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Hemoptysis

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Integrated Palliative Care of Respiratory Disease

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Abstract

Hemoptysis is an alarming symptom which is distressing for patients and their families. Where possible it is best treated by addressing the underlying cause. Radiotherapy is usually effective in controlling hemoptysis from a bronchial carcinoma, for example. Massive hemoptysis is defined as >200 mls in 24 h. When a major vessel is eroded, bleeding may be catastrophic and rapidly fatal, and there is little to be done except to ensure that the patient is given medications such as benzodiazepines and opioids to relieve anxiety and breathlessness. If the patient survives, the initial bleed resuscitation is directed at maintaining the airway and circulatory volume. Most major bleeding arises from the bronchial arteries and bronchial artery embolization is usually effective in stopping bleeding by occluding the vascular supply.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Respiratory Medicine, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK

    Bernard Higgins MB ChB (Hons), M.D.

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  1. Bernard Higgins MB ChB (Hons), M.D.
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Correspondence to Bernard Higgins MB ChB (Hons), M.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, United Kingdom

    Stephen J. Bourke

  2. , Palliative Care Unit, North Tyneside General Hospital, Rake Lane, North Shields, NE29 8NH, United Kingdom

    Edwin Timothy Peel

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© 2013 Springer-Verlag London

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Higgins, B. (2013). Hemoptysis. In: Bourke, S., Peel, E. (eds) Integrated Palliative Care of Respiratory Disease. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2230-2_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2230-2_3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-2229-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-2230-2

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