R04: Haemorrhage from respiratory passages

R04.2: Haemoptysis

Haemoptysis is a medical condition where a person coughs up blood or blood-streaked sputum from the respiratory tract. The blood comes from the lungs or bronchial tubes, the primary components of the respiratory system. Haemoptysis is often a symptom of many underlying medical conditions, including bronchitis, lung cancer, tuberculosis, or a lung abscess. The gravity of the condition can range from small quantities of blood, usually mixed with phlegm, to large volumes that may cause a threat to life. Along with coughing up blood, patients might also experience chest pain, difficulty in breathing, and weight loss. Haemoptysis requires immediate medical attention as it may indicate a severe underlying medical issue.