Hemoptysis

There are 3 main “categories” of hemoptysis…



Mild, “Streaky” Hemoptysis



* Most common diagnosis* Bronchitis* Testing plan* Chest xray* Rules out alternative causes of hemoptysis* Pneumonia* Cancer* Pulmonary Embolism* Vasculitis



Scary but Stable Hemoptysis



* Patient is coughing up frank blood* Testing plan* CTA of the chest* CBC* PTT/PT/INR* Electrolytes* Need renal function if giving IV contrast



Oh-My-God-That’s-A-Lot-Of-Blood!!!



* Intubate the patient* Consult cardiothoracic surgery/interventional radiology



Additional Reading



* Hemoptysis: An EM Primer (emDOCs)