Throat Discomfort: Causes of Mucus, Blood, and Inflammation

Throat or nasal area?

Hello Doctor, when I woke up this morning and brushed my teeth, I initially felt something like phlegm on my tongue, but it wasn't thick; it felt more like saliva because my throat felt a bit clogged.
There was a slight yellowish tint, and after using my tongue two or three times, it suddenly looked a bit like blood, although it seemed darker.
I'm not sure if it was blood, but after pulling my tongue a couple of times, it disappeared, and then it was clear again.

Every time I visit an ENT specialist, they say it looks like I have some inflammation.
The last time, I had a similar situation, but the blood was bright red.
Usually, when this happens, after a few days, I sometimes notice a small particle when I pull my tongue, which has a foul smell.
Previous doctors only mentioned that it was a stone and advised me to rinse my mouth more.
They said I have some inflammation, which could cause bleeding when I use my tongue.
But why would the blood appear slightly dark red? Sometimes, the small stone I pull out also has a bit of blood that looks like this color.
Is there a connection?
I heard that the color of blood when coughing can indicate issues with the lungs or tumors, and I'm quite worried.
Although I previously asked the ENT doctor, he said I wasn't coughing and didn't have chest pain.
He mentioned that the blood sounds different and advised me not to overthink it.
But generally, is it true that concerning coughing up blood is usually a lot, or does it require persistent symptoms? I'm worried that there might be a problem with my lungs or some harmful foreign object causing this.

I wanted to seek your advice, whether I should be concerned or if I should follow the previous doctor's reassurance.
I also noticed that blood from wounds is usually bright red, but why is the blood I see when using my tongue near my throat or nose a bit dark red? Additionally, if I have chronic throat inflammation or stones, should I drink more water and go to bed earlier? I realized that when I stay up late, like last night until 1 AM, this happens, and every time I consume dairy products, I feel my throat getting clogged the next day, which seems to contribute to the small stones.

I apologize for the trouble, and thank you for your help.

Nana, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/12

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, if the blood is coming from the lungs, it is usually a shade of iron-gray or rust color.
Based on your description, if it is primarily bright red or dark red, it is more likely not originating from the lungs but rather from the mouth or throat.
This could be due to issues such as stones or periodontal inflammation, for example, brushing too hard, staying up late leading to periodontal disease, or frequently using your tongue to push against the gums, which can easily cause periodontal bleeding.

I recommend maintaining a regular schedule, engaging in regular exercise, and having a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits.
Make sure to brush your teeth after meals and avoid pushing your tongue against the gums.
Once your periodontal health improves, these issues should decrease.
If discomfort persists, then medical attention may be necessary.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2021/09/12

More Info

Understanding throat discomfort, particularly when it involves symptoms like mucus, blood, and inflammation, can be quite complex. Your description suggests a few potential causes for your symptoms, which include the presence of yellowish mucus, occasional blood-stained saliva, and a sensation of discomfort in the throat.

Firstly, the presence of mucus in the throat can often be attributed to several factors, including allergies, infections, or irritants. Mucus serves as a protective mechanism for the respiratory tract, helping to trap pathogens and particles. When there is inflammation in the throat, such as from a viral or bacterial infection, the body may produce more mucus, which can sometimes appear discolored (yellow or green) due to the presence of white blood cells fighting off infection.

The occasional appearance of blood in your saliva, especially if it is dark or has a brownish tint, can be concerning. However, it is important to note that not all blood in saliva indicates a serious condition. In many cases, it can be due to minor issues such as irritation or inflammation of the throat, which can occur from excessive coughing, throat clearing, or even from using your tongue to scrape the throat. This irritation can lead to small blood vessels breaking, resulting in blood-stained saliva.

Regarding the "stones" you mentioned, it sounds like you might be referring to tonsil stones (tonsilloliths), which can form in the crevices of the tonsils. These stones can harbor bacteria and debris, leading to foul odors and sometimes minor bleeding if they cause irritation to the surrounding tissues. The presence of these stones can be exacerbated by factors such as dehydration, poor oral hygiene, and chronic inflammation of the throat.

Your concern about the color of the blood is valid. Fresh blood is typically bright red, while older blood can appear darker due to oxidation. If the blood you are seeing is dark red or brown, it may indicate that it is older blood, possibly from a minor source of irritation rather than a more serious condition. However, if you are experiencing persistent symptoms or if the bleeding worsens, it is crucial to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional.

Chronic throat inflammation can indeed be influenced by lifestyle factors, including sleep patterns and diet. Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Additionally, dairy products can sometimes thicken mucus for some individuals, leading to a sensation of throat discomfort. Staying well-hydrated and maintaining good sleep hygiene can help alleviate some of these symptoms.

In summary, while your symptoms may be concerning, they are not uncommon and can often be managed with appropriate care. It is advisable to continue following up with your ENT specialist, especially if your symptoms persist or worsen. They may recommend further investigations, such as imaging studies or a throat culture, to rule out any underlying conditions. In the meantime, focus on hydration, rest, and good oral hygiene to help manage your symptoms. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as significant bleeding, difficulty breathing, or persistent pain, seek medical attention promptly.

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