Doctors Near You for Hemoptysis in Wilmette

Hemoptysis is the medical term for coughing up blood from the lower respiratory tract, specifically the lungs or bronchi. It can range from small streaks of blood in sputum to large volumes of blood, which can be life-threatening. The causes of hemoptysis are varied and can include infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, or tuberculosis; chronic conditions such as bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); pulmonary embolism; trauma to the chest; and lung cancer. In some cases, hemoptysis may result from cardiovascular conditions like mitral stenosis or heart failure, where increased pressure in the lung blood vessels leads to bleeding. Rarely, it can be due to systemic diseases like autoimmune disorders or coagulation abnormalities. The treatment of hemoptysis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the bleeding. For mild cases, where the cause is a minor respiratory infection, supportive care, including rest, hydration, and possibly antibiotics, may be sufficient. If the bleeding is moderate to severe, more urgent interventions are needed. Bronchoscopy, a procedure that allows doctors to visualize the airways and control bleeding, may be performed. In cases where bleeding is from a specific site, therapeutic bronchoscopy can also be used to apply treatments such as cauterization, laser therapy, or placement of endobronchial blockers. For patients with significant or recurrent hemoptysis, embolization, a minimally invasive procedure to block the bleeding vessels, might be necessary. In rare, severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the bleeding part of the lung. It is critical to address the root cause of hemoptysis to prevent recurrence and manage the condition effectively. Individuals experiencing hemoptysis should seek prompt medical attention, especially if it is sudden, severe, or recurrent.