Could my lingering cough from a cold cause blood after coughing?

Question

I had a cold last week (nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat). All of those symptoms seem to have cleared but I have a lingering cough. It's not really "productive" at this point & is worse in the mornings. I also have had sinus pressure & drainage on & off for a few weeks now. This morning while coughing there was just a little bit of blood. I haven't seen it before & it only happened once. Afterwards my chest & throat were also a little sore but are much better now. I'm not having any other symptoms & no longer feel "sick." Could the blood just be produced from excessive coughing? Should i be concerned? 
If I notice it again I will definitely consult a physician but I couldn't help but worry just a little bit. Everything I keep finding online seems to be people who have been coughing up blood for days or are coughing up large amounts of blood so I haven't seen much from others with similar experiences.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Coughing up fresh red blood is known as haemoptysis and is suggestive of a respiratory tract origin. However, small amounts can be mistaken for that of a nasal origin as the membranes coated by mucus in your nasalpharynx (nasal airway) are very delicate and susceptible to traumatisation caused by excessive sneezing etc. In your context, your recent illness and symptoms associated with your respiratory system suggest that this slight haemoptysis may be due to an infection in your respiratory tract or an exacerbation of the prolonged symptoms you have suffered. Regardless, this is something you need to see your GP about (or an emergency department depending on how concerned you are or if your symptoms persist/worsen).

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Could my lingering cough from a cold cause blood after coughing?

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