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What Could Cause Blood Stained Sputum Along With Pus Like Spittle After Recovering From The Flu?
Question: I was just brushing my teeth and as I cleared my throat and spat into the sink, I noticed that my sputum was dark blood stained. I repeated this a few times and it happened each time....also looked like pus in a few spits. I checked all my teeth and gums to see whether any of them were bleeding but they weren’t. Whilst checking I noticed a darkened region on the front lower half of my uvula. Have attempted to take a clear pic of this but no luck.
I am a smoker-and I understand how relevant that information is in cases pertaining to the mouth, throat and chest. I had the flu approx 6-8wks ago and this resulted in an upper respiratory infection and since then, I always have a very evident wheeze when I exhale and the occasional cough. My throat is NOT sore.
Could the blackened uvula be in correlation to the URTI that I experienced...or due to the stained sputum as well....is there a chance this could be something more sinister.
I am also mainly bedbound at present as my electric wheelchair is being repaired. I have been wheelchair bound for approx 3yrs now after an extended hospitalisation of 20months to treat CRPS. I have been unable to weight bare for over 3yrs so am immobile. Therefore without my chair at present it is extremely hard to actually get to see a dr face to face until the chair is back in action.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated please.
I am a smoker-and I understand how relevant that information is in cases pertaining to the mouth, throat and chest. I had the flu approx 6-8wks ago and this resulted in an upper respiratory infection and since then, I always have a very evident wheeze when I exhale and the occasional cough. My throat is NOT sore.
Could the blackened uvula be in correlation to the URTI that I experienced...or due to the stained sputum as well....is there a chance this could be something more sinister.
I am also mainly bedbound at present as my electric wheelchair is being repaired. I have been wheelchair bound for approx 3yrs now after an extended hospitalisation of 20months to treat CRPS. I have been unable to weight bare for over 3yrs so am immobile. Therefore without my chair at present it is extremely hard to actually get to see a dr face to face until the chair is back in action.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated please.
Brief Answer:
Sputum examination and culture.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Dark blood stained sputum is usually from the food pipe, sometimes from the lungs or nose. Fresh bleeding from the gums or upper respiratory tract is usually bright red in colour. Dark blood can also be due to venous bleeding from the nose.
2. The pus is usually mucus or dead white blood cells as the immune system is fighting infection, inflammation or allergy.
3. The only other clue is the dark region on the lower half of the uvula. An image would have been helpful.
4. If a direct examination is not possible, get the sputum examined and cultured (including bacterial and fungal) if this happens again.
5. This dark sputum may be also be related to the recent flu, however since the uvula appears discoloured, fungal infections should be ruled out.
6. No medication is required at present. In further investigations, a hemogram, a coagulogram and a chest X-ray should be done if this persists.
7. If the dark blood stained sputum is decreasing, there should not be any immediate cause for worry, but I would urge you to get examined by a local specialist as soon as your electric wheelchair is repaired.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Sputum examination and culture.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Dark blood stained sputum is usually from the food pipe, sometimes from the lungs or nose. Fresh bleeding from the gums or upper respiratory tract is usually bright red in colour. Dark blood can also be due to venous bleeding from the nose.
2. The pus is usually mucus or dead white blood cells as the immune system is fighting infection, inflammation or allergy.
3. The only other clue is the dark region on the lower half of the uvula. An image would have been helpful.
4. If a direct examination is not possible, get the sputum examined and cultured (including bacterial and fungal) if this happens again.
5. This dark sputum may be also be related to the recent flu, however since the uvula appears discoloured, fungal infections should be ruled out.
6. No medication is required at present. In further investigations, a hemogram, a coagulogram and a chest X-ray should be done if this persists.
7. If the dark blood stained sputum is decreasing, there should not be any immediate cause for worry, but I would urge you to get examined by a local specialist as soon as your electric wheelchair is repaired.
I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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