HemoptysisKristen Deep, FNP-S

SUNY IT

What is hemoptysis? Defined as the expectoration of blood. Patients usually report coughing up blood or sputum that

is streaked or tinged with blood. Hemoptysis can be fresh, bright red blood, old blood, or

it may present as a slow oozing or frank bleeding. When there is profuse bleeding, blood clots may be present.

Blood can come from nose, mouth, throat, and airway passages.

Often people get hemoptysis confused with hematemesis, which is the vomiting of blood.

(Dunphy, Winland-Brown, Porter, & Thomas, 2011).

PathophysiologyInflammation of the tracheobronchial mucosa

accounts for about 80% of hemoptysis cases. Minor mucosal erosions can occur from URI’s and

bronchitis.BronchiectasisTBEndobronchial inflammation due to sarcoidosis.

(Dunphy, Winland-Brown, Porter, & Thomas, 2011).

Pathophysiology Bronchogenic carcinoma may injure the mucosa whereas metastatic

lung cancer rarely results in hemoptysis. Lung tumors account for about 20% of the cases of hemoptysis, but hemoptysis is rarely seen in children who have malignancies.

Bleeding disorders and excessive anticoagulant therapy. Chest trauma Cystic Fibrosis Injury to the pulmonary vasculature

Lung abscess Necrotizing pneumonias, such as those caused by Klebsiella Aspergillomas (mycetoma)-fungus ball in lung Pulmonary infarction secondary to embolization (Uphold & Graham, 2003).

PathophysiologyElevations in pulmonary capillary pressure

Pulmonary edema Mitral stenosis Wegener’s granulomatosis Good pasture's syndromeAVM’s Idiopathic (cryptogenic) hemoptysis-normal or

nonlocalizing chest radiograph and non diagnostic fiber optic bronchoscopies; 90% of patients experience resolution of hemoptysis in 6 months

(Uphold & Graham, 2003).

Pathophysiology of hemoptysis in children Diagnosis can be difficult because children tend to swallow sputum. Hemoptysis may

go unnoticed until it is significant. Etiology is as varied as it is in adults. Treatment is generally the same as with an adult Causes include:

Bronchiectasis TB CHD AV malformation Foreign body aspiration CF Nasopharyngeal bleeding Tracheostomy related Neoplasm Factitious hemoptysis DIC

(Gaude, 2010).

Causes of hemoptysisGross hemoptysis

TB (with cavitary disease)

Bronchiectasis

Bronchial adenoma

Bronchogenic Carcinoma

Aspergillomas

Necrotizing pneumonia

Lung abscess

Pulmonary contusion

AVM

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Bleeding disorder or excessive anticoagulant therapy

Mitral stenosis

Immune alveolar disease

Blood-tinged hemoptysis

Any of the causes of gross hemoptysis

URI Chronic bronchitis Sarcoidosis Bronchogenic carcinoma TB Pulmonary infarction Pulmonary edema Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis

(Goroll & Mulley, Jr., 2009)

IncidenceAnyone can develop hemoptysis, yet it is rare in

children.It is hard to distinguish incidence because

hemoptysis is a symptom and not a disease. Careful investigation into each cause of hemoptysis would still not give an accurate incidence because hemoptysis does not occur with every patient who has the specific illness.

Risk FactorsCOPDSmokingEnvironmental exposure-asbestos, arsenic, nickel, and,

chromium Anticoagulant therapy or history of coagulation disease Immunocompromised patients-increase risk for

neoplasms, TB, and Kaposi’s sarcoma.History of breast, colon, or renal cancers

(Bidwell & Pachner, 2005).

Clinical Presentation Chief Complaint: “Coughing up blood.” Cough-blood-tinged sputum or frank blood. Epistaxis and expectoration of blood without a cough usually

results from an upper respiratory source. Bronchiectasis-occasional, foul smelling, blood-tinged sputum. Pt.

usually has a chronic cough, which may worsen when they are lying down. Dyspnea, fever, pleurisy may be present.

Lung tumors-frequently occur in people over 40 and in smokers. Change in cough pattern. Chest ache may accompany hemoptysis.

(Uphold & Graham, 2003).

Clinical Presentation Pneumonia-sputum appears red-brown or red-green and is mixed with pus.

Pt. may have fever, pleuritic chest pain, and malaise (Uphold & Graham, 2003).

URI, Acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, and lung abscess-fever, productive cough (Bidwell & Pachner, 2005).

Pulmonary infarction secondary to pulmonary emboli-sudden onset of pleuritic pain along with hemoptysis. Diaphoresis and syncope are often present. Other signs include tachypnea, tachycardia, rales, fever, shock, fourth heart sound, pleural rub, or cyanosis (Uphold & Graham, 2003).

Pulmonary edema-pink, frothy sputum. Diaphoresis, tachypnea, and tachycardia are present. JVD, hepatomegaly, and ankle edema may be present (Uphold & Graham, 2003).

Foreign body aspiration-common in children < 4 years old. Signs include coughing, localized wheezing, and locally diminished or absent breath sounds on one side (Uphold & Graham, 2003).

Clinical PresentationMitral valve stenosis, CHF, left ventricular

dysfunction-dyspnea on exertion, fatigue, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, frothy pink sputum.

Bronchiectasis or lung abscess-history of chronic lung disease, recurrent lower resp. tract infection, cough with copious amounts of purulent sputum.

Weight loss-emphysema, lung cancer, TB, bronchiectasis, lung abscess, and HIV.

(Bidwell & Pachner, 2005).

Differential Diagnoses Hemoptysis is a symptom, not a diagnosis. All causes of hemoptysis are considered to be differential

diagnoses. Gastrointestinal bleedingGastritis, gastric or peptic ulcer, and esophageal varices can cause nausea, vomiting (of blood), and melena. Risk factors include alcoholism, stress, bacterial and viral infections, chronic use of NSAIDS, and pernicious anemia.

(Whitehurst-Cook, 2013).

Social/Environmental ConsiderationsSmoking increases risk for developing COPD, which

includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also weakens the immune system making patients more susceptible to developing bacterial and viral infections.

Sexual history can help provider determine if HIV testing needs to be done. Menstrual history can also help determine if females need evaluation for GYN malignancies.

Travel history-Exposure to TB or other parasitic infections.

(Bidwell & Pachner, 2005).

Diagnostic Testing A complete history and physical can help to direct care. Initial

evaluations should aim to locate source of bleeding and identify underlying cause.

Chest x-ray- Can help determine if patient has heart failure, collapsed lung, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, pulmonary edema, broken ribs, pneumothorax, congenital heart disease, problems with heart valves, or cancer (Mayo Clinic, 2011).

CT scan-useful in further investigating abnormalities on chest x-ray. Can detect abnormalities not seen on x-ray, as well as presence of tumors, excess fluid around lungs, pulmonary embolism, tuberculosis, COPD, bronchiectasis, pneumonia, congenital abnormalities, and interstitial lung disease (“Computed Tomography-Chest”, 2013).

(Mayo Clinic, 2013).

CT of lung cancer

Diagnostic TestingBronchoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor

to look inside the bronchi and bronchioles of the lungs.

Bronchoscopy can find tumors, signs of infection, excess mucus in airways, site of bleeding, and blockages.

(National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute [NHLBI], 2012).

(Mayo Clinic, 2013)

Laboratory StudiesCBC, PT, INR, PTT, and ESR. Gram’s stain of sputum. Acid-fast stain Sputum cytology PPD HIV testing

(Uphold & Graham, 2003).

ManagementFocuses on bleeding cessation, aspiration

prevention, and treatment of underlying causes.Airway, breathing, and circulation are top

priority when evaluating patients.

ManagementNon-massive hemoptysis-not emergent

Chest x-rayCBC with differentialSputum culture for acid-fast bacilli if TB is

suspected.Sputum C&S for pneumonia and lung abscess. CT and MRI may detect any abnormalities

unrecognized on chest x-ray.

(Bidwell & Pachner, 2005).

ManagementMassive hemoptysis-over 600ml blood/24 hours.

Considered life threatening and is a medical emergency. Requires immediate treatment, surgery, or bronchoscopy. Management should focus on managing cardiorespiratory

parameters, correction of hypoxia, stabilization of blood pressure, and blood transfusions if necessary.

Surgical intervention Bronchial artery embolization Surgery-lobectomy or pneumonectomy

Pharmacological ManagementAntibiotics for underlying bacterial or fungal

infections.Antitubercular drugsChemotherapy or radiation for lung cancer.Steroids for inflammatory conditions.

Complications of hemoptysisAsphyxiaShockAnemiaRenal failureAtelectasisPulmonary infection

Follow-up/Referrals Minimal hemoptysis related to respiratory infection should follow-up

in 2-3 days if sputum is still blood-tinged (Uphold & Graham, 2003). Blood-tinged sputum that is more than minimal will require a follow-

up in 12-48 hours (Uphold & Graham, 2003). Patients who present with non-massive hemoptysis, normal chest x-

ray, and are considered low risk can be treated on an outpatient basis.

Pulmonology-recurrent or unexplained hemoptysis, COPD, cystic fibrosis.

Hematology/Oncology-diagnosed with malignancy or have coagulation disorder.

Cardiology-congestive heart failure, congenital heart defect, or mitral valve stenosis

Education Patients and family should be educated regarding the causes of

hemoptysis (Dunphy et al., 2011). Notation of any change in color, amount, and consistency of blood

expectorated should be reported to healthcare provider. Any increase in amount should be reported immediately (Dunphy et al., 2011).

Smoking cessation If prescribed antibiotics, take all medication as directed by provider. Pneumococcal vaccine Proper hand washing to prevent spread of infection. Referral to the American Lung Association website

Literature reviewAll the literature found regarding hemoptysis

was very similar. Each article reviewed the disease processes that were associated with hemoptysis including evaluation, treating, and managing symptoms and disease.

There was no clear, concise number to differentiate between mild, moderate, and severe hemoptysis. Each author used their own definition, but all state that massive hemoptysis should be treated as a life-threatening condition.

Questions1) Management of hemoptysis focuses on:

a) Bleeding cessationb)Treatment of underlying causec) Aspiration preventiond) All of the above

2) Underlying inflammatory disease of the tracheobronchial mucosa causes_____% of hemoptysis cases?

a) 25%b) 60%c) 80%d) 12%

Questions3) What is the difference between hemoptysis and hematemesis?

a) Hemoptysis is the coughing up of purulent sputum, hematemesis is the coughing up of blood.

b)Hemoptysis is the vomiting of blood, hematemesis occurs after you cut yourself while on anticoagulant therapy.

c)Hemoptysis is the vomiting of blood, hematemesis is the coughing up of blood.

d)Hemoptysis is the coughing up of blood, hematemesis is vomiting of blood.4) Which is not a causative factor of hemoptysis?

a) gastric ulcerb) Pneumoniac) Wegener granulomatosis d) Mycetoma

Questions5) Epistaxis and expectoration of blood without a cough usually results from:

a) Intestinal bleedingb) Lower respiratory sourcec) Upper respiratory sourced) Gastric bleeding

6) Clinically, patients who present with undiagnosed lung abscess typically have which of the following signs and symptoms?

a) Hemoptysis, fever, syncopeb) Hemoptysis, fever, tachycardia, dyspnea on exertionc) Hemoptysis, ankle edema, JVDd) Hemoptysis, recurrent lower respiratory infections, copious amounts of

purulent sputum

Questions7) Which is the number one priority when a patient presents with a chief complaint of “coughing up blood?”

a) Make sure that height and weight are takenb) Airway, breathing, and circulation are uncompromisedc) Did they bring a sputum sample to visit?d) Vital signs

8) Which are the most important social/environmental aspects that you want to address when completing the patient’s history portion of exam?

a) Sexual Historyb) Environmental exposure to asbestosc) Travel Historyd) All of the above

Questions9) A patient presents to the ER with complaints of hemoptysis, sudden onset of pleuritic pain. Upon exam, you notice that patient is tachypneic, tachycardic, diaphoretic, cyanotic, fever, and 4th heart sound. What is your first assumption?

a) Lung abscessb) Pulmonary infarction secondary to pulmonary embolic) Pneumoniad) Chronic bronchitis

10) What are laboratory tests that can be ordered to diagnose cause of hemoptysis?a) Thyroid studies, lipid panel.b) Hepatic panel, BMP, HgA1Cc) CMP, hCG leveld) CBC, ESR, PT, PTT, INR

ReferencesBidwell, J.L. & Pachner, R.W. (2005). Hemoptysis: Diagnosis and management. American Family Physician 72(7), 1253-1260. Retrieved from http://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/1001/p1253.htmlComputed tomography- chest (2013). Retrieved from October 6, 2013, from www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=chestctCorey, R. (2009). Hemoptysis. Clinical methods: The history, physical and laboratory examinations (3rd ed.). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK360/Devine, S.T. & Lippmann, M. (2006). Management of massive hemoptysis. Respiratory Emergencies. Boca Raton, Fl: Taylor and Francis Group.Dunphy, L.M., Winland-Brown, J.E., Porter, B.O., & Thomas, D.J. (2011). Primary care: The art and science of advanced practice nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Gaude, G.S. (2010). Hemoptysis in children. Indian Pediatrics 47(3), 245-254. Goroll, A.H., & Mulley, Jr., A.G. (2009). Primary care medicine: Office evaluation and management of the adult patient. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins.Mayo Clinic (2011). Chest x-rays. Retrieved from www.mayoclinic.com/health/chest-x-rays/MY00297

ReferencesNational Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute (2012). What is bronchoscopy? Retrieved from www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/bron/National Library of Medicine (2011). Goodpasture syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000142.htmUphold, C.R. & Graham, M.V. (2003). Clinical guidelines in family practice (4th ed.). Gainesville, FL: Barmarrae Books, Inc.Wise, C.M. (2013). Wegener granulomatosis. In F.J. Domino (21st ed.). The 5-minute clinical consult 2013. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins. Whitehurst-Cook, M. (2013). Gastritis. In F.J. Domino (21st ed.). The 5-minute clinical consult 2013. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins.