The following features are indicative of Haemoptysis:
blood-stained mucus
bloody sputum
fever
chest pain
coughing
purulent sputum
mucocutaneous bleeding
jaundice
It is possible that Haemoptysis shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of Haemoptysis
The following are the most common causes of Haemoptysis:
blood clot in the lung
bronchiectasis
bronchitis
cancer
cystic fibrosis
vasculitis
injury to the arteries of the lungs
irritation of the throat
pneumonia
pulmonary edema
tuberculosis
Risk Factors for Haemoptysis
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Haemoptysis:
smoking
hereditary pulmonary arterial hypertension
Prevention of Haemoptysis
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Haemoptysis. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
avoid cigarette smoking
treat underlying conditions
Occurrence of Haemoptysis
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Haemoptysis cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Haemoptysis can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Haemoptysis can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Haemoptysis
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Haemoptysis:
Imaging examination: Chest X-ray, CT scan and 3D reconstruction images or CT virtual bronchoscopy, and bronchial angiography tests to check probable source of bleeding
Blood test: To check the WBCs count of the blood
Sputum culture: To check the cells and bacterial examinations
Bronchial fiber endoscopy: to examine the interior of part of lungs
Doctor for Diagnosis of Haemoptysis
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Haemoptysis:
Pulmonologist
Complications of Haemoptysis if untreated
Yes, Haemoptysis causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Haemoptysis is left untreated:
frequent infections
can be fatal
Procedures for Treatment of Haemoptysis
The following procedures are used to treat Haemoptysis:
Laser photocoagulation: To stop bleeding during bronchoscopy
Surgery: To remove lung lobe or removal of the entire lung
Treating the underlying condition: Treat the underlying condition that is causing hemoptysis
Self-care for Haemoptysis
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Haemoptysis:
Avoid cough suppressants: Helps reducing the risk of choking
Time for Treatment of Haemoptysis
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Haemoptysis to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced