constant blood in phlegm

[paranoidchick]

Hey guys.
    This all started with a bad cough a few months ago. everyone in my house got it, but i couldn't get rid of it.  I'm 21 and have been smoking since i was 13.  My lungs are pretty bad i guess.  I can't laugh without having a coughing fit and can't remember that being different.  I have constant aches and pains in my chest and shortness of breath. For about the last month whenever phlegm comes up there is blood in it.  It ranges from quite a bit to just streaks.  I know this sounds silly but i have a phobia of going to the doctors.  I've convinced myself if i go she's just going to tell me i have lung cancer and i would rather not know that!!  Does anyone know if blood in phlegm can mean anything else but cancer?? I am pretty worried, but too chicken to get my butt to the doctors.  Any comments would be appreciated.
thanks
paranoidchick

[Ellis7]

It's called hemoptysis. It could be caused by an infection like pneumonia or TB; better see a doc ASAP; he'll probably order x-rays and blood tests to diagnose. And sputum and skin tests for TB. If not treated promptly, it could cause permanent lung damage. Cancer could also cause it, but unlikely at your age. Link:

http://www.pulmonologychannel.com/hemoptysis/  Hemoptysis

[lisaS]

I had blood in my phlegm and it turned out to be a rare bacterial infection, which ultimately caused damage in my right middle lobe.  I also cough alot when i laugh, and that is from the damage left in my middle lobe. I'm alot older than you but even in my 40's  i was also afraid it was lung cancer.  Go check it out, it could be a number of things, even pneumonia, it is unlikely it is cancer at your age.
lisa