[Hemoptysis--targets in diagnostic and therapy]

Hemoptysis (coughing up blood) is an extremely alarming situation for the patient, caused by various different underlying diseases. First of all, a peripheral venous catheter should be placed and oxygen should be supplied as patients are threatened by impaired gas exchange caused by the bleeding. Bronchoscopy should be performed immediately, although computed tomography of the thorax may give valuable diagnostic information and should be performed if permitted by the clinical situation. Rigid bronchoscopy should be performed as it allows a broader spectrum of therapeutic options.