Hemoptysis represents mucus discharge with traces of blood, that is, coughing up blood or blood-tinged sputum from the respiratory tract. It is loss of blood that originates from the throat, lungs or any other portion of the respiratory apparatus. Sputum colour ranges from pale red to bright red. The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of blood present in the mucus and from the duration of the event. In any case, it is a sign that should never be underestimated.
What kind of diseases can be associated with hemoptysis?
The following main diseases are associated with asthenia:
- Aspergillosis
- Bronchiectasis
- Bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Laryngeal cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Pulmonary edema
- Pulmonary embolism
- Pulmonary emphysema
- Ebola
- Cystic fibrosis
- Pulmonary infarction
- Congestive heart failure
- Rib fracture
- Legionella
- Pulmonary artery lesion
- Lung damage
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Sore throat
- Cardiac malformation
- MRSA infection
- Pneumonia
- Psittacosis
- Goodpasture syndrome (GPS)
- Kaposi's sarcoma
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Trauma
- Lung cancer
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for hemoptysis?
In the appearance of blood in the sputum, a doctor should be immediately contacted to determine the cause of the symptoms.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of hemoptysis?
If the symptom is following a trauma or bruising chest, it is necessary to seek medical treatment at an emergency room.
It is always advisable to resort to an emergency medical treatment if the problem is associated with: fever, chest pain (angina), dizziness and shortness of breath (dyspnea). It is also recommended to consult a doctor if the blood in the sputum is abundant or is associated with loss of blood in the urine and feces.
