on and she went ahead and put me on Bactrium and told me to start back on my Tobi. I'm almost sure it's an infection because now I'm not coughing up blood, but the sputum is really really green.

 

[sarabeth87]

Thanks for all the info. At first I was freaking out. But I did call my doc anyways just to let her know what was going on and she went ahead and put me on Bactrium and told me to start back on my Tobi. I'm almost sure it's an infection because now I'm not coughing up blood, but the sputum is really really green.

 

[thelizardqueen]

My first experience with hemoptysis required an embolization. That was 3 years ago. It was scary to see the blood the first time around, but since then, I rarely have problems with it anymore. A few streaks of blood in your sputum I think is normal for a CFer. I would be more concerned if you were coughing up cups of it at a time for a long period of time.

 

[thelizardqueen]

My first experience with hemoptysis required an embolization. That was 3 years ago. It was scary to see the blood the first time around, but since then, I rarely have problems with it anymore. A few streaks of blood in your sputum I think is normal for a CFer. I would be more concerned if you were coughing up cups of it at a time for a long period of time.

 

[thelizardqueen]

My first experience with hemoptysis required an embolization. That was 3 years ago. It was scary to see the blood the first time around, but since then, I rarely have problems with it anymore. A few streaks of blood in your sputum I think is normal for a CFer. I would be more concerned if you were coughing up cups of it at a time for a long period of time.

 

[Landy]

It is very unsettling when it happens.
If it continues you may want to ask your doctor if you should lay off any of your inhaled meds until it stops. I had it pretty bad one time & it was caused by Pulmozyme.

 

[Landy]

It is very unsettling when it happens.
If it continues you may want to ask your doctor if you should lay off any of your inhaled meds until it stops. I had it pretty bad one time & it was caused by Pulmozyme.

 

[Landy]

It is very unsettling when it happens.
If it continues you may want to ask your doctor if you should lay off any of your inhaled meds until it stops. I had it pretty bad one time & it was caused by Pulmozyme.

 

[Hermit]

Hey,

Don't worry if it's just streaks in your sputum.
I have a system; maybe it'll help:

Green Alert: No blood. Regular routine.

Yellow Alert: A bit of streaking in your sputum. Don't worry, but pay more attention than usual to how your lungs are feeling, like if they're more infected, more inflammed, too dry etc.

Orange Alert: More blood than sputum, but not coming out on its own or anything. Here I try not to do too much activity or anything that will aggravate it too much, but I still do physio and take my meds.

Red Alert: Frank blood. The real deal, full on bleed. Coming out on its own even without you coughing (just exhaling brings it up).

Step 1) DON'T PANIC. You will probably freak. Don't worry. You're not going to bleed to death. You're going to be ok. Try to remain as calm as you can because getting excited only makes it worse.

Step 2) Sit down somewhere, gently...gently.

Step 3) Get somebody to bring you several glasses of ice water and an ice pack or a bag of peas. Take little sips of the water and put the ice on your chest. You're trying to constrict the blood vessels here. Try not to cough too much and just breathe as normally as you can.

Step 4) Wait it out, drinking the water. Check your sputum in half an hour. If it looks like it's darker, that probably means it's clotting up in there. Wait several hours and then do physio, but gently.

If it's not stopping, phone your CF doc and explain what's going on. If it's lots and lots of blood, you'll probably have to go in for an embolization, which is a procedure where they inject little balls into your bloodstream to block off the hole. It doesn't hurt, and you'll be fine. They'll probably put you on antibiotics to cover any infection this might have caused.

If it stops on its own, clear it out but don't do any heavy physical activity for 24 hours. Call your doc and monitor your temperature. Sometimes these bleeds can cause infections, so just watch it.

Don't worry. This is normal for us. It's just part of CF, and maybe you'll never get used to it (I still haven't!) but at some point you'll know what to do and be less afraid.

Happy Bleeding!
Love
Hermit

 

[Hermit]

Hey,

Don't worry if it's just streaks in your sputum.
I have a system; maybe it'll help:

Green Alert: No blood. Regular routine.

Yellow Alert: A bit of streaking in your sputum. Don't worry, but pay more attention than usual to how your lungs are feeling, like if they're more infected, more inflammed, too dry etc.

Orange Alert: More blood than sputum, but not coming out on its own or anything. Here I try not to do too much activity or anything that will aggravate it too much, but I still do physio and take my meds.

Red Alert: Frank blood. The real deal, full on bleed. Coming out on its own even without you coughing (just exhaling brings it up).

Step 1) DON'T PANIC. You will probably freak. Don't worry. You're not going to bleed to death. You're going to be ok. Try to remain as calm as you can because getting excited only makes it worse.

Step 2) Sit down somewhere, gently...gently.

Step 3) Get somebody to bring you several glasses of ice water and an ice pack or a bag of peas. Take little sips of the water and put the ice on your chest. You're trying to constrict the blood vessels here. Try not to cough too much and just breathe as normally as you can.

Step 4) Wait it out, drinking the water. Check your sputum in half an hour. If it looks like it's darker, that probably means it's clotting up in there. Wait several hours and then do physio, but gently.

If it's not stopping, phone your CF doc and explain what's going on. If it's lots and lots of blood, you'll probably have to go in for an embolization, which is a procedure where they inject little balls into your bloodstream to block off the hole. It doesn't hurt, and you'll be fine. They'll probably put you on antibiotics to cover any infection this might have caused.

If it stops on its own, clear it out but don't do any heavy physical activity for 24 hours. Call your doc and monitor your temperature. Sometimes these bleeds can cause infections, so just watch it.

Don't worry. This is normal for us. It's just part of CF, and maybe you'll never get used to it (I still haven't!) but at some point you'll know what to do and be less afraid.

Happy Bleeding!
Love
Hermit