Bloody phlegm may make you panic and worry. In fact, this condition can be caused by various things, ranging from the common to serious medical conditions. To reduce worry, you need to know the various causes of bloody phlegm and how to treat them.
Phlegm is produced by the respiratory system. Usually phlegm will come out when you cough. Phlegm is different from saliva which is produced by the salivary glands in the mouth. When bloody phlegm comes out, it is possible that there is a problem in the respiratory tract.
Various Causes of Bloody Sputum
Bloody phlegm can indicate an injury or injury to the respiratory tract. The most common cause is a cough that is too loud due to phlegm that is difficult to expel.
In addition, the following conditions can also cause the appearance of blood in the sputum:
- Infections of the respiratory system and tract, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.
- Bronchiectasis
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Pulmonary embolism and pulmonary edema.
- Lung cancer and cancer
- Use of anticoagulant drugs.
- Cough that is severe and lasts a long time.
In children, the entry of foreign materials or objects into the respiratory tract is also associated with the appearance of bloody sputum.
How to treat bloody phlegm
If you experience bloody phlegm, you are advised to consult a doctor. The doctor will conduct a complete question and answer regarding the complaints you are experiencing, followed by a thorough physical examination. And if necessary, supporting examinations will be carried out, such as sputum tests, blood tests, chest X-rays, CT scans, and bronchoscopy.
These various tests are carried out to determine the cause of the bloody phlegm you are experiencing, so that the doctor can provide the right treatment.
Treatment of bloody sputum will be adjusted according to the cause. If the bloody sputum 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 procedures and treatment may be required.
You are advised to undergo the treatment given by the doctor to completion. As much as possible avoid natural remedies, herbs, or other therapies, without first discussing with your doctor.
Prevention of Bloody Sputum
Various diseases and disorders in the respiratory tract can cause bloody sputum. To prevent it, you need to take good care of your respiratory system. The method is as follows:
Quit smoking
If you are a smoker, stop smoking immediately, because cigarettes contain various toxins that can harm the system and respiratory 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 protective covering 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 developing disorders of the lungs and respiratory tract. In addition, exposure to dust and cigarette smoke can also worsen complaints of sufferers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and lung infections.
Drink more water
In addition to preventing dehydration and maintaining overall body health, drinking adequate amounts of water can also thin phlegm so that it is easier to expel.
Although not always dangerous, bloody phlegm can be a sign of a serious condition. To avoid this, as much as possible maintain the health of the respiratory system through the methods described above. And if you experience bloody phlegm, do an examination to the doctor to get the right treatment.