Get to Know the Reason Behind Bleeding Lungs Caused by Hemoptysis Disease

The medical term for coughing up blood is hemoptysis. Though it can have less concerning causes, it can also be a symptom of a serious underlying condition such as infections, cancer, and problems in blood vessels in the lungs. Individuals suffering from hemoptysis can cough out blood-tinged mucus. In severe cases, they can even vomit a significant amount of blood. 

Understanding the reasons behind coughing up blood is the first step towards proper diagnosis and treatment. 

In this blog, we will go through the reasons behind hemoptysis, along with their symptoms and possible treatment. 

What Causes Hemoptysis?

The reasons behind coughing up blood can range from mild to serious. Here are some common causes: 

• Respiratory Infections: The major cause of hemoptysis is inflammation caused by bronchitis, pneumonia, or severe upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) that irritate the air passages, producing a little blood-stained mucus while coughing.
  
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an inherited disease that damages the airways, can lead to hemoptysis (coughing up blood) if it becomes severe and causes blood vessels to burst. 
  
• Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of hemoptysis. It damages the blood vessel walls of bronchial arteries and forms cavities that put pressure on nearby blood vessels and increase the risks of hemoptysis. 
  
• Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Another cause of hemoptysis is pulmonary embolism, which may obstruct blood flow and injure lung tissue. Hemoptysis can occur if the clot is larger.
  
• Pulmonary Conditions: Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations (PAVMs) are abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the lungs. When there is an infection at a specific point in one's respiratory tract such as the lungs with abscesses, destruction of tissues can occur which might predispose someone to hemoptysis.
  
• Cancer: Lung cancer puts pressure on the blood vessels in the lungs, leading to bleeding into the airways and eventually to hemoptysis. 
  
• Cardiovascular Issues: A medical condition, Mitral stenosis, puts high pressure on the pulmonary veins due to the narrowing of the heart valve, which may potentially lead to hemoptysis. 
  

How Is Hemoptysis Different from Other Similar Conditions?

While having similar symptoms, it's important to distinguish hemoptysis from other conditions. Here’s how they differ:

• Hematemesis: One could vomit blood from the gastrointestinal tract (stomach or esophagus). This can be mistaken as major hemoptysis.
  
• Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses may cause blood-tinged mucus that can drain down to the back of the throat. It can be mistaken for hemoptysis. 
  
• Gum diseases: Bleeding gums can be a reason which leads to a small amount of blood being swallowed and then coughed up. 
  

To differentiate Hemoptysis from these minor diseases, depending on the cause of Hemoptysis, the accompanying symptoms differ, such as:

• Fever
  
• Weight loss 
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath 
• Chest pain

How Do Doctors Diagnose Hemoptysis?

In Hemoptysis, seeking medical attention is crucial. Depending on the symptoms, a differential diagnosis for hemoptysis is recommended. Your doctor may ask about your medical history, and order blood tests, especially a complete blood count to rule out other conditions, chest x-rays, CT scans or bronchoscopy. In some cases, a pulmonary angiogram is needed to know the exact location of bleeding blood vessels. 

What Are the Treatments for Hemoptysis?

Hemoptysis treatments strictly depend on the underlying causes. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics and some cough medicines for non-life-threatening hemoptysis, such as bronchitis, the most common cause of hemoptysis. But for life-threatening hemoptysis, you may have to see a pulmonologist and a cardiothoracic surgeon. 

Your treatments may include intubation and oxygenation. When your doctor finds out the source of the bleeding, they may stop it with iced saline, medications, laser therapy, in rare cases, surgery, or chemotherapy for lung cancer. 

Conclusion

While all this information is intended for general knowledge, one should always consult a professional for proper diagnosis and treatment for hemoptysis. Always remember that early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause are essential to overcome the risk of hemoptysis.