Hemoptysis

Patients presenting with hemoptysis frequently have a serious underlying disease. Even when the amount of blood is minimal, thorough investigation is indicated. Since many different types of diseases give rise to bleeding from the respiratory tract, a careful and thorough diagnostic evaluation is indicated. Treatment depends upon the cause of the bleeding. Massive hemoptysis is frightening and requires more rapid assessment. When bleeding is considered to be massive, surgical intervention rather than conservative management yields the best chance of survival.