[Acute hemoptysis].

Abstract

Hemoptysis is a frightening symptom for patients and is often a manifestation of a severe underlying disease. The main threat in the acute phase remains asphyxiation resulting from flooding of the airways with blood. In massive hemoptysis, correctly inserted double-lumen endotracheal tubes maintain airway patency. Finding the etiology and site of the hemoptysis is imperative. After excluding extrapulmonary sites of bleeding, computed tomography and bronchoscopy are complementary and may indicate pathologies not detectable by chest radiograph. An interdisciplinary approach including pneumologist, thoracic surgeon and radiologist in the management of hemoptysis is essential.