Pulmonary Embolism Support Group

By far the most common form of pulmonary embolism is a thromboembolism, which occurs when a blood clot, generally a venous thrombus, becomes dislodged from its site of formation and embolizes to the arterial blood supply of one of the lungs. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, pain during breathing, and more rarely circulatory instability and death.

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In need of panic busters

Jean1014
Jean1014
This may sound really silly and insignificant, but it is enough to send me into a small panic. :o)

This morning, I had a bit of a coughing fit and in it, there were a few specks of blood. I am not sure if I actually coughed it up, or perhaps it was from my throat, which is a little scratchy right now. I know it is perfectly normal to have have a little blood after a PE, however, I am 10 months out and as far as I know, clot free. Also, INR was in range as of a week and a half ago.

Should I be concerned or am I over reacting?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Do you have any other symptoms? SOB, pain?

I was told that if it was just a speck or two it wasn't a big deal, but anything like a teaspoon or bigger might warrant a call or visit to the Dr.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I had this through the PE and then for the first week or so afterwards. The doctors said that it can happen sporadically throughout the recovery period. I would definitely get it checked out though. As everyone rightly says on here, you're entitled to worry.

It is probably nothing to worry about though - often a coughing fit can just pop a blood vessel. Had you not had the PE, you would probably never have noticed it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I would call up the doctor and see what he/she says.
Jean1014
Jean1014
M2LR, I wouldn't say I have any unusual symptoms. I still have SOB and pain even after all this time, but I would not say it is totally beyond my "norm". A touch worse today yes, but it is also a very cold and rainy day here so that may be doing it.

Tim you are right, I probably would not have noticed it pre PE.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi

I was coughing up blood for 6 weeks after my pe, somedays a lot more than others. I was terrified!! But I took samples to a doctor as disgusting as it sounds and he said it was either from the inflammation in my lungs or from a chest infection I had at the time. Any inflammation can cause it but as you were in a coughing fit it is most likely down to a burst capillary which are also more sensitive when on warfarin. I was told if you cough up more than a few tea spoons, then be concerned. If you fill a tea spoon with water and pour it out on the side you will see it is actually quite a lot. Nevertheless if it persists and worries you go get checked.
rmb
rmb
It could be from your sinuses too. You know how it can get so dry and cause that bloody gunk in your mucous. Well if that's draining down the back of your throat, it may be coming up when you cough.

But if it were me, I'd call my doc. Probably nothing, but I'd want his take.
TossNTurn
TossNTurn
This happens to me all the time, but I've got sinus issues and it is really dry here in Colorado. It wouldn't send me to the phone, but that isn't the same for everyone ... check with your doc if you aren't going to sleep over this.
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