Hemoptysis — Which Doctor Should I See?

Hemoptysis is coughing up blood or blood-tinged sputum from the lungs or lower respiratory tract. It can range from small amounts of blood to larger quantities and requires medical evaluation.

Common causes include bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary embolism. Some cases result from severe coughing that irritates airways.

Seek immediate medical care if you cough up large amounts of blood, have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or if hemoptysis persists for more than a few days. Any hemoptysis warrants evaluation.