Causes of Bloody Phlegm and Proper Treatment

Sputum bleeding may make you panic and worry. In fact, this condition can be caused by various things, ranging from the ordinary to a serious medical condition. To reduce anxiety, you need to know the various causes of sputum bleeding and how to treat it. Phlegm is produced by the respiratory system. Usually the phlegm will come out when you cough. Phlegm is different from saliva produced by salivary glands in the mouth. When bloody phlegm comes out, then there may be a disturbance in the respiratory tract.

Various Causes of Bloody Phlegm

Sputum bleeding can indicate an injury or injury to the respiratory tract. The most common cause is a cough that is too hard due to phlegm is difficult to remove. In addition, the following conditions can also cause sputum blood to appear:

• Infection of the respiratory system and tract, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.
• Bronchiectasis
• Cystic fibrosis.
• Pulmonary embolism and pulmonary edema.
• Lung cancer and cancer
• The use of anticoagulant drugs.
• A cough that is heavy and has been going on for a long time.

In children, the entry of foreign material or objects into the respiratory tract is also associated with the onset of bloody sputum.

How to handle bloody phlegm

When you experience bloody phlegm, you are advised to do a doctor's examination. The doctor will conduct a complete question and answer about your complaint, followed by a thorough physical examination. And if needed, supporting examinations will be carried out, such as sputum tests, blood tests, chest x-rays, CT scans, and bronchoscopy. Various checks are carried out to determine the cause of your sputum bleeding, so that the doctor can provide appropriate treatment. Treatment of sputum bleeding will be adjusted to the cause. If bloody phlegm is caused by a bacterial infection, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If it is caused by a tumor or malignancy, certain actions and treatments may be needed. You are advised to undergo the treatment given by your doctor until it's complete. As much as possible avoid natural remedies, herbs, or other therapies, without discussing it with your doctor first.

Prevention of Bloody Phlegm

Various diseases and disorders in the respiratory tract can cause phlegm to bleed. To prevent this, you need to maintain a healthy respiratory system. The trick is as follows:

Quit smoking

If you are a smoker, stop smoking immediately, because cigarettes contain a variety of poisons that can harm the respiratory system and tract. In addition, avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, because passive smokers can also experience the same bad effects as active smokers.

Avoid breathing dust and smoke

As much as possible use a mask or shield to avoid exposure to dust and air pollution, such as vehicle fumes or factory fumes. Exposure to dust and smoke can increase the risk of interference with the lungs and respiratory tract. In addition, exposure to dust and cigarette smoke can also worsen complaints of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and lung infections.

Drink plenty of water

In addition to preventing dehydration and maintaining overall body health, drinking enough water can also thin the phlegm so that it is more easily removed. Although not always dangerous, bloody phlegm may indicate a serious condition. To avoid this, as much as possible keep your respiratory system healthy through the methods described above. And if you experience bloody phlegm, do a doctor's examination to get the right treatment.