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Bloody sputum - causes and therapy
In addition, but can also relatively harmless causes such. gingivitis or inflammation of the bronchi may be the trigger. In order to take no health risk, a timely medical examination is strongly advised. Because only by this health hazards can be avoided and necessary treatment steps are initiated immediately. If there is ambiguity and doubt regarding the trigger, an emergency doctor should always be called, especially in cases of parallel symptoms such as shortness of breath, circulatory problems, palpitations and / or chest pain.
contents
- Definition: What is bloody sputum??
- Causes of bloody sputum
- Acute bronchitis
- Bloody expectoration in pneumonia
- Legionellosis / Legionnaire's disease
- Cough secretions with blood in pulmonary embolism
- Bloody expectoration in the morning / COPD
- Blood in the sputum in lung cancer
- Treatment for blood in the secretion
- Therapy and prevention of pulmonary embolism
- Home remedies and natural remedies for blood in cough
Definition: What is bloody sputum??
The term "bloody expectoration" is usually called lighter blood in the secretions (sputum), which comes out of the body by coughing. Accordingly, it is a certain form of "hemoptysis", which is referred to medically as "hemoptysis". In contrast to this, larger quantities of blood are coughed up directly in "hemoptysis". The addition of blood can be very different and therefore appear from light pink to light red to deep rust brown. In addition, they can be different strong, so sometimes only small red dots or traces can be seen. In other cases, however, it seems that the secretion of blood vessels is "pervaded".
Bloody expectoration can have serious backgrounds, which is why a doctor's visit is always advisable. Image: Miriam Dörr - fotolia Regardless of the appearance, every time there is any sign of blood in the sputum, a doctor should be consulted immediately to clarify the cause and take further steps. This is very important because coughing up blood, as well as hematemesis, often indicates serious health problems and may be an important sign of a potentially life-threatening condition.
Causes of bloody sputum
For bloody admixtures in the ejection come various reasons into consideration. In some cases, relatively harmless causes such as Gingival or nosebleeds before, as well as bleeding can be caused by an injury in the mouth. More often, however, bloody secretions have a more serious background such as Chronic bronchitis or COPD or pulmonary embolism. Therefore, a doctor should always be consulted immediately in case of unrecognizable or unclear trigger and any form of uncertainty.
Acute bronchitis
A possible cause of bloody secretions may be severe, acute bronchitis. This term is used to refer to inflammation of the mucous membranes in the bronchi, which is usually associated with inflammation of the upper airways (nose and throat). It is one of the most common diseases and affects around 80 out of every 100,000 inhabitants per week, although this figure usually doubles in the winter months.
Acute bronchitis can be caused by a variety of causes, but usually viral infection (such as influenza, rhinocardia or coronavirus) is present. Rarely, can bacteria, fungi or chemical stimuli cause the disease, and it can also be associated with other infectious diseases (such as measles). Characteristic of the acute bronchitis is especially a strong, initially dry cough, which is often accompanied by colds. If the virus spreads further, fever and other common colds such as headache, limb and sore throat, hoarseness, burning in the chest, fatigue and night sweats are added.
After a few days, the so-called "productive" cough develops, with the sputum initially appearing viscous and whitish-clear. Later, this can also adopt a yellowish or green color by an additional bacterial infection ("superinfection"). In severe cases, there may also be slight admixtures of blood, which is due to small injuries of the mucous membranes and therefore normally means no cause for concern. Nevertheless, as a precaution, the bloody expectoration should always be clarified by the doctor.
Bloody expectoration in pneumonia
Besides that, severe pneumonia can be the reason. This is an acute or chronic inflammation of the lung tissue, which is usually caused by an infection with bacteria or especially by so-called "pneumococci". Rarely, viruses, fungi or parasites can also trigger the disease, which primarily affects immunocompromised individuals (for example, after organ transplantation or in HIV).
Symptoms of pneumonia are similar to those of bronchitis and usually start with respiratory problems, shortness of breath and severe coughing. The sputum is yellow-green, brownish or slimy-purulent, in more severe cases also blood admixtures can be seen. In addition, there are typically high fever, chills and chest pains as well as nonspecific complaints such as fatigue and fatigue, limb and headaches. Inflammation of the lungs is not to be underestimated and can be a life-threatening danger. Especially for babies or infants, seniors and immunocompromised patients, the disease represents an increased risk. In young and healthy people, however, the body's defense is usually strong enough to fight the pathogens.
Legionellosis / Legionnaire's disease
A particularly severe form of pneumonia is the so-called "legionellosis" or "legionnaires' disease", which can also be associated with bloody sputum. In this case, the inflammation is triggered by bacteria of the genus Legionella (Legionella pneumophila), which spread and multiply especially in warm fresh water (20 to 55 degrees). The infection, however, does not occur directly through legionella in the water but through atomized water (aerosol), e.g. while showering, in whirlpools, through inhalers or humidifiers in the workplace. The Legionnaire's disease usually causes more general symptoms such as high fever, chills, headache and body aches. In addition, chest pain, shortness of breath, irritated cough with blood congestion in the sputum may occur, sometimes also abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting.
Cough secretions with blood in pulmonary embolism
A very serious reason for the bloody sputum may be pulmonary embolism. Although this is not always immediately life-threatening, nevertheless die according to the German Society of Angiology - Society for Vascular Medicine e. V. (DGA) alone in this country annually up to 100,000 people. Thus, the pulmonary embolism after heart attack and stroke is the third most common medical cause of death.
The starting point of a pulmonary embolism forms in most cases a vascular occlusion (thrombosis), which is particularly often the deep leg or pelvic veins affected. One of the main risk factors for thrombosis is age, as well as e.g. a blood poisoning, heart failure or a previous heart attack. In addition, the danger increases, e.g. after surgery, prolonged bed-rest, pregnancy and puerperal or certain medications and hormones (such as birth control pills).
If there is a clot, parts of it may possibly detach, which often happens directly after getting up in the morning due to pressure fluctuations in the vascular system (for example, heavy pressing during bowel movements). This so-called "embolus" can pass through the bloodstream to the heart and from there to the lungs and - depending on their size - partially or completely occlude a vessel. As a result, the clogged area of the lung is no longer adequately perfused, which can cause different symptoms depending on the size of the embolus and affected vessel.
While a minor embolism causes only minor problems and often goes unnoticed, the closure of a larger vessel suddenly causes severe discomfort. Typical symptoms include a sudden, faster breathing and shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating and fainting. Also often show anxiety and a feeling of oppression, rapid heartbeat and cough with sputum, in which small blood enemas can be seen. In the case of a massive pulmonary embolism, there is an acute danger to life, because the strong impairment of the blood circulation in the heart and lungs threatens, inter alia, a cardiovascular arrest, which ends prematurely without early intervention in the majority of cases. Accordingly, if a pulmonary embolism is suspected, an emergency call must be made immediately.
Bloody expectoration in the morning / COPD
Another possible cause is the so-called "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease", which is referred to as "COPD" (short for the English term "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease"). The term COPD covers various chronic respiratory diseases whose common feature is an increasing blockage of airflow in the lungs (obstruction). As a result, it comes to the typical COPD symptoms of respiratory distress, cough and sputum ("AHA" symptoms), which is why the disease is colloquially referred to as "smoker's cough" or "smoker's lung".
Most coughing in the morning is particularly pronounced, often associated with sputum. This is usually colorless, but may also be yellowish-green or brownish in the case of infections and may contain small amounts of blood as a result of the permanent inflammation. In addition, there is an increasing respiratory distress with time and other complaints such as a reduced performance, low load capacity, fatigue and whistling or humming noises when breathing. As a result, even simple everyday things like climbing stairs or carrying shopping can often be troublesome and an ever-increasing problem. COPD is therefore by no means just a "harmless" smoker's cough, but is a life-threatening lung disease that can lead to deadly complications such as heart failure (cor pulmonale).
The disease is primarily characterized by chronic obstructive bronchitis and / or the so-called "pulmonary emphysema". In the run-up to COPD, most sufferers suffer from simple chronic bronchitis, which, however, does not mean permanently constricted airways and therefore is in principle still reversible. If the cause of chronic bronchitis (such as smoking) is not resolved, chronic obstructive bronchitis and COPD may develop. In this case, the changes in the lung are irreversible, instead, there is a narrowing of the bronchi, through which there is more and more in dyspnoea during exercise and later in sleep.
In addition, it can come by the permanent inflammation in the further course that the walls of the alveoli (alveoli) are attacked and destroyed. As a result, the small blisters fuse into larger blisters, causing a diseased hyperinflation of the lungs and finally an irrevocable reduction in lung function.
The main cause of COPD is cigarette smoking, around 90 percent of those affected are smokers or former smokers. In rare cases, the inhalation of other harmful substances such as poisonous dust, vapors or toxic liquids. Accordingly, the COPD is e.g. in coal mining now even recognized as an occupational disease ("miner's bronchitis"). Car exhausts and particulate matter as well as genetic factors (such as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency) may also promote the disease.
Blood in the sputum in lung cancer
In very serious cases, lung cancer (lung carcinoma) or bronchial carcinoma may be the cause of blood sputum. It is a tumor disease, in which every year in Germany around 50,000 people get sick. It is believed that many different influences are jointly responsible for the development of lung cancer, often can be found in the affected person no specific trigger. However, some factors are known that significantly increase the risk and should be avoided accordingly. These include, above all, smoking and passive smoking, but also, for example, asbestos, exposure to radiation from medical examinations (for example frequent X-rays) or air pollutants such as diesel soot.
The particularly treacherous thing about the disease is that the cancer does not cause any pain. Instead, typical symptoms appear late, which often causes the disease to be discovered at an advanced stage. Therefore, warnings for lung cancer should be taken very seriously and promptly medically clarified. These include persistent cough for more than four weeks as well as mucus and secretions with blood admixtures. Even the tiniest and only one-time traces of blood can be an important signal. Also, chest pain or a prickling in the chest, which can occur during breathing, coughing, at rest and under stress, should not be ignored. In addition, usually inconspicuous cancer signs and symptoms such as fever, night sweats, listlessness, increased fatigue, breathing problems and unwanted weight loss usually occur over a longer period of time.
Treatment for blood in the secretion
If the doctor has been able to diagnose uncomplicated bronchitis, no special treatment is usually required. In general, however, should be dispensed with the consumption of tobacco and (especially in fever) to be respected enough rest and protection. Depending on the type of complaint, for example, Inhalations, analgesics such as acetaminophen or the short-term use of cough blockers (antitussives) help, there is a bacterial superinfection prescribes the doctor usually antibiotics.
In the case of pneumonia, the therapy is in many cases (severe form of pneumonia, elderly patients, existing comorbidities, etc.) in the hospital. In most cases, special drugs are used to control the causative agents, such as Antibiotics or antifungals. If there is a severe shortness of breath, the gift of oxygen may also be necessary. If the patient is young and healthy, the disease usually heals without consequences within about six weeks. However, if there is a weakened defense, the healing process can take much longer. In addition, complications such as Blood poisoning, inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) or a blood clot may occur, which may be life threatening.
In legionnaires' disease, it is particularly important that the therapy starts as early as possible, as the disease can be life-threatening, especially for elderly and chronically ill people. Accordingly, at best, a doctor should be consulted immediately in case of suspected infection. If the patient has actually been infected with Legionella pneumophila, an antibiotic (e.g., levofloxaci) will normally be used for about one to three weeks. In addition, by eliminating the source of infection (such as ailing water supply systems), it is essential to prevent it from spreading.
In the case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the most important step in preventing further progression of the disease is to eliminate the risk factors. Accordingly, in most cases, an immediate smoking cessation is necessary, in some cases, in heavy exposure to dust, gases, vapors or the like. also a job change may be displayed. In addition, the medical therapy serves to alleviate the symptoms and avoid life-threatening complications. Depending on the stage of the disease, various remedies are used here, which are primarily intended to cause an expansion of the respiratory tract and accordingly an improved respiration (bronchodilators)..
Smoker's cough as COPD progresses. Image: joshya - fotolia In acute worsening (exacerbations) antibiotics are usually used in bacterial infections. If the COPD is very advanced, a long-term oxygen therapy (LOT) is often indicated in which the patient is supplied with oxygen by means of a so-called "nasal cannula". In addition, a number of other non-drug-related measures are available. These include e.g. Patient training, inhalation, physical training, specific breathing exercises or learning breathing relief body positions as part of a physiotherapy.
In lung cancer, therapy is critically dependent on the type of lung cancer (non-small cell or small cell) and the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. In addition, the age and the general state of health as well as possible pre-existing diseases of the lungs of the patient play a central role. Depending on the case, local (surgery, radiotherapy) or systemic therapy methods (for example chemotherapy) are used, which are often combined. In addition, there are various approaches that can positively influence the course of the disease. These include, among other things, a strengthening of the general condition through a full-fledged nutrition as well as psychological subversion by appropriate experts in order to cope better with the disease.
Therapy and prevention of pulmonary embolism
If there is a suspicion of a pulmonary embolism, it must be clarified immediately. Because only a quick diagnosis and treatment can prevent disease progression. Accordingly, the emergency physician should be notified immediately, which administered depending on the symptoms, first painkillers, sedatives or circulatory stabilizing drugs. The further steps are then usually taken in the hospital according to the severity of the embolism. Here comes, for example, in less severe cases treatment with anticoagulant drugs (heparin) into consideration. For heavier occlusions, medicines can be used that dissolve the blood clot and thereby restore undisturbed blood flow ("lysis therapy"). It is also possible to mechanically disintegrate the blood clot by means of a catheter treatment and to remove it by an open procedure (pulmonary embolectomy)..
A pulmonary embolism is usually caused by the vascular occlusion (thrombosis) of a vein of the pelvis or leg. Accordingly, the most important measure of prevention is to effectively prevent thrombosis. On the one hand, it is important here to adhere to certain general measures, for example by in the case of illness, only as long as bed rest is kept, as it is really useful and helpful. Even after surgery, the patient should be mobilized as early as possible to reduce the increased risk of prolonged bed rest. Besides that, e.g. Compression bandages or so-called "thrombosis stockings" improve the blood flow before and after the procedure or after childbirth and thus counteract a clot.
In addition, smoking cessation, overweight reduction and sufficient drinking are important, as well as venous gymnastics (for example foot circuits or seesaws) can be a sensible prevention. Generally, you should always pay attention to sufficient exercise. On longer trips, e.g. By plane or train, it is advisable to occasionally "stretch your legs" or alternatively to perform Venous Gymnastics in the square.
In addition, a pulmonary embolism or a recurrence with anticoagulant drugs (anticoagulants) can be prevented. Here come agents such. Dalteparin, Rivaroxaban or Danaparoid.
Home remedies and natural remedies for blood in cough
Home remedies and alternative medicines have limited use in bloody sputum, as many underlying causes (such as pneumonia, bronchial carcinoma) require rapid and intensive medical treatment and the use of certain medications. Accordingly, any form of blood in the sputum should be taken seriously and examined by a doctor to be able to clarify the trigger exactly.
However, as a cause, e.g. diagnosed with bronchitis, naturopathy can be used quite supportive. If convulsive coughing occurs here e.g. a Tymic Chest Wrap question. For this, a tea is first brewed from two teaspoons of thyme herb and 500 ml of boiling water and allowed to draw for five to ten minutes. Then a cotton cloth is soaked in this and wrapped after a short cooling around the chest. Another cotton cloth and a warming wool scarf come over it. If the wrap feels cold on the skin, it is removed again.
Another proven home remedy for bronchitis is inhalation, which helps to loosen the mucus and facilitate coughing. Here it is recommended to visit twice a day, e.g. inhale with sea salt, with a 0.9 percent saline solution (per liter of water 9 grams of salt) has proven. As another effective home remedy for cough, various herbal teas can be a beneficial aid. Depending on the symptoms, e.g. For mucus dissolution and coughing quench a combination of marshmallow root, Icelandic moss and licorice root (20/40/40 grams). From the mixture, brew two teaspoons with 250 ml of boiling water and leave for ten minutes. (No)