hemoptysis /himop″tisis/ [Gk, haima + ptyein, to spit] , coughing up of blood from the respiratory tract. Blood-streaked sputum often is present in minor upper respiratory infections or bronchitis. More profuse bleeding may indicate Aspergillus infection, lung abscess, tuberculosis, or bronchogenic carcinoma, in which the blood loss is caused by erosion of the pulmonary vessels. To prevent worry, the patient should be informed that hemoptysis is normal after some endoscopic procedures. Radiographic examination, endoscopy, and bronchoscopy are often used to diagnose hemoptysis. Also spelled haemoptysis.
