Hemoptysis in Children: ENT-Related Etiologies

Spitting up blood from the lungs or bronchial tubes due to pulmonary or bronchial bleeding is known as hemoptysis. Based on the amount of blood lost, hemoptysis is categorized as either non-massive or massive; however, there is no consensus on what constitutes a “massive” hemoptysis. A daily blood loss of less than 200 mL is not considered substantial in this article. Both the pulmonary and bronchial arteries supply blood to the lungs. Hemostasis from the bronchi, which is under systemic pressure, is often more profuse than that from the lungs, which are under low pressure. When making a diagnosis, the volume of blood loss is less helpful than when it comes to guiding treatment. Hemoptysis is the term used to describe the coughing up of blood from the lungs. Hemoptysis can be mimicked by expectorating blood from the upper respiratory system, nasopharynx, or upper digestive tract. One of the most prevalent causes of hemoptysis in children is cystic fibrosis (CF), and the volume estimates given above are based in part on a consensus guideline produced for individuals with CF. There is no universal threshold for what constitutes life-threatening or massive hemoptysis in adults. We use a threshold of around 200 mL, slightly lower than the threshold proposed by the CF consensus guideline (240 mL). Massive hemoptysis in younger children lacks volume estimates.