Haemoptysis (Coughing Up Blood)
Haemoptysis is coughing up blood from the respiratory tract. Causes include infections, bronchiectasis, lung tumours and other lung diseases. Significant bleeding can obstruct breathing and become an emergency.
Symptoms
Blood-streaked sputum or larger amounts of blood during coughing. Breathlessness, dizziness or weakness may occur when bleeding is severe.
How interventional radiology treats it
Bronchial artery embolisation is used in selected cases of significant or recurrent bleeding. A catheter is guided into the arteries supplying the bleeding area, and embolic material is used to block the abnormal blood supply. Doctors first stabilise the patient and investigate the cause. Recurrence is possible, so follow-up is required.
Whether this treatment suits you depends on your scans and overall health. A consultation is the first step.
Your doctors
Talk to an interventional radiologist.
Bring any scans or reports you have. We’ll tell you whether this treatment is an option.