These can be serious conditions for people with cancer that need immediate care. Common colds can cause colored mucus, but so can the flu, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Yellow, green, or foul-smelling mucus could be a sign of an infection. There are many reasons why you might cough up blood that are not an emergency, including as a side effect of radiation therapy, but this symptom should be evaluated by your doctor or an emergency care provider as soon as possible.Ĭough up colored mucus. This can be a sign that a cancer has spread to the lungs and it can be an emergency. If you cough up blood, you should call your health care team right away or go to the emergency room. It is especially important to tell your health care provider if you:Ĭough up blood. But you should let your health care provider know if you have a persistent cough or if your existing cough worsens. How is a cough diagnosed and evaluated in people with cancer?Īn occasional cough is usually not something to worry about. Superior vena cava syndrome, a tumor blocking a major vein in the neck and chestĬhronic lung diseases, such as bronchiectasis or interstitial lung diseaseĬhronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitisĪcid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)Ĭigarette smoking or breathing secondhand smokeĪllergens, such as pollen, mold, and dust Pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in the lungs Pleural effusion, a buildup of extra fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall Infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, which are more likely in people with cancer Midazolam (Versed), used to relax patients before medical procedures Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), used to reduce pain and inflammationĪngiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease Hormonal therapies, such as fulvestrant (Faslodex) and letrozole (Femara) Immunotherapy drugs, including pembrolizumab (Keytruda), that can cause inflammation of the lungs Some types of oral targeted therapy drugs, including osimertinib (Tagrisso) and everolimus (available as a generic drug) Some types of chemotherapy, including bleomycin (available as a generic drug) and methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall, Xatmep) Non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancerĬancers that affect the upper respiratory tractĪny cancer that has spread to the lungs or chest Sometimes there may be more than 1 cause for people with cancer.
What causes a cough?Ī cough can have many causes. If you are receiving cancer treatment, you should let your health care team know about a cough that develops. This is called palliative care or supportive care. Treating a persistent cough is an important part of your cancer care and treatment. Other risks include rib fractures, especially for people with cancer that has spread to the bone. Severe persistent coughs can also cause vomiting, dizziness, headaches, loss of bladder control, and muscle strains. It is also called a chronic cough.Ĭoughs that last a long time can cause serious problems by disrupting sleep. A cough that starts suddenly and lasts less than 3 weeks. You may hear your health care provider describe your cough in different ways: People with cancer may also develop a cough related to cancer or its treatment. But some coughs carry more serious risks.
A cough can be due to a simple cold or allergies. It clears your airways of irritants and protects your lungs.
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