A chronic cough is often a sign that something is wrong in your body. When accompanied by coughing up blood (hemoptysis), it becomes an alarming symptom that requires immediate attention. While not all causes of chronic cough are serious, certain symptoms should never be ignored. And understanding when to seek medical help can prevent potential complications and ensure timely treatment.

If you start to cough up blood, consult the best pulmonologist and schedule a consultation by visiting us at Doral Health and Wellness Pulmonary Center.

What is a Chronic Cough?

A cough is considered “chronic” if it lasts eight weeks or longer in adults, and four weeks in children. It’s a common issue, affecting people for various reasons, ranging from allergies to more serious conditions.

Some common causes of chronic cough can include:

• Asthma
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Chronic bronchitis
• Postnasal drip (due to sinus infections or allergies)

While a cough may start off mildly, when it persists over time, it could mean that something in your respiratory system isn’t functioning properly. Ignoring it could lead to worse health conditions.

Coughing Up Blood: Why It’s Serious

Coughing up blood, or hemoptysis, involves spitting out small or large amounts of blood from your lungs or airways. This can range from light streaks of blood mixed with mucus to a more significant, noticeable amount of blood. It can be a sign of various health conditions, some of which can be life-threatening.

While the sight of blood can naturally cause alarm, even small amounts can be an indication of a serious underlying issue.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

There are a few key symptoms related to chronic cough and hemoptysis that should prompt you to go on an immediate visit to your medical provider:

• Persistent or worsening cough – A chronic cough that doesn’t improve after several weeks, especially if it persists despite treatment for conditions like asthma or GERD, is a cause for concern. This can indicate a more serious issue, such as lung disease or infection.
• Coughing up blood – Even if it’s just a small amount, blood in your sputum should not be ignored. If the blood is bright red or dark and clotted, it could indicate anything from a severe infection to lung cancer.
• Shortness of breath or wheezing – Difficulty breathing, especially if it worsens over time, is a warning sign that your lungs or airways are compromised. Paired with a chronic cough, it could be a sign of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary embolism.
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue- If you’re losing weight or experiencing extreme fatigue without trying, this could be a sign of serious conditions such as cancer or tuberculosis. Chronic coughs related to lung cancer, for example, often present with weight loss as a main symptom.
• Chest pain – Coughing accompanied by persistent or sharp chest pain could be an indication of lung issues, including infections, inflammation, or in more serious cases, a pulmonary embolism or heart-related problems.
• Night sweats and fever – Frequent fevers or night sweats, together with a chronic cough, may be a sign of infections such as tuberculosis or pneumonia, or conditions like lymphoma. These are not the symptoms you should overlook.

If you experience any combination of a chronic cough and blood in your sputum, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible. While not every case is immediately life-threatening, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.

Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Large amounts of blood when coughing
• Sudden, intense chest pain
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Dizziness or fainting

Even if your symptoms seem mild, it’s important to have them evaluated by a doctor to rule out serious conditions like cancer or infections.

A chronic cough and coughing up blood are symptoms that should never be ignored. They can signal a variety of underlying conditions, some of which require urgent medical attention. The sooner you seek a professional diagnosis, the better your chances of treating your condition before it worsens.  At Doral Health and Wellness Pulmonary Center, we offer the best possible expertise and care in all aspects of pulmonology. Visit our pulmonologists to have your signs and symptoms checked. To schedule an appointment, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212, or call us at 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://pulmonologistbrooklyn.com.