Discovering blood from your throat can be alarming, but it’s not always a sign of a life-threatening emergency. This guide explains potential causes and the appropriate steps to take.
Immediate Actions to Take
If you notice blood from your throat, remain calm and assess the situation. Observe the amount and color of the blood. Bright red blood often indicates fresh bleeding, while darker blood or blood resembling coffee grounds might suggest contact with stomach acid. Note if it is just streaks, small clots, or a larger volume.
Consider any associated symptoms you might be experiencing, such as coughing, pain, or difficulty swallowing. Avoid vigorous coughing or clearing your throat, as these actions can worsen the bleeding or irritate the area further. These initial observations can provide valuable information for medical professionals.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
Certain signs with throat bleeding necessitate immediate medical attention. If you are coughing up more than a teaspoon of blood or experiencing a large amount of bleeding, seek emergency care. Difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, or lightheadedness, even with small amounts of blood, also indicate a need for emergency care.
Other serious symptoms include persistent bleeding, blood mixed with vomit that resembles coffee grounds, or any signs of choking on blood. Swelling in the neck, vocal changes, or difficulty swallowing that suddenly worsens also warrant an urgent medical evaluation. If the bleeding is severe or accompanied by these symptoms, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room without delay.
Common Causes of Bleeding
Many instances of throat bleeding stem from common and less severe issues. Nosebleeds, especially posterior nosebleeds originating deeper in the nasal cavity, can cause blood to drain down the back of the throat. This can occur without external nasal bleeding and may cause nausea if swallowed.
Vigorous coughing or sneezing can irritate the delicate lining of the throat and airways, leading to minor blood vessel rupture and blood-streaked mucus. A dry throat, often due to low humidity or dehydration, can make mucous membranes more fragile and prone to bleeding. Infections like strep throat or tonsillitis can cause inflammation and irritation, sometimes resulting in small amounts of blood. Acid reflux (GERD) can cause stomach acid to back up into the esophagus and throat, irritating tissues and potentially leading to bleeding. Minor injuries from consuming harsh or sharp foods can also cause scratches or abrasions, resulting in temporary bleeding.
Less Common but Serious Causes
While less frequent, some serious underlying conditions can manifest as throat bleeding and require thorough medical evaluation. Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, can impair the blood’s ability to clot, leading to prolonged or excessive bleeding. Esophageal varices, enlarged veins in the esophagus, can rupture and cause severe bleeding.
Certain types of cancer, including those affecting the throat, lungs, or esophagus, can erode into blood vessels, resulting in bleeding. Foreign body aspiration, where an object gets lodged in the airway, can cause irritation, inflammation, and bleeding. Severe trauma to the chest, neck, or throat area, such as from an accident, can also lead to internal injuries and bleeding. These conditions underscore the importance of a professional medical diagnosis when the cause of throat bleeding is not readily apparent.
Medical Assessment and Care
When seeking medical attention for throat bleeding, healthcare providers will begin with a comprehensive medical history. They will inquire about the amount and frequency of bleeding, any associated symptoms, and your overall health status. A physical examination will follow, focusing on the mouth, throat, and possibly the chest, to identify potential sources of bleeding.
Depending on the suspected cause, various diagnostic tests may be ordered. These can include a throat swab for infections, blood tests to assess clotting or signs of infection, or imaging studies like X-rays or CT scans to visualize internal structures. An endoscopy, inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera, might be performed to directly visualize the esophagus, stomach, or airways and pinpoint the bleeding source. Accurate diagnosis is important for determining the appropriate treatment plan and effective management.