6 Warning Signs You May Have a Lung Disease

5.Coughing Up Blood

Coughing up blood could be a sign of an infection of the upper respiratory system or the lungs. Either way, it’s a clear signal that something is wrong and should not be ignored.

Coughing up blood can be alarming, but isn't usually a sign of a serious problem if you're young and otherwise healthy. It's more a cause for concern in older people, particularly those who smoke.

The medical term for coughing up blood is haemoptysis.

You may cough up small amounts of bright red blood, or frothy blood-streaked sputum (phlegm). The blood is usually from your lungs and is often the result of prolonged coughing or a chest infection.

If the blood is dark and contains bits of food or what look like coffee grounds, it may be coming from your digestive system. This is a more serious problem and you should go to hospital straight away.