Respiratory Symptom Evaluation in Adults: Hemoptysis

FP Essent. 2023 May:528:25-33.

Abstract

Hemoptysis is the expectoration of blood from the lower respiratory tract and has an extensive differential diagnosis that can be divided into pseudohemoptysis, infectious, neoplastic, vascular, autoimmune, and drug-related categories. Pseudohemoptysis is the expectoration of blood from a different source and needs to be ruled out. Clinical and hemodynamic stability must be established first. Chest x-ray is the initial imaging examination for all patients with hemoptysis. However, advanced imaging, such as a computed tomography scan, is helpful for further evaluation. Management aims to ensure patient stabilization. Most diagnoses are self-limited, but bronchoscopy and transarterial bronchial artery embolization can be used to manage massive hemoptysis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Hemoptysis*
  • Humans
  • Symptom Assessment
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*