Definition of Bloody sputum
Bloody sputum: Coughed up blood or bloody mucus. Bloody sputum can be caused by infection in the lungs and airways, such as acute bronchitis or pneumonia, or cancer. Whenever bloody sputum is present and cannot be attributed to a curable infectious condition, a complete lung evaluation is warranted, including bronchoscopy, to be certain cancer is not present. Also known as hemoptysis.
Last Editorial Review: 3/19/2012
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