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What Causes Unexplained Bleeding From The Mouth?
Question: Hello, This morning I woke up with blood in my mouth. This has happened 2 or 3 times before over the past year, but today the amount of blood was heavier. In the past after I spat 2 or 3 times it was gone, Today it persists each time I spit.
Brief Answer:
Different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is possible that the blood originates from a structure in the mouth e.g., the gums but it is also possible that there is another source.
If there is no evidence of gum disease then other causes would need to be considered.
Hemoptysis is the coughing up of blood, it is different from vomiting up blood (hematemesis).
Hemoptysis- the blood comes from the lungs or other aspects of the airways
Hematemesis- blood comes from the stomach or esophagus or intestines etc
It is difficult to determine, based on what you have mentioned, exactly where the source is, it may be mouth or it is possible it may be hemoptysis (coughing up of blood).
The most common cause of hemoptysis is bronchitis which can be viral or bacterial. There are other causes.
To find the cause, you need to be seen by your doctor. Physical examination of your mouth and chest x-ray or other imaging may be needed.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is possible that the blood originates from a structure in the mouth e.g., the gums but it is also possible that there is another source.
If there is no evidence of gum disease then other causes would need to be considered.
Hemoptysis is the coughing up of blood, it is different from vomiting up blood (hematemesis).
Hemoptysis- the blood comes from the lungs or other aspects of the airways
Hematemesis- blood comes from the stomach or esophagus or intestines etc
It is difficult to determine, based on what you have mentioned, exactly where the source is, it may be mouth or it is possible it may be hemoptysis (coughing up of blood).
The most common cause of hemoptysis is bronchitis which can be viral or bacterial. There are other causes.
To find the cause, you need to be seen by your doctor. Physical examination of your mouth and chest x-ray or other imaging may be needed.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for your reply. I made an appointment to see my doctor later this week.
When it occurred, I checked the gums closely and it was not the cause. Also, I coughed, and there was no blood.
Is it possible that the blood could be coming from the brain. That is my greatest worry. I had a really bad dream , which felt like it went on for hours just before I woke up. Could there be a connection between the dream stress and the blood in mouth?
When it occurred, I checked the gums closely and it was not the cause. Also, I coughed, and there was no blood.
Is it possible that the blood could be coming from the brain. That is my greatest worry. I had a really bad dream , which felt like it went on for hours just before I woke up. Could there be a connection between the dream stress and the blood in mouth?
Brief Answer:
No, bleeding in the brain causes stroke symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is understandable to be concerned but this is not possible. If a blood vessel bursts in the brain, it presents like a stroke (weakness to one side, paralysis to one side of face/body, difficulty speaking etc), this is actually one of the reasons for stroke-a burst vessel/bleed or a blood vessel blocking up
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
No, bleeding in the brain causes stroke symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It is understandable to be concerned but this is not possible. If a blood vessel bursts in the brain, it presents like a stroke (weakness to one side, paralysis to one side of face/body, difficulty speaking etc), this is actually one of the reasons for stroke-a burst vessel/bleed or a blood vessel blocking up
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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