Hi. I have a friend who has, on two occassions, coughed up blood. She is not bulemic or anorexic, and as far as she knows, is healthy. She has no other symptoms or pain, but this is the 2nd time that it has happened. She also tells me that it is more than a few teaspoons when she does cough it up. We're in college, and the Medical Services Office is closed today. It opens tomorrow at 8 AM. Should she just wait until tomorrow morning, or should we go to the emergency room? I don't want anythingto happen to her.
2006-09-17 10:12:28 · 33 answers · asked by unfguy2006 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
Coughing of blood is an ibdication of a respiratory tract involvement. Though TB is a well known association to it, there are quite number of other causes to it as well. Anyway, a spoon of blood quite causes some level of concern. She is bleeding inside and it should be known as it imposes great danger so you have to see a doctor immediately and have Chest X-ray done. For the meantime be cautious as it may be an infectious disease and if that is the case you need check up afterwards too especially if you have been in close contact with your friend recently.
2006-09-20 09:19:34 · answer #1 · answered by ♥ lani s 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you cough up blood, it comes from your lungs and not your stomach, so anorexia or bulimia would not have anything to do with it. TB is only one cause for coughing up blood, which is called "hemoptysis," by the way.
Personally, I'd consider the first time a curiosity and the second time a warning that something is seriously wrong. You never know when the third time will come or how bad it will be. I have known people to die from hemoptysis, so you decide if it's serious or not. It's not the kind of thing you can just put a Band Aid on and hold under pressure until it stops.
You can ~probably~ wait until Monday morning, but that's your friend's call. It depends on how much actual blood she coughed up.
You can use "hemoptysis" as a search term and find thousands of articles on the subject.
You can also go directly to http://www.pulmonologychannel.com/hemoptysis/ which I find to be an excellent review that should help you in your decision.
2006-09-17 11:46:45 · answer #2 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More than a few tspoons is a lot of blood to be coughing up and since am no MD would not begin to guess as to what may be the cause. I would go to the Emergency Room simply because at the Hospital esp the Emergency Room they will do , including tests to determine the cause and they have all the equipment right thee in the hospital. If you wait and go to the Medical Services Office the cause of this blood may be worsening(showing no symptons) and they can't possible have the sophisticated equipment required to track down the cause and more than likely will refer to specialist.Why not be safe and go esp since neither of you know whats going on and to the place where they can find out whats wrong. I hope she isn't secretly vomiting food for that will weaken the veins(arteries?) to the point where they will Suddenly Hemorrage and then it is Vital she get immediate medical treatment-can be fatal. I'd go simply to avoid something getting more serious, get a diagnosis and Know what is going on-I hate not knowing and will go where I can find out. The best of luck
2006-09-17 10:43:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the two occasions were today, yes she should go to the hospital. If the first was quite some time ago, she should be okay, but should go to the hospital if she experiences anything more severe. Or another blood coughing episode.
2006-09-17 10:15:38 · answer #4 · answered by juicy_wishun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Coughing up blood is one of the symptoms of tuberculosis (TB). If it has been more than a week since this has happened, then you need to take her to the emergency room now.
2006-09-17 10:14:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the emergency room NOW!! Sounds like TB
2006-09-17 10:15:01 · answer #6 · answered by MaTt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do a search on hemoptysis and it should take you to medlineplus. there is a list of various things that cause a person to cough up blood. I have sever lung problems and I do that quite a often, scares the heck out of you when it happens. my pulmonary Dr. told me unless it was a large volume or you didn't stop, then you should worry, but she should see a Dr. asap and have chest x-rays done.
2006-09-17 12:46:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think she should go to the emergency room. I think coughing up blood is pretty serious.
2006-09-17 10:14:44 · answer #8 · answered by Stefany 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did this twice in one day one time too, i puked out blood. It was because i had a nose bleed the night before. Nothing was wrong. but its proalby not like that for your friend, Id say its better to be safe than sorry
2006-09-17 10:16:58 · answer #9 · answered by mary lynn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go straight to the emergency room immediately, And don't listen to anyone here just toe hospital doctor for god sake!
2006-09-17 10:15:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋