I'm coughing up more than a tablespoon of blood.

Patient

Hi, thank you for taking my call. I'm experiencing some concerning symptoms, and I was hoping to get some advice on what to do next.

Triage Assistant

I can help with that. Can you tell me where it hurts?

Patient

It's not so much pain as it is something I'm seeing that's really worrying me.

Triage Assistant

Understood. Could you describe the symptoms you're experiencing in more detail?

Patient

Sure, it's that I've been coughing quite a bit lately, and now there's something alarming that's come up with it.

Triage Assistant

Got it. Give me a moment to get the appropriate protocol for coughing.

Triage Assistant

When did the cough begin?

Patient

The cough started a few days ago at first, but it has progressively gotten worse.

Triage Assistant

Got it. How bad is the cough today on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst?

Patient

Today, I'd say it's around an 8. It's quite severe compared to when it first started.

Triage Assistant

Describe the color of your sputum (phlegm). Is it clear, white, yellow, green, or something else?

Patient

I've noticed that it's mostly been clear or slightly yellow, but recently there was something that really threw me off.

Triage Assistant

Okay, I need you to tell me if you've been coughing up any blood. If so, how much? (e.g., flecks, streaks, tablespoons, etc.)

Patient

Yes, that's actually what has me really concerned. I'm coughing up more than a tablespoon of blood each time.

Triage Assistant

You need to go to the emergency department immediately due to significant hemoptysis. Please do not delay. Thank you for calling, goodbye.

Dispositions