HomeAnswersInternal Medicinecough with bloodMy sputum has turned red. Please help.

What is the treatment for red sputum?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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iCliniq medical review team

Published At June 25, 2018
Reviewed AtFebruary 7, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Initially, I had cold and cough, which now turned into sinus. I had Almox 500 mg for five days. For sinus I normally used to take Novamox 500 mg. Sinus got cured but still I have some cold and cough. It has been 10 days. Since yesterday there are times when I blow my nose or spit, the sputum is red.

Answered by Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Acute sinusitis should be treated with 10 days of Amoxicillin and what you are having is acute on chronic sinusitis. I would suggest completing the course for next five days. Continue the steaming and use saline nasal spray. Do not blow your nose so hard. If the antihistamine is making your nose dry then do not use it, use Paracetamol for pain relief. Allegra (Fexofenadine) is a good medication, but sometimes can cause nasal dryness. Once the nasal dryness is cured you can also use nasal steroid that has Fluticasone or use Nasonex (Mometasone) or Nasacort (Triamcinolone). Use one spray in each nostril throughout the spring season.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My sinus has got completely cured. The sinus usually lasts for four to five days. I had a course for five days. I had Allegra and Becosule with it and have stopped taking that. I do not feel any dryness. Cold and cough is also better. My only worry is the red spot on the sputum. Since yesterday, there has been red mucus when I spit. I have attached the photos for your reference. I have started Grilinctus from yesterday.

Answered by Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. The cough happens due to post nasal drip from the sinuses down in the throat. The cough is a reflux to that irritation. You may see red streaks of blood (attachment removed to protect patient identity) in sinusitis (if still going on) or acute bronchitis. The bronchitis could be viral or bacterial. Amoxicillin should help with the bacterial part of it, but the inflammation takes time to recover. It is just symptomatic then manage with inhalers. If you have wheezing and shortness of breath then you are is need of cough syrup and antihistamine. If you do not improve in the next two weeks then chest X-ray would be reasonable. I would want you to know that acute bronchitis is the most common reason for having streaks of blood in the sputum.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sadaf Mustafa
Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Internal Medicine

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