Hemoptysis is ... Causes, symptoms, first aid, diagnosis, treatment and recovery period

Coughing up hemoptysis (i.e. hemoptisis) is a very unpleasant symptom. True, at first it is not clear what disease. But do not immediately panic in this situation. First, you need to observe the frequency of such a symptom, the color and amount of blood released, as well as the composition of sputum.

Secondly, turn to a medical institution for help in determining the source of this phenomenon, since hemoptysis is a rather alarming signal about a violation in the functioning of your body. Therefore, pull with a doctor’s appointment is not worth it.

On a note! Most often, hemoptisis is observed in people already matured (approximately 50-60 years old).

Color and composition of the discharge of the bronchopulmonary system

The color released when coughing blood may be:

• Pink.
• Bright scarlet.
• Very dark (i.e. brown).

On a note! Hemoptysis is the secretion of mucous or purulent-mucous sputum during a cough. Do not confuse this phenomenon with the presence of blood in the saliva due to bleeding from the nasal cavity or gums.

In sputum can be observed:

• The presence of bloody veins.

• Heavy bleeding. It is usually foamy.
• The presence of blood clots.

Important! Regardless of whether you simply have hemoptysis or bleeding, you need to undergo a full examination of your health condition.

In terms of the volume of secretions, there can be quite a bit (up to 100 ml per day), and maybe a lot (over 500 ml): it all depends on the existing pathology. In the case of heavy bleeding, you can’t hesitate, urgent hospitalization with subsequent bronchoscopy and, possibly, surgical intervention is necessary.

The causes of the disease

Possible causes of hemoptysis:

• Respiratory diseases (e.g., inflammation or emphysema, as well as pneumonia). In the culmination period of these diseases, there is a high temperature and the release of either pure blood or small blood clots.

On a note! In the case of pneumonia, the blood in the released sputum has a shade of rust. In addition, with this ailment shortness of breath, fever and pain in the chest area are observed.

• Bleeding from sinuses located in the nasal cavity.
• Bronchitis, which turned into chronic.
• Pulmonary angiitis.
• Bleeding from the stomach or esophagus.
• Tuberculosis.
• Adenoma of the bronchus. Constant hemoptysis, which is observed in a patient (usually young - up to 30 years old), without obvious signs of another disease, indicates precisely this ailment.
• Lung artery thromboembolism.
• All kinds of parasitic infections.
• Any foreign body that has somehow got into the respiratory organs. It is this circumstance that can cause hemoptysis.
• Idiopathic progressive lung induction. In the process of the disease, repeated hemorrhages occur in the lung tissue with the subsequent development of fibrosis.
• Bronchiectatic disease, which may be acquired or congenital. A distinctive feature is the presence of suppurative process, which over time can become chronic. Therefore, with this ailment, regular separation of purulent sputum is observed.

• Pulmonary embolism. As a result of the development of this disease, clogging of the branches of the lung occurs.
• Mitral valve stenosis (i.e. narrowing) is an acquired heart disease and is quite common. With this disease, in the sputum released, after which it becomes much easier for the patient, only blood streaks are observed.
• An abscess of the lung, that is, a purulent-destructive process in the organ. Very often accompanied by profuse blood loss.
• Hemorrhagic hemostasiopathy.
• Cancer tumor.
• Rupture of an aortic aneurysm followed by its contents entering the bronchi. It happens extremely rarely.

Important! The disease is rapidly developing and in a matter of minutes can lead the patient to death.

• Dystrophy (amyloid).
• Injury of a mechanical nature due to improperly inserted catheter into the artery by a medical professional.
• Pressure sores. Oddly enough, but nonetheless it is. That is, with a long stay in the same position in patients, sputum with blood can leave due to the death of some part of the lung tissue.

On a note! To avoid such phenomena, it is often necessary to turn the patient from side to side, and also use a special mattress designed to prevent bedsores from forming.

• Heart and vascular disease (e.g., left ventricular failure, myocardial infarction, hypertension, or cardiosclerosis). With all these pathologies, a rather severe attack of cardiac asthma is first observed, and then frothy discharge in the sputum. Moreover, at first the blood has a scarlet color, then darker.
• Sternum injuries. Moreover, sometimes the pathology can be observed without visually broken ribs or other injuries.

Important! If the cough does not go away for a long time and sputum is bleeding constantly with blood, do not pull with a trip to a medical specialist. Remember: any disease at an early stage is easier to treat.

We will dwell in more detail on only a few points.

Pulmonary hemoptysis

Pulmonary hemorrhage (hemoptysis, by the way, can occur with or without coughing) is characterized by a large amount in volume and scarlet color of blood, which foams and practically does not clot. In this case, do not hesitate. An ambulance should be called immediately, as hospitalization should be carried out on an emergency basis.

Causes of hemoptysis and pulmonary hemorrhage:

• Tuberculosis.
• Lungs' cancer.

Blood discharge for tuberculosis

Characteristic signs of a disease such as tuberculosis are:

• Dry cough, the intensity of which decreases or increases.
• Pain in the sternum, associated directly with pleural inflammation.
• Regular fever.
• Hemoptysis with tuberculosis is a fairly common occurrence.

On a note! If haemoptysis is observed in heavy smokers for a long time, then this is a sure sign that a tumor could appear in the lungs. See your doctor for advice.

Hemoptysis with tuberculosis is characterized in that as the disease develops, the amount of blood in the sputum released is constantly increasing.

Cancer tumor

Hemoptysis, along with other symptoms (for example, migraine, pain and fatigue), is a characteristic feature of such a serious ailment as cancer. At first, this manifestation of the disease scares, and subsequently very exhausts the suffering person, whose condition over time, everything worsens and worsens.

Hemoptysis with lung cancer is due to the fact that there is a destruction of the mucous membrane of the bronchus and rupture of blood vessels under the influence of neoplasms. The type and volume of hemoptysis depends on the location of the tumor. That is, from how close it is to the bronchi. At first, hemoptysis in cancer looks like purulent-mucous sputum with small veins. Further, the process aggravates, and the secretions already contain blood clots. In this case, emergency measures must already be taken.

What precedes hemoptysis

Harbinger of hemoptysis may be such phenomena as:

• Coughing or tingling sensation in the throat (i.e. tickling).
• Feeling of discomfort in the abdominal cavity and a sickening state. Moreover, the presence of a small amount of blood is already observed in the vomit, reminiscent of a bright red aniline dye.

Important! At the first appearance of blood in the process of coughing, you should immediately contact a medical institution for qualified help. Only a doctor can prescribe the necessary examination and make an accurate diagnosis. You should also go for a consultation with a specialist if, during hemoptysis, the temperature rises to significant levels. And also there is weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness and even loss of consciousness. Treat your health more carefully. Take care of yourself.

Diagnosis of hemoptysis

As mentioned earlier, not all hemoptysis symptoms indicate serious illnesses. But in order to be convinced of this, it is necessary to carry out a whole complex of diagnostic measures aimed at identifying the source of sputum released with blood. That is, it is very important to have reliable information about where it comes from: from the digestive tract, respiratory tract, and maybe from the nasal cavity or mouth. The diagnostic algorithm is as follows:

• First, the doctor visually examines the patient, including listening to the lungs using a phonendoscope, which can be used to establish local rales or noise, indicating any pathological changes associated with a serious damage to the lung membrane.
• Next, clinical studies (that is, general tests) of sputum are performed (in order to detect pathogenic microflora and determine its sensitivity to antibiotic drugs) and blood.
• For a more accurate diagnosis, an x-ray examination of the patient's chest can be prescribed. Using this image, the doctor gets a clear idea of ​​the possible damage to the lungs and bronchi, as well as the severity of the disease.

On a note! Even if you have on hand the results of an x-ray, indicating that everything is normal, there is still the likelihood of the presence of diseases such as cancer or bronchiectasis.

• Based on the signs of hemoptysis, in some cases a study such as tracheobronchoscopy is prescribed. Such measures using a bronchoscope will not be superfluous with copious sputum production with blood.
• Sometimes it is necessary to conduct computed tomography (i.e. CT) of the sternum.
• At the discretion of the attending physician, other diagnostic methods may be prescribed.

Important! If the patient has repeated hemoptysis, he is again prescribed a full examination, not taking into account previous diagnostic measures. That is, each subsequent case is considered as the first. And it is right.

Help with pulmonary hemoptysis

What is the first aid for hemoptysis:

• Do not lay the patient horizontally. We give the person such a position so that the head is taller, that is, the best option is half-sitting.
• If hemoptysis occurs for the first time, then the patient is afraid. A panic might come over him. We reassure him, explaining that everything will work out, and there is nothing wrong with what is happening.
• We forbid the patient to make any movements. You can’t talk either.
• We put an ice bladder on the sternum area and suggest that the sick person swallow a piece of ice (small in size). A spasm of a reflex nature may minimize the risk of serious complications.

Important! In no case do not put mustard plasters, jars, hot compresses and anything like that on the chest area.

• Before starting all measures to assist the patient, we call an emergency car. We inform the dispatcher what specifically bothers the person and how this is manifested. In emergency cases, a special resuscitation team can be sent to provide emergency care for hemoptysis.

Hemoptysis treatment in a hospital

Therapy of an illness in stationary conditions is reduced primarily to the localization of the source of hemoptisis in the respiratory tract, that is, to get rid of the disease that provoked the release of sputum with blood (for example, cancer, pneumonia or tuberculosis). In addition, of course, the patient is prescribed hemostatic and antitussive medications. Moreover, in the treatment of hemoptysis, bed rest is required.

On a note! First of all, in all patients complaining of hemoptysis, they carefully examine the cavity of the pharynx, mouth and nose in order to identify sources of bleeding. Sometimes the cause of hemoptisis can even be gum damage under the dentures.

In the event that the bleeding is severe, it is unlikely to avoid a blood transfusion. And if blood loss is about 800 ml, then surgical intervention cannot be ruled out. Using a bronchoscope, they find the source of bleeding, and then perform actions to isolate a healthy lung, providing ventilation.

Important! Removal of the affected part of the lung is not carried out in the presence of inoperable cancer or severe pathology of the function of external respiration.

A patient with hemoptisis should be constantly supervised by doctors, as his health condition may deteriorate at any minute (in this case, he will be transferred to the intensive care unit). Doctors should monitor the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate.

Recommendations for patients undergoing hemoptisis treatment

What they can’t do:

• Make quick and sharp movements with the body and head.
• Eat fatty foods.
• Significantly strain the vocal cords, that is, raise the voice and scream.
• To drink "strong" drinks.
• To smoke.

• Allow constipation. To do this, it is recommended to take special drugs that promote bowel movements, as well as put enemas.
• To stay for a long time in stuffy and unventilated rooms.
• Load yourself with physical exercises or refuse them altogether if the doctor insists on it.

Remember! Hemoptysis is very serious, and you should not be negligent. Therefore, all the recommendations of your doctor must be strictly observed.

Therapy with traditional medicine

It is necessary to use such methods with great caution and only after a thorough diagnosis in a medical institution and consultation with your doctor. Otherwise, quite unpleasant consequences are possible that you are unlikely to like.

What can be recommended for the treatment of hemoptisis:

• Rub the seeds (not dried) of the milk thistle plant and mix them with hot water in a 1: 1 ratio. We insist for 30 minutes, filter and drink 50 ml three times a day.
• We mix (in equal proportions) the leaves of nettle, the common perch, chicory and mountaineer. Pour 2 tablespoons of the obtained herbal harvest with boiling water (350 ml) and insist under the lid for an hour. Then we filter and take 100 ml inside three times a day. The course of treatment is 1-2 weeks.
• Mix (in equal proportions) raisins and prunes. Pour a glass of the resulting fruit mixture with water (one liter), add a little sugar and cook the compote. We drink 2 glasses every day.
• Squeeze the juice from the rabbit cabbage and sorrel. Each is placed in a separate container. During the day, it is recommended to take twice a tablespoon of each of the juices.
• We drink a decoction made from quince seeds.
• We mix the leaves of mint, nettle, yarrow and hemophobia in equal proportions. Pour 1 tablespoon of herbal collection with boiling water (200 ml), infuse, filter and take 150 ml inside.
• We drink juice squeezed from radish.
• We prepare the nettle infusion in the classical way and take it in the usual dosage.
• We mix (20 g each) the leaves of the highlander, rotundifolia, wild strawberry, white mistletoe, wormwood, shepherd’s bag, wheat grass creeping; as well as rhizomes of the mountaineer snake and cinquefoil. Then we fill 4 tablespoons of the herbal collection with very hot water (0.5 liters), insist in a thermos, filter and drink all the contents in 3-4 approaches.
• In the usual way, we prepare an infusion from the grass of a shepherd’s bag and boiling water in a proportion of 1:10. Take three times a day for 1 tablespoon. The infusion is recommended for pulmonary hemorrhage.

Important! We remind you once again: hemoptysis is an extremely serious disease. Therefore, self-medication is unacceptable.

Prevention

Preventive measures are very important in the fight against such an ailment as hemoptysis. What should be done first?

• You should try to lead a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid the occurrence of diseases of the respiratory organs and the cardiovascular system.
• Refuse such a bad habit as smoking.
• Correct your diet. That is, fatty and spicy dishes should not be included in the diet. Better to cook food for a couple, in extreme cases, just boil. Servings should be small.

On a note! Only the diet of a person suffering from tuberculosis should have a high calorie content. This is necessary to recover from a serious illness.

• Try to avoid overwork, stressful situations and nervous overload.
• Often drink cool water in small sips.

• Do not give the body great physical exertion, including exercise in the gym. In no case do not lift weights.
• The room in which you have to be a sick person, you must often ventilate. The room must be kept at a low temperature. Heat is unacceptable.
• Take more walks in the great outdoors.
• In case of heat, pour cool water over the neck and head.

In custody

Remember: hemoptisis can be a symptom of a very serious pathology. It cannot be ruled out for a patient and death. Therefore, do not self-medicate, do not waste precious time in this situation. Contact a medical specialist. Only after carefully conducted studies can a diagnosis be made and the necessary treatment prescribed. Only in this way and nothing else. Further, after the crisis has passed, you can use traditional medicine in consultation with your doctor.