9. Hemoptysis: Coughing Up Blood, the Unnerving Symptom
If you find yourself coughing up blood, that’s an immediate and unmistakable signal that something’s off. Hemoptysis, the medical term for spitting up blood from the respiratory tract, is one of those symptoms that’s as jarring as it is indicative. No one sees red in their tissue and thinks, “This is fine.”
So why does this happen? Often, it’s due to a tumor disrupting the blood vessels in the lung. Unlike a cut on your finger that clots and heals, the fragile tissues inside your lungs are constantly in motion, making it hard for these internal wounds to heal. It’s an ongoing struggle that catches you off guard every time you cough.
Now, here’s something you might not know: The blood doesn’t always appear bright red. Sometimes, it may be rust-colored, especially if it has oxidized after sitting in the respiratory tract for some time. This change in hue can offer clues about how long the bleeding has been going on, a nuance that’s easy to miss.(9)
