Haemoptysis

Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, is a condition in which blood is released from the lungs or bronchi and coughed up when coughing. No matter how minor bleeding may seem, this symptom should always be taken with the utmost seriousness. Establishing the cause of hemoptysis is an important step in determining further treatment tactics and preventing possible complications.

The causes of hemoptysis can be varied. In some patients, expectoration of blood is not associated with serious illness and may be caused by minor causes, such as mild inflammation in the respiratory tract or mechanical damage to blood vessels. However, there are more serious causes of hemoptysis, including:

  1. Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi, which can lead to vascular damage and coughing up blood.
  2. Tuberculosis: an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is often accompanied by a cough with hemoptysis.
  3. Lung cancer: Cancer of the lungs can cause you to cough up blood, especially in the later stages of the disease.
  4. Pulmonary embolism: A blockage of a pulmonary artery by a blood clot can cause hemoptysis combined with other symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain.
  5. Bronchiectasis: chronic dilation of the bronchi, which can lead to vascular damage and hemoptysis.
  6. Pneumonia: Some types of inflammation in the lungs may be accompanied by hemoptysis, such as pneumonia or granulomatous diseases.

Regardless of the cause, the appearance of hemoptysis requires contacting a doctor for further examination and determination of the source of bleeding. Diagnosis may include a physical examination, blood tests, chest x-ray, CT scan of the lungs, and other additional tests.

Treatment for hemoptysis depends on its cause. In some cases, when hemoptysis is caused by minor causes, only observation and symptomatic treatment may be required. However, if serious diseases such as lung cancer or tuberculosis are detected, immediate treatment prescribed by a doctor is necessary. This may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, antibiotics, or other appropriate treatments depending on the specific diagnosis.

It is important to note that self-medicating or ignoring hemoptysis can lead to serious consequences. Patients who experience coughing up blood should seek medical attention immediately and follow the doctor's instructions.

In conclusion, hemoptysis is a serious symptom that requires immediate attention and evaluation by a doctor. Regardless of the cause, the discovery of hemoptysis should prompt medical attention to promptly identify and treat any potentially serious underlying conditions.



Hemoptysis is a symptom of lung disease, but its consequence can be fatal. Doctors advise immediately calling an ambulance and even relatives. The problem is that light bleeding continues to draw hemoglobin and platelets from the capillaries, leading to a lack of oxygen in the body. Characterized as streaks of scarlet, fresh blood and/or unchanged blood separating