5. Baihe: I’ve been coughing up blood-tinged sputum every morning for several months, and my neck feels uncomfortable. What could be the problem?

5. Baihe: I’ve been coughing up blood-tinged sputum every morning for several months, and my neck feels uncomfortable. What could be the problem?

Answer: If middle-aged or elderly individuals cough up blood-tinged sputum, a comprehensive examination is necessary, including chest X-rays and CT scans, to first rule out lung cancer. Chronic pharyngitis and bronchiectasis can also cause blood-tinged sputum, so careful differential diagnosis is required—do not take it lightly.