What is Hemoptysis?

According to the Journal of the American Academy of Family Physician, in an article on hemoptysis written by Jacob L. Bidwell, M.D. and Robert W. Pachner, M.D. "Hemoptysis is the spitting of blood that originated in the lungs or bronchial tubes."The key words in the definition are, "blood that originated in the lungs or bronchial tubes."

The three most important steps in treating hemoptysis are:

Step 1

Stop the bleeding

It is extremely important to assess and evaluate the source of the bleeding and to determine if it is a true hemoptysis or is it coming from another site such as the nasopharynx, sinus or the gastro intestinal tract, so that, the source can be targeted and the bleeding stopped. Bleeding originating from the gastrointestinal tract is called hematemisis.

Step 2

Prevent Aspiration

Prevent the patient from aspirating the blood. This is to avoid asphyxiation and airway obstruction.

Step 3

Treat the source or cause of the bleeding.

Assess the degree of bleeding.

Massive bleeding is life threatening and is a medical emergency.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HEMOPTYSIS?

Common causes of hemoptysis in children are:

Lower respiratory tract infection.

Foreign body aspiration.

Common causes of hemoptysis in adults are:

Acute or chronic bronchitis

Pneumonia

Lung abscess

Cancer of the lung

Tuberculosis

HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE HEMOPTYSIS VS HEMATEMISIS

Characteristics of hemoptysis are:

The sputum appears frothy because it has air in it.

The sputum appears bright red or pink.

There is no nausea or vomiting.

Asphyxia is a possibility.

Characteristics of hematemisis.

The sputum is not frothy.

The sputum appears brown or black in color.

Nausea and vomiting is common with hematemisis.

Asphyxia is a rare occurrence in hematemisis.

TREATMENT

Treatment is based on the source and the degree of bleeding.

A non-massive bleeding situation can be treated in a clinic or doctor's office,.

A massive bleeding situation is a medical emergency and would need intensive care admission, including intubation and administration of intravenous fluids.