Hemoptysis: A Prospective Analysis of 110 Cases

Abstract

Background: Hemoptysis is one of the commonest manifestations of the various underlying disease. A major problem in managing hemoptysis is the wider spectrum of causative factors. The effective management of hemoptysis depends upon identification of the etiology and localization of the site of bleeding. Objective: The objective of present study was to validate the relative frequency of different causes of hemoptysis and to identify its various risk factors. Methods: This 2-year prospective study was carried out on 110 patients presenting with hemoptysis. Routine blood investigations and chest radiographs were done for all patients. Bronchoscopy and HRCT chest was done for selected patients. Results obtained were evaluated. Results: Male to Female ratio was found to be 2.23:1. A total of 73.63% (n=81) of patients were admitted for the first episode of hemoptysis and 26.36% (n=29) for recurrent hemoptysis. Bronchiectasis was found to be the most common cause of hemoptysis in 34.55% patients, followed by old tubercular lesions in 26.36% of patients. History of blood stained sputum was given by 59 (53.64%) patients, frank hemoptysis was reported by 33 (30%) patients, and 18 (16.36%) patients gave the history of hemoptysis. Conclusion: Even one episode of hemoptysis should not be ignored and investigated properly. Bronchiectasis was the most common cause of hemoptysis in followed by old tubercular lesions.