What is Haemoptysis and How Can You Manage It?

If you have been diagnosed with a pulmonary condition, you may have heard the term “haemoptysis”. Haemoptysis is a symptom of many pulmonary conditions, in which blood is coughed up from the lungs or airways. It can be an alarming experience, but it is important to remember that haemoptysis can usually be managed effectively. Let’s take a closer look at what Haemoptysis is and how you can manage it.

What Is Haemoptysis?

Haemoptysis occurs when blood appears in your sputum—the mucus that your body produces when you cough. It happens when there is bleeding in the lungs or large airways leading from the trachea (or windpipe) to the bronchi (the smallest air passages in the lungs). The amount of blood that appears varies greatly between people, ranging from small flecks of bright red blood to a cupful of dark red or even black blood.

How Is Haemoptysis Diagnosed?

If you experience haemoptysis, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor will likely ask about your medical history and symptoms, examine you physically (including listening to your chest with a stethoscope if necessary), and may order tests such as chest x-rays and CT scans. These tests help doctors understand more about the cause of your haemoptysis.

How Is Haemoptysis Treated?

The treatment for haemoptysis depends on its underlying cause; however, some treatments are used more widely than others. Oxygen therapy helps many people who experience haemoptysis by increasing oxygen levels in their bloodstream and reducing inflammation; antibiotics may also be prescribed if there is an infection present; bronchodilators help open breathing passages; steroids may help reduce inflammation; thrombolytics (clot busters) dissolve clots blocking blood vessels; surgical treatments may be necessary for more serious cases; and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking can help reduce or prevent further episodes of haemoptysis.

Conclusion:

Haemoptysis can be an alarming symptom of many pulmonary conditions such as COPD, asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, and more. However, it does not necessarily indicate something serious—sometimes it can just mean that your airways are irritated or inflamed—and it can usually be managed effectively with treatment tailored to its underlying cause. If you are experiencing any symptoms of haemoptysis then contact your doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment advice specific to your needs.