Unexpected Blood in Saliva
Greetings. As a newcomer to this forum, I wanted to share my experience regarding a peculiar issue I've been facing. Occasionally, I unexpectedly spit blood, primarily in the mornings and sometimes throughout the day. After consulting with dental professionals, I've confirmed that my teeth and gums are in good condition. I’ve undergone three endoscopies to eliminate the possibility of an ulcer, all of which returned normal results. I also visited an ear, nose, and throat specialist, but unfortunately, they have not been able to identify the cause of my symptoms. Has anyone else experienced something similar or have any insights? This occurrence has been sporadic for roughly 7 to 8 years, and it understandably concerns me. For context, I am a 35-year-old male, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds. I am currently taking Famotidine and Flexeril, and I do not smoke.
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 9:10:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about experiencing blood in your saliva, especially since this has been an ongoing issue for several years. Since you've already consulted with dental professionals and specialists without identifying a clear cause, let's focus on the potential next steps to help manage your situation.
Main Points:
- Blood in saliva can have various causes, including issues with the respiratory tract, underlying medical conditions, or irritation.
- Monitoring your symptoms closely is essential to identify any patterns or triggers.
Explanation: Given that you have normal dental health and have ruled out ulcers, the presence of blood in your saliva may stem from several factors, such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Sometimes acid can irritate the throat.
- Bronchial issues: Conditions like chronic bronchitis or other lung issues can cause blood in sputum.
- Environmental Irritants: Dust, pollution, or allergies can lead to minor bleeding from the respiratory tract.
- Underlying conditions: Rarely, conditions such as vasculitis or malignancies can cause similar symptoms, but these would usually present with additional signs.
Next Steps:
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a record of when the blood appears, whether it is linked to specific activities or times of day, and any other accompanying symptoms like cough, chest pain, or heartburn.
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Consider Your Medications: Since you are taking Famotidine (for acid-related conditions) and Flexeril (a muscle relaxant), review their potential side effects. If you suspect they might be influencing your symptoms, discuss this with your healthcare provider.
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Hydration and Humidification: Staying well-hydrated can help thin mucus, reducing irritation. If you live in a dry environment, consider using a humidifier at home to maintain moisture in the air.
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Avoid Irritants: If you are exposed to any allergens or irritants (like dust or smoke), take measures to reduce your exposure.
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Follow-Up: If symptoms persist or worsen, consider asking your healthcare provider for further investigations, such as a high-resolution CT scan of the chest or further throat evaluations.
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Lifestyle Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce pressure on your digestive system, potentially alleviating reflux symptoms.
It’s always important to approach persistent symptoms carefully, and documenting your experiences can provide valuable information for future consultations. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to talk about!
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