Emergency Physician Questions Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)

Blood in phlegm?

I’ve had a sore throat since yesterday, later that night, I used some nasal spray and cleared my throat and there was some blood in my phlegm, is this normal? Are there common illnesses that can cause this? I can eat food and drink liquids just fine, I’d say the pain in my throat is maybe a 1 possibly a 2 at the most.

Male | 21 years old
Complaint duration: 1 Day
Medications: I am not taking any medication currently.
Conditions: High blood pressure

1 Answer

I wouldn't say it's "normal," but it isn't unusual to have a trace of blood in phlegm with a hard cough or throat clear. Most of the time, it comes from the nose/post nasal drip/secretions. Other times, a small capillary in the back of the throat could break and result in this. Less commonly, with such a tiny amount, it could have originated in the lung.
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