Hemoptysis Management by Baltimore Interventional Pulmonologist
Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, can have many causes. Interventional Pulmonology at Mercy, led by Dr. Sy Sarkar, provides evaluation and management for this type of bleeding.
Hemoptysis is the coughing up of blood which originates in the lungs. It can range from specks of blood to much more severe amounts appearing during a cough. An interventional pulmonologist can often localize the source of this bleeding with a bronchoscopy.
Common causes of hemoptysis include infections such as bronchitis (acute or chronic) or pneumonia. In most cases, however, hemoptysis is not life-threatening and self-limited.
With persistent bleeding other causes can include:
- Bronchitis
- Lung cancer
- Pneumonia
- Damaged airways (bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis)
- Endometriosis
- Congestive heart failure (caused by mitral valve disease)
- Inflammatory or autoimmune conditions (such as lupus or Behcet disease)
- Lung injury or abscess
- Foreign body
- Pulmonary embolism or blood clot
If blood is visible when coughing, it is vital to seek medical attention quickly to identify the cause and location of the bleeding. Early detection is crucial in determining the best treatment plan.
Many acute and chronic conditions can cause blood to appear during a cough. Coughing up blood can be a sign of a severe medical condition if it continues to persist and is paired with additional symptoms. These include:
- Chest pain
- Weight loss
- Soaking sweats at night
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
To diagnosis hemoptysis, tests can include:
Treatment for hemoptysis depends on the cause. Treating the cause is the top priority. If the condition persists or is life-threatening, your doctor may recommend undergoing a bronchoscopy.
Other treatment options may include:
- Embolization
- Thoracic surgery