Hemoptysis is a medical term that refers to the coughing up of blood or bloody mucus from the respiratory tract. It is derived from the word "hemo," which means blood, and "ptysis," which means spitting. Hemoptysis typically originates from the lungs, but it can also come from other parts of the respiratory system, such as the bronchi, trachea, or throat.
Hemoptysis can vary in severity, ranging from a small amount of blood streaks in phlegm to large amounts of bright red blood being expectorated. It can be a symptom of various underlying medical conditions, including respiratory infections, lung diseases (such as tuberculosis or pneumonia), chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, or pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs). In some cases, hemoptysis may also result from non-respiratory sources, such as bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract that is coughed up.
The evaluation and diagnosis of hemoptysis usually involve a thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, such as chest X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, bronchoscopy (a procedure that allows visualization of the airways), or blood tests.
Treatment for hemoptysis depends on the underlying cause. In mild cases, no specific treatment may be required, and the bleeding may stop on its own. However, severe or recurrent episodes of hemoptysis may require medical interventions, such as medication to control bleeding, bronchial artery embolization (a procedure to stop bleeding by blocking blood vessels), or surgery to remove the source of bleeding.
