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Blood in the saliva

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
 
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Blood in saliva is one of the first signals that there is a malfunction in the human body.

It is imperative that the problem be identified, otherwise it may lead to negative consequences.

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Causes blood in the saliva

The presence of blood in saliva is influenced not by one, but by a wide range of factors, among which the following stand out:

  • nosebleed. It should not cause concern if the provoking factors are known;
  • incorrect teeth brushing process. Most likely, a hard bristled brush is used for this procedure, and it is best to replace it with another one;
  • damage to the mucous membranes of the throat during severe coughing;
  • benign lung polyp;
  • non-specific lung lesions;
  • avitaminosis;
  • destructive forms of lung disease;
  • helminthiasis;
  • viral or bacterial infection;
  • cardiovascular disease;
  • pulmonary tuberculosis;
  • oncological diseases of a benign or malignant nature.

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Symptoms blood in the saliva

In most cases, there are precursors of blood in the saliva, but, unfortunately, patients do not always pay attention to them. The body temperature rises, pain is localized in one area, with diseases of the upper respiratory tract, there is an unpleasant warmth in the chest area, which is accompanied by a strong cough, sputum has a salty taste. The patient's appearance also indicates the presence of the disease, often such people are pale, frightened, apathetic, and may complain of general weakness.

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Blood in saliva without coughing

The appearance of blood in saliva without coughing may indicate the presence of diseases, the nature of which varies. Some of them either disappear on their own in a very short time or are cured by fairly simple methods.

This is how it appears with diseases of the oral cavity and gums. If you brush your teeth too vigorously and use a brush with very hard bristles, your gums will be damaged and, as a result, there will be blood in your saliva. To eliminate the problem, it is enough to change your personal hygiene item and also buy a product that will strengthen your gums. If blood in your saliva is still present, it may be a sign of periodontosis and you will not be able to do without consulting a specialist.

The second reason why blood appears in saliva without coughing is a nosebleed. Even if it was successfully stopped, some clots will remain in the nasopharynx for several days. Once in the oral cavity, they mix with saliva and are removed by coughing. But in some cases, this symptom indicates serious health problems, if the temperature rises, chest pain and weakness in the legs occur. The overall picture indicates the presence of a viral or infectious infection, a blood clot in the lungs and even cancer. In any case, you should not ignore the symptoms and you need to consult a medical institution.

Blood in saliva in the morning

Blood when spitting up after a night's rest should also not be ignored. The reason for its occurrence in the morning hours can be the same problem with teeth and gums. Failure to maintain oral hygiene leads to such an unpleasant symptom as gingivitis or periodontosis. Affected gums begin to bleed. This process does not stop even at night, and during this time a lot of bloody fluid can accumulate in the mouth. Another reason for this problem is inflammatory processes of the nasopharynx, which have become chronic. Self-medication here is strictly not recommended.

Saliva with blood is also present in cases of bleeding from the throat, which were caused by ruptured capillaries. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system will lead to the fact that in the morning there will be blood in the saliva. Often, such a phenomenon is observed by patients with pneumonia. A strong cough, which is inherent in this disease, causes hemoptysis. It is also caused by poisoning the body with chemicals, which are very dangerous and lead to serious consequences. If the problem of blood in saliva in the morning is not associated with the oral cavity, then other reasons should be looked for.

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Blood in saliva with HIV

One of the most dangerous infections in our time is considered to be HIV infection. You can find out about infection only after a special analysis, since the first symptoms appear like a common cold. And even blood in saliva is not the main sign that a person is infected with a dangerous disease. It only serves as an accompanying factor, since people with HIV are more prone to viral infections, pneumonia, tuberculosis, complications of chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract, and so on. Therefore, blood in saliva in such patients is not necessary, but is present, since it is one of the signs of this symptom, which is currently in the acute stage.

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Blood in saliva with gastritis

Patients diagnosed with gastritis should be prepared to see blood in their saliva at any time. With this pathology, this symptom is an indicator that the disease has entered the acute phase, and an inflammatory process has begun in this area. It is accompanied by stomach pain, a constant feeling of heartburn, disruption of taste buds, and the presence of white plaque on the teeth.

When vomiting occurs, which can also occur during an exacerbation of gastritis, the vomit contains dark-colored blood clots, which are signs of gastric bleeding.

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Blood in saliva after vomiting

The gag reflex is one of the important protective mechanisms of the human body, since it prevents harmful components from entering the circulatory system. Often, blood is present in vomit, and it also remains in saliva. Its presence indicates diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including pancreatitis, appendicitis, cholecystitis, internal bleeding, and peptic ulcer disease. In addition, blood in saliva can be caused by foreign bodies that have entered during meals and even oncological diseases.

The presence of blood in the saliva after vomiting will be in people who are predisposed to this. Also, the cause of its appearance can be a rupture of blood vessels during the vomiting process. You should not take measures to eliminate the problem on your own, so as not to cause even more harm.

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Blood in saliva with sore throat

Blood in saliva during throat diseases does not appear so often. But the appearance of such a symptom suggests tuberculosis or a malignant tumor. Sore throat is a sign of inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx, larynx, pharynx. Tonsillitis or pharyngitis are not direct causal factors for the appearance of blood in saliva, but they increase the likelihood of its occurrence.

Any inflammatory process can lead to hemoptysis if the patient has predisposing factors: fragility of blood vessels, presence of varicose veins in the throat, dry strong cough, dry throat. Careless removal of plaque from the tonsils can damage them, and therefore a bleeding wound will appear. If there is a high level of blood in saliva with tonsillitis, a mandatory examination by a doctor, since this may mean either a complication of the disease or a pathology of the circulatory system.

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Blood in saliva with tonsillitis

With tonsillitis, there is a possibility that the patient will see blood when spitting. The reason for this phenomenon is the general condition of the body, in which small vessels break, since they have a high degree of permeability. And as a result, droplets of blood get into the saliva.

Chronic tonsillitis also has this pathological sign. When coughing or sneezing, and eating solid food, small yellowish lumps with an unpleasant odor, which came from the tonsils, get into the saliva. Mechanical damage to this area leads to the formation of small wounds, from which blood is released, which in turn gets into the saliva.

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Blood in saliva in throat cancer

Throat cancer refers to malignant tumors in the larynx or pharynx. According to statistics, it is among the twenty most common oncological diseases. It is extremely rarely detected at the initial stage, which significantly reduces the patient's chances of recovery.

Symptoms that serve as direct evidence of throat cancer appear much later. They are blood in the saliva when coughing, pain when swallowing, a feeling of a foreign body in the throat. These symptoms last for quite a long time and do not disappear even after drug treatment. The presence of blood in the saliva along with a prolonged cough indicates tissue death in the throat. It is worth noting that the amount of blood released by women is greater than that of the stronger sex.

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Blood in saliva after tooth extraction

Tooth extraction is a surgical intervention that disrupts the integrity of the jaw tissue. Naturally, this procedure is accompanied by bleeding, since blood vessels are damaged. To stop it, the doctor uses a cotton swab. If the extraction went without complications, then after half an hour there will be very little blood. In the first days, the presence of a small amount of blood in the saliva, which colors it pink, is quite normal.

A large amount of blood coming out of the wound should cause alarm. When spitting, a large amount of it is noted, and dizziness is observed. In this case, you should apply a tampon and seek help from the doctor who removed the tooth. The reasons that caused bleeding may be high blood pressure, you must inform the dentist about this before the procedure, and poor blood clotting, as well as failure to follow the doctor's recommendations or the disintegration of the blood clot.

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Blood in saliva with stomach ulcer

Peptic ulcer disease is accompanied by bleeding in every tenth patient. It occurs as a result of rupture of blood vessels in the area where the ulcer is located. The cause of damage may be the ulcer eating through the vessel wall or necrosis of stomach tissue.

Along with blood in the saliva, ulcer disease will be accompanied by dizziness, pallor, a sharp drop in pressure, vomiting and general weakness. With weak bleeding, there will also be blood in the saliva with dizziness and tachycardia. It is impossible to overcome the disease at home, so you should seek help from a qualified specialist.

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Blood in saliva after rinsing mouth

After rinsing the mouth, blood may be present in the saliva. If the amount is not significant and the case was isolated, then you should not diagnose yourself with a serious disease. It may have appeared due to damage to the gums or dental disease.

If there have been surgical operations in the oral cavity, then for some time after rinsing there will still be blood in the saliva. When this symptom is accompanied by other unpleasant sensations, they should not be ignored, perhaps this is a sign of a serious disease that can lead to death.

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Complications and consequences

Blood in saliva as a symptom of one of the diseases can lead to negative consequences. At the first signs, you need to see a doctor. At the initial stages, it is much easier to cope with this pathological symptom than at a later stage. Self-medication and untimely visit to a medical institution will not only prolong the treatment process, but can even lead to death. Do not hope that the problem will go away on its own, because only a specialist can correctly diagnose and prescribe measures aimed at recovery.

Blood in saliva in most cases is not the cause of death from blood loss. But in some cases, such as pulmonary hemorrhage and bronchopulmonary hemorrhage, blood flows into the lower parts of the lung and aspiration pneumonia develops. This situation can be fatal. Blood in saliva in diseases of the oral cavity also causes a number of complications that can lead to deterioration of its condition and tooth loss.

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Diagnostics blood in the saliva

The following diagnostic methods are used to determine the causes of the presence of blood in saliva:

  • A chest X-ray, which will help identify areas of inflammation.
  • Bronchoscopy. Used to diagnose bronchiectasis and lung cancer. It is based on detecting abnormalities in the bronchial lumen, which narrows due to tumors and pathologies.
  • X-ray computed tomography will help to assess the condition of the lungs and establish disseminated actions in them.
  • A coagulogram is prescribed to diagnose blood clotting. When it thickens, blood clots form, which disrupt the blood flow.
  • Electrocardiogram. Since blood in saliva may appear due to heart problems, this procedure must be performed.
  • Fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy is used to examine the esophagus, as well as the stomach and duodenum.

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Tests

  • Sputum analysis. It helps determine the presence of inflammation in the bronchi and other pathologies that are accompanied by the release of blood and its entry into saliva.
  • Sweat analysis is necessary to detect cystic fibrosis in the body of a patient, which is a genetic disease transmitted by inheritance that provokes the development of pathologies of the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract.
  • A complete blood count is performed to determine the presence of an inflammatory process, the presence of which is indicated by an elevated white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
  • Biochemical analysis (potassium, sodium, creatinine, urea).

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Blood streaks in saliva

If there are blood streaks in the saliva, with prolonged coughing, then this may indicate oncological diseases. Which are also accompanied by a sharp decrease in body weight, pain in the chest and other parts of the body, suffocation, increased sweating during night sleep.

The presence of reddish-rusty streaks in the mucous secretions of the bronchi means damage to small blood vessels in the bronchi. With a strong cough, there is a possibility of the presence of such a sign, as well as mental trauma, with great physical exertion, and against the background of treatment with anticoagulants. They appear uncontrollably and disappear after a few days.

If, when spitting, there are not only streaks of blood in the saliva, but also purulent discharge, which was released not only after coughing, but also in addition to the cough reflex, this indicates tuberculosis. This disease is characterized by an increase in body temperature to 38 ºС, weight loss, lack of appetite, constant general weakness, increased sweating at night, hair loss, mainly in women, in the initial stages of the disease, a clear sign is a dry cough that lasts longer than three weeks.

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What do need to examine?

What tests are needed?

Differential diagnosis

  • pus and streaks of blood are observed in the sputum, pain in the chest area (pleural in nature), fever - lung abscess;
  • "rusty" sputum, fever, shortness of breath, foci of inflammation in the lungs are obvious symptoms of pneumonia;
  • secretion of sputum in which bloody streaks and pus are visible, noticeable weight loss, fever - tuberculosis;
  • abundant secretion of purulent sputum for a significant amount of time - bronchiectasis;
  • for a long period of time, streaks of blood are present in the sputum, during this time there is noticeable weight loss - bronchial cancer;
  • the release of blood clots separately from sputum, pain in the chest area, shortness of breath, blood clots - pulmonary infarction;
  • foamy pink sputum, severe shortness of breath, associated heart problems - pulmonary edema.

Who to contact?

Treatment blood in the saliva

After the causes of blood in saliva are determined and the patient's condition improves, the doctor can prescribe physiotherapy procedures that will contribute to a full recovery: SMT, microwave therapy, ultrasound therapy, electrophoresis, galvanization, hydrotherapy, chest massage, inductothermy and others.

Drug treatment

Dicynone is an effective medication used to stop bleeding and reduce bleeding. Its popularity is due to the small number of contraindications and side effects. To stop bleeding, Dicynone is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. One ampoule contains two ml of solution (1 ml contains 125 mg of Dicynone). If the drug is administered intravenously, its effect will begin after five minutes, the duration of the effect is up to six hours. If the symptoms of the disease recur or to prevent them, Dicynone is used again. Under its influence, the number of platelets in the blood increases, blood microcirculation improves, which helps to quickly stop bleeding.

Dosage: 0.25-0.5 intramuscularly in emergency cases, 0.5-0.75 in the postoperative period, for prevention - 0.25-0.5 or 2-3 tablets. Side effects: headache and dizziness, nausea, paresthesia of the lower extremities, heartburn, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, urticaria may occur. Contraindications: predisposition to blood clots, during breastfeeding, if there are pigment metabolism disorders, with some oncological diseases in children, in case of high sensitivity to the components.

Vikasol is used in cases of blood in saliva, which appeared as a result of hypoprothrombinemia, as well as due to nosebleeds, including capillary and parenchymatous, after surgeries and wounds, with bleeding ulcers and pulmonary tuberculosis. It enters the patient's body by intramuscular injection.

Adults are prescribed a daily dose of Vikasol in the amount of 1/1.5 ml. Higher doses for adults: single dose - 0.015 g and daily - 0.03 g. Dosage for children is prescribed depending on age (daily): up to 1 year - 0.2-0.5 ml, from 1 to 2 years - 0.6 ml, 3-4 years - 0.8 ml, 5-9 years - 1 ml, 10-14 years - 1.5 ml. Duration of use - up to four days. If necessary, the attending physician may prescribe a second course, but it is necessary to take a break of four days. Side effects: bronchospasm, skin rash, thromboembolism, urticaria, itching of the skin, erythema, hemolytic anemia.

Vikasol has a number of contraindications. It cannot be used in cases of high blood clotting, thromboembolism, if there is sensitivity or intolerance to the drug, hemolytic disease in newborns.

Tranexam - belongs to a group of drugs that are characterized by a hemostatic effect. It is prescribed to slow down and stop bleeding in the digestive system, when nosebleeds occur, as well as after tooth extraction. The drug Tranexam after dental surgery is prescribed at 25 mg / kg three times a day, the duration of treatment is 8 days. For secondary nosebleeds, Tranexam is prescribed three times a day, the dose is 1 mg, taken for one week. If an increase in fibrinolysin is observed, then the dosage is prescribed at 1 / 1.5 g. tranexamic acid 3-4 times a day. Also, Tranexam solution is administered intravenously using a dropper or syringe jet. It is necessary to take into account the presence of side effects: heartburn, nausea, increased drowsiness, decreased appetite, diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, visual perception and color assessment are impaired, thromboembolism, tachycardia, thrombosis, chest pain. In rare cases, an allergic reaction is observed in the form of eczema, urticaria and skin itching.

Contrycal is characterized by a wide range of pharmacological action, this factor determined its use not only as an antifibrinolytic, but also for preventive measures, as well as a therapeutic agent for normalizing the work of other enzyme systems.

The introduction of this drug is carried out intravenously and should be slow. In one minute - five ml, using a syringe or dropper. But first, the specified drug is diluted with two ml. of isotonic sodium chloride solution. The starting volume to stop bleeding is 300,000 ATpE, then during the therapy they inject 140,000 ATpE, with an interval of up to four hours, into a vein, so that homeostasis returns to normal. Restrictions in the appointment of the drug are based on a high level of susceptibility to the constituent elements; pregnancy in the first trimester.

Vitamins

Ascorutin is a vitamin preparation that is prescribed to replenish the patient's body with missing vitamins - P and C, which are essential components in the processes of oxidation and restoration of blood. Rutin prevents the breakdown of ascorbic acid and helps it to be better absorbed in tissues. As one of the components of complex treatment, rutin is very effective, especially in eliminating various types of bleeding. Do not forget that Ascorutin is prescribed in therapy in combination with a group of hemostatic drugs.

Vitamin C is necessary for regulating blood circulation, improving blood clotting, capillary permeability, etc. Vitamin C (Vitaminum C) is found in: oranges, cabbage, lemons, garlic, rose hips, rowan, beets, pine needles, onions, black currants, potatoes, milk, eggs.

Vitamin K also helps the body cope with bleeding. In order for the body to have enough of it, the diet should include such products as rye, spinach, soy, oats, cabbage, wheat, nettle leaves. Animal products are also rich in vitamin K: liver, dairy products, eggs. Do not forget about green tea and rosehip decoction.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine can also help with treatment, offering the following recipes:

  • For one glass of milk or hot water (your choice), take 1 tablespoon of mullein flowers. Place the ingredients in a convenient container and put on the fire. After boiling, boil for one minute, and, setting aside, let the decoction brew. It will take only ten minutes. Strain through a sieve or gauze and drink in small sips.
  • You will need crushed marshmallow root and mullein flowers. Both components are poured with 200 ml of water. The resulting mixture must be boiled for no longer than twenty minutes, then pour in 200 g of granulated sugar and boil until syrup is obtained. Drink 3-4 teaspoons per day.
  • For 200 ml of warm water you will need 30 g of crushed rhizomes of avens, put the dishes on low heat and boil for at least 10 minutes. The daily dose is 5-6 tbsp.
  • Place 3 tablespoons of crushed dead nettle in a small container, then add three glasses of water. Cook over very low heat, with the lid on, for half an hour. Remove from the stove and let steep for another 30 minutes. Strain and let cool. Drink the decoction in several doses throughout the day.

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Herbal treatment

  • Herbs are used to stop bleeding. Among them is Knotweed. Medicinal products containing this plant are used as an astringent, hemostatic and anti-inflammatory agent. Knotweed is known for its resorptive sedative effect.
  • Potentilla anserina. The medicinal properties of this plant are that it helps stop bleeding, heal wounds, and relieve cramps. It is also used to regulate metabolism, as a painkiller and diuretic.
  • To eliminate the causes that influence the appearance of blood in saliva, water pepper is used. It has a hemostatic effect, so it is used to increase blood clotting and bleeding with complications. It is used to prepare decoctions and extracts.
  • Plantain (especially lanceolate) is a well-known effective remedy for stopping bleeding and healing wounds. Freshly squeezed juice of the plant is suitable, as well as medicinal decoctions and infusions.

Homeopathy

The most commonly used homeopathic medicines: Arnica montana is a specific remedy used to treat injuries. It is prescribed for bleeding caused by mechanical injuries such as severe coughing, trauma, etc. Arnica montana also affects bleeding in internal organs and tissues. It is prescribed to patients of the plethoric type, who have developed muscles, although they are sedentary and friendly to others. Rest is important for them. It is prescribed orally in dilutions of x3/3/6. It is not recommended to use it externally, so as not to increase bleeding. In general, a specific dosage is prescribed depending on the diagnosis.

  • Hamamelis virginica. It is used to stop slow, inactive, mostly venous bleeding, namely nasal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, after bruises. It can be used if the patient has stretched veins and there are painful sensations when touching them. People of this type often complain of headaches, but they have a good sense of smell. Discomfort is caused by extreme heat and extreme cold, cool weather is better for them. Dilutions - x2/3/3. It is allowed to use in the form of ointments and oils. It is also available in the form of ampoules - Hamamelis-Injeel (D 12, 30, 200, 1000), Hamamelis-Injeel forte (D 4, 6, 12, 30, 200, 1000) and Hamamelis (D 4). If there is a tendency to bleeding, Cinnamomum-Homaecord is prescribed.
  • Phosphorus. The drug is prescribed in cases of repeated bleeding. It is suitable for patients of the constitutional type, who are characterized by tall stature, thinness, by nature they are active, friendly, quick-tempered and amorous. Potency 6/12/30. Phosphorus is one of the drugs for which it is difficult to determine the general dosage. It is one of those drugs that are very difficult to dose. The fact is that this drug in some cases can cause hemoptysis in people who are at risk of tuberculosis. High concentrations bring a greater effect.
  • Ipecacuanha. It is prescribed to stop bleeding, mainly capillary, from the nose and from the uterus, in particular after childbirth. It is suitable for people of the vagotonic type. They suffer from bradycardia, arterial hypotension, profuse salivation, and often complain of nausea. Their distinctive feature is an invariably clean tongue. They feel bad when the weather is warm and damp outside, as well as in the evening and at night. Dilutions of x1, x2, x3/3/6 are used, including medicines in ampoules, such as Ipecacuanha-Injeel (D 12, 30, 200); Ipecacuanha-Injeel forte (D4, 12, 300, 200).
  • Ferrum aceticum. Used in the presence of blood in the saliva, the cause of which was persistent cough, damage to the kidneys or urinary tract, damage to the ureter when passing a stone. Dilutions x3 (trit.) / 3 / 6.

Prevention

Prevention of the appearance of blood in saliva consists of:

  • timely diagnosis of diseases of the respiratory system and cardiovascular system;
  • treatment of the underlying disease, which will prevent the development of complications that can cause bleeding;
  • quitting smoking and drinking alcohol;
  • maintaining a balanced and regular diet rich in vitamins, and, if possible, following a diet;
  • daily walks in the fresh air and hardening of the body, which will help to avoid colds;
  • sports and physical activity for general strengthening of the body.

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Forecast

The prognosis depends on the timely identification of the underlying disease and the elimination of its causes and symptoms. If blood in the saliva appeared as a result of tooth extraction or minor damage to the oral cavity, with a throat disease, then the outcome will be favorable. If it was established that this is one of the signs of a more serious disease, such as a stomach ulcer, tuberculosis or throat cancer, then everything will depend on the results of treatment. There is a possibility that blood in the saliva may appear again, and this already indicates irreversible damage to the organs. The success of treatment depends on timely assistance, which significantly reduces the risk of complications.

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