Haemoptysis

Haemoptysis is the medical term for coughing up blood or bloody sputum from the lungs or airways. It is a symptom that can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from mild to life-threatening.

Causes of Haemoptysis

• Infections: Pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis, and fungal infections such as aspergillosis can cause haemoptysis.
• Lung Cancer: Tumors in the lungs or airways can bleed and cause haemoptysis.
• Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause haemoptysis, especially if it is large or has broken loose from a vein and traveled to the lungs.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Long-term inflammation of the airways can lead to bleeding and haemoptysis.
• Cystic Fibrosis: This genetic disorder can cause thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, leading to bleeding and haemoptysis.
• Pneumonia: Bacterial, viral, or fungal pneumonia can cause haemoptysis, especially if it is severe or has spread to multiple parts of the lung.
• Trauma: Injury to the chest or lungs, such as from a car accident or fall, can cause haemoptysis.
• Bronchiectasis: A condition in which the airways are damaged and widened, leading to chronic infections and bleeding.
• Goodpasture's Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and bleeding in the lungs and kidneys.

Symptoms of Haemoptysis

• Coughing up blood or bloody sputum
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fever
• Chills
• Wheezing or coughing
• Blue-tinged lips or fingers (in severe cases)

Diagnosis of Haemoptysis

Diagnosing the cause of haemoptysis typically involves a combination of the following tests:

• Chest X-ray: To look for signs of infection, tumors, or other abnormalities in the lungs.
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: To provide more detailed images of the lungs and airways.
• Bronchoscopy: A procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth or nose to visualize the airways and collect tissue samples.
• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): To assess lung function and detect any abnormalities.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for signs of infection, anemia, or other blood disorders.
• Blood cultures: To check for bacterial infections in the bloodstream.

Treatment of Haemoptysis

Treatment for haemoptysis depends on the underlying cause and may involve:

• Antibiotics: To treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
• Oxygen therapy: To help increase oxygen levels in the blood.
• Bronchodilators: To help open up the airways and improve breathing.
• Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation and swelling in the lungs and airways.
• Surgery: To remove tumors, repair damaged blood vessels, or treat other underlying conditions.
• Endoscopic procedures: To stop bleeding or remove blockages in the airways.

Complications of Haemoptysis

If left untreated or poorly managed, haemoptysis can lead to serious complications, including:

• Respiratory failure: Inability to breathe properly, requiring mechanical ventilation.
• Cardiac arrest: Sudden loss of heart function due to severe blood loss or other underlying conditions.
• Anemia: Low red blood cell count due to chronic bleeding.
• Infection: Spread of infection to other parts of the body, such as the brain or kidneys.

Prevention of Haemoptysis

To reduce the risk of haemoptysis, it is essential to:

• Quit smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for many lung conditions that can cause haemoptysis.
• Avoid exposure to pollutants: Reduce exposure to air pollution, chemicals, and other substances that can damage the lungs.
• Get vaccinated: Stay up-to-date on vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine, to prevent infections that can cause haemoptysis.
• Manage underlying conditions: Control chronic conditions, such as asthma or COPD, to reduce the risk of complications.