Bleeding In Mucus While Clearing Throat, No Infection, No Cough, Vitamin And Nutritional Deficiencies

Posted on Sat, 16 Apr 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 Answered on

Thu, 17 May 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Is it normal to find a small amount of blood in my mucus? I was clearing my throat this morning and found a small amount of blood in my mucus. I don't have any infection and no coughing at all. I see this once in a while. Usually only one time and I don't see it again. Please let me know if this is normal. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (1 hour later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for the query,

Yes, blood spots in the mucous while cleaning is a expected and normal event some times.

This could be happening due to tears/cuts in the fragile mucous membrane while cleaning or even when the integrity of the mucous membrane is poor.The poor integrity of the mucous membrane is commonly due to deficiency of vitamins like Vit C and Vit A.

I would suggest you to consume foods containing the same like Citrus foods, papaya, carrot,fish, Spinach , cabbage, cauliflower etc.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (3 hours later)

I wasn't trying too hard to clear my throat. It was just a random spit and I saw some blood on my mucus. Can this be related to what you mentioned?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (2 hours later)

Hi again,

No , there is no relation.What i mentioned earlier in my mail is that due to nutritional deficiency the skin becomes soft and prone to cuts easily.

Wish you Good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (232 days later)

I woke up this morning to find a small amount of blood in my saliva while clearing my throat again. I experience this once a while usually in the morning. However, I don't have any symptoms. Can this be anything serious even if it occurs once a while with no symptoms? I had a blood test done 3 weeks ago and the results were normal. Please advised.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (21 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for writing back

No , it is not serious .As I mentioned in my earlier posts it could be due to deficiency of vitamin C which is required to maintain the integrity of the mucous membranes.Most of times such episodes occur in early mornings due to congestion because of over night inactivity.
Do take Vitamin C supplements, you can ask your treating doctor for the dosage and prescription.Taking Vit C will surely help you get rid of this problem.

Wish you good health

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar