Experiencing Bright Red Blood in Spit - Seeking Advice
Hello, I find myself in the emergency room once more and I'm hoping to gather some insights from anyone who might have dealt with a similar situation. I’m a 29-year-old female without any significant prior health concerns. Recently, I’ve been expelling bright red blood from my mouth. Although it’s not an excessive amount, it is sufficient to thoroughly moisten tissue. The blood appears fresh and this occurrence has transpired several times. - I’m not experiencing a cough. - There’s no chest discomfort. - No sore throat is present. - I haven’t noticed any mucus production. - I’m also not running a fever. - All my vital signs are within normal ranges. I do use cannabis, but I’ve never encountered this issue before. It’s quite disheartening as I visited the ER around a month ago for a similar episode, and I didn’t receive any concrete explanations at that time; I was merely advised to return if the symptoms recurred. And now, here I am again. Has anyone ever faced a situation like this before? What diagnostic tests or evaluations should I request from the medical team?
Answers (1)
7/25/2025, 3:11:02 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your situation; dealing with bright red blood in your spit can be concerning. Let's break this down clearly to address your needs.
Main Points:
- Bright red blood in spit can come from various sources, including oral, throat, or pulmonary issues.
- You should prioritize communication with your healthcare team to ensure you receive thorough evaluations and appropriate tests.
Explanation:
Bright red blood indicates fresh bleeding, which can occur for several reasons. Since you have no cough, chest discomfort, or sore throat, more common causes may be related to your oral cavity or minor bleeding from the throat. Cannabis use could potentially irritate the mucosal surfaces, but other concerns like infections or other conditions should be ruled out as well. It's understandable to feel frustrated, especially after your last ER visit without clear answers.
Next Steps:
-
Request a thorough evaluation: Ask the medical team for specific diagnostic tests. Essential tests might include:
- Blood tests: To check for anemia or other underlying conditions.
- Chest X-ray: To rule out any lung issues.
- Oral and throat examination: To check for injuries or infections.
- Possible ENT consultation: If the source appears to be in the throat or nasal passages.
-
Communicate clearly about your history: Share the details of your past episode and your cannabis use, including frequency and method of consumption. This can help the team understand potential contributing factors.
-
Monitor for changes: Keep track of any new symptoms, such as increased blood, changes in frequency, or any accompanying symptoms (like coughing or other discomfort).
-
Take care of your oral health: Maintain good oral hygiene, and avoid irritants (like smoking or very hot foods) that might exacerbate mucosal irritation.
While it's tough to experience these symptoms, working closely with your medical team can lead to answers and relief. Remember, you're not alone, and it's important to stay proactive in seeking the care you need. Let me know if there's anything else you would like to discuss or clarify!
Related Questions
Are There Lasting Effects from Long-Term Use of Montelukast?
Hello everyone! To provide some background, I was prescribed montelukast at a young age—around 4 or 5 years old—continuing until I was about 10 or 11. During that time, I experienced significant levels of aggression. Unfortunately, none of the medical professionals we consulted suggested discontinuing the medication or indicated that my symptoms could have been related to its use. This has left me with some unresolved feelings so I’d rather not delve deeper into that right now. Currently, it has been some time since I stopped taking montelukast, but I find myself grappling with certain challenges. While I’m hesitant to elaborate unless absolutely necessary, I’m curious whether anyone knows about potential long-term side effects from prolonged use of this medication during childhood. Thank you so much for your insights! Much appreciated! <3
Food Bolus Lodged for an Extended Period
28-year-old female Currently taking Guanfacine, Prozac, and Lyrica. It’s been quite the rollercoaster for me these past two weeks! To give you some context, I’ve experienced my fair share of food getting lodged in my esophagus several times each week since I was in high school. Typically, it’s not a huge deal; I manage to induce vomiting and continue with my day. However, today was different. I took a single bite of a turkey sandwich, and ever since, I’ve been regurgitating saliva and the sensation of food being trapped persists. The food got stuck around 11 AM, and now it’s already 8 PM. What can I do to alleviate this predicament?
Concerns About Hand Discoloration
A 30-year-old woman, who stands at 5 feet 7 inches and weighs 140 pounds, has been experiencing concerning symptoms with her hands and wrists. They have developed a reddish and blotchy appearance, which has now spread down to the wrists. She is on medication for Borderline Personality Disorder and depression. Although she recognizes the need to consult a doctor soon, her anxiety levels are significantly elevated as she prepares to schedule this appointment.
Understanding Patent Ductus Arteriosus
I recently learned that my 7-year-old daughter has a minor patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). She underwent an echocardiogram due to our family's background of bicuspid heart valves, which I, along with my father and brother, also have. While her heart valves appear healthy, the echocardiogram did reveal this small PDA, as indicated in the report I received. Although I anticipate hearing from the doctor by Monday, that means I have two days to ponder this situation and feel anxious about it. I’m curious—do all PDAs require surgical intervention? Considering her age, it’s unlikely that it will close spontaneously. If anyone has any experiences or knowledge regarding this condition, I would greatly appreciate your input! Thank you!
Should You Discuss Your Own Research on Test Results with Your Doctor?
I recently underwent an echocardiogram, and while awaiting my cardiologist's call, I took it upon myself to look up what constitutes normal values and compare them with my own results. When she eventually reached out, she highlighted two abnormalities in my readings; however, one noticeable irregularity was not mentioned in our conversation. This has left me pondering whether I should address this overlooked abnormal result at our upcoming meeting, or if it might be best to refrain from mentioning it, considering her expertise in this area. I have complete confidence in her assessments, yet I find myself feeling a bit anxious about this situation.