Coughing up blood from the lower respiratory tract, which is known ashemoptysis, can be a distressing symptom.
But its important to understand that there are many reasons for this symptom besides serious illnesses like cancer.
Hemoptysis should be discussed with a healthcare provider if experienced.
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It can be life-threatening if large amounts of blood are being coughed up.
In most cases of hemoptysis, no exact cause is ever found.
These blood vessels can be under different levels of pressure as the blood moves through them.
Some of the blood vessels are quite thin.
An infection or other inflammation may cause the blood vessel to leak.
This leak results in bleeding, which may then be coughed up.
A similar process may occur when a tumor is growing in the lung.
The physical presence of the tumor may cause inflammation that affects the blood vessels in the lung.
Or, the tumor may grow directly into the blood vessel itself, resulting in bleeding.
What Medications Can Cause Hemoptysis?
Hemoptysis can be more likely when people are on anticoagulants.
This bleeding can include hemoptysis.
How to Treat Hemoptysis
If you cough up blood, notify your healthcare provider for next steps.
Hemoptysis should not be treated at home without notifying a healthcare provider.
If coughing up blood is sparked by cancer,treating the cancercan help to stop the bleeding.
This could put someone at risk for more bleeding.
Liquid blood can be suctioned out of the airways, and clots can be carefully removed.
In addition, laser treatment of the bleeding areas can be used to stop the bleeding.
Once the bleeding artery is found, it can be embolized (blocked off) to stop the bleeding.
Surgery may be needed when other interventions have not worked.
The decreased oxygen can put stress on the heart and other organs, which can lead to serious complications.
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Hemoptysis?
If there are large amounts of bleeding present, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
Summary
Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, is a symptom due to several causes.
These include infection, cancer, and pulmonary embolism.
Treating hemoptysis depends upon the source and can include medications or procedures to stop the bleeding.
Most causes of coughing up blood are never found, however, and infection is more likely than cancer.
Report signs of coughing up blood to your healthcare team immediately to find out whats causing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hemoptysis is the coughing up of blood from the lungs.
It can be resulting from an infection in the lungs, cancer, or a blood clot.
Although its not likely the only symptom that may occur, hemoptysis can be a symptom of COVID-19.
The color can vary from red to brown.
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