Bloody sputum, Hemoptysis

Bloody sputum (spitting up blood or bloody mucus) can result from common forms of infection in the lungs and airways, such as acute bronchitis or pneumonia. Bloody sputum can also be a symptom of lung cancer. Whenever bloody sputum is present and cannot be attributed to a curable condition, a complete lung evaluation is warranted. Bloody sputum is also referred to as hemoptysis.